My first proper designer purchase was a Mulberry Bayswater. I remember going to the concession at Selfridges in Birmingham and browsing all the kookier designs, from the navy camo Cara rucksack to a neon pink Lily shoulder bag. But without the finances to get a dozen colours and styles to rotate between, I knew the Natural Oak Bayswater was the one for me: timeless, classic and crafted from the supplest leather you can imagine.
I’m not alone in being a Bayswater fan. It’s inarguably Mulberry’s most iconic style, with its understated, slouchy body that has a remarkably Mary Poppins-esque ability to fit everything in; adjustable side belts; and of course, the signature Postman’s Lock adorning the front flap. And a quick Google will show you almost every celeb has one, from Kate Moss and Alexa Chung to Meghan Markle and Blake Lively.
Of course, top-end leather craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. I got my Bayswater eight years ago for £850 – but in 2025, a regular edition Mulberry Bayswater is priced at £1,195. If you want an investment, you’d struggle to find a harder working accessory. But understandably, there are many people who either can’t or won’t splurge more than a grand on a handbag.
The good news? While sneaking a look in the YOU fashion team’s cupboard, I saw a fab alternative from Next for just a fraction of the price. The high-street brand’s £40 Tan Brown Hand Held Tote has the same preppy vibe as the Bayswater, with a similar boxy shape, side fastenings and carry handles.
For a £40 buy, the Next bag has stellar attention to detail. There’s a front flap clasp that, while not exactly the same as Mulberry’s Postman’s Lock, has the same twist to close finish and provides a gold focal point. Then there’s the metal studs on the bag’s bottom to prevent scuffing, and (my personal favourite element), a bag tag with gold detailing that is very Bayswater.
Sure, it’s not the same luxury leather that all Mulberry goods are crafted from. But for £40, it’s undeniably a fab swap for anyone who loves the Bayswater’s vibe, but is unable to spend such an eye-watering sum on an accessory. As for me, I’ll certainly be adding one to my collection. It’s about time my battered Bayswater got a break.
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