As a seasoned fashion editor, whenever I declare with delight that I love my job, it's usually when I've been able to get my hands on the latest luxury bag. And as soon as I laid eyes on Mulberry's newest launch, the Stevie, my It-bag senses started tingling.
This doesn't happen often these days, because it only takes one celeb sighting for a bag to blow up seemingly overnight and fade away just as quickly. So, for a style to gain lasting It-bag status in 2026, it really has to be something special. Sure, excellent craftsmanship is a given, and the bag still has to feel simultaneously of-the-moment and timeless, but extra questions need to be asked to determine how sound an investment it would be. Namely, how much does it hold? Will it adapt to your life? Is it dress-code proof?
I've learned that adulting often requires a chic all-rounder bag, which makes Mulberry’s new Stevie a very strong contender. The quintessentially British accessories brand had such a prolific It Bag run in the 2000s and early 2010s—every girl-about-town and fashion person had at least one Mulberry on rotation. They were so coveted in their heyday that some fashion insiders are reliving the era by toting those same pre-loved styles all over again, or better yet, pulling out their original purchases.
But now it's the elegant Stevie's turn to steal the spotlight. Composed of 28 distinct pattern pieces, every element is a masterclass in contrasts, from the defining top handle and detachable crossbody strap—which maximize the ways you can carry it—to the spacious body that is as beautifully soft as it is structured. It’s thoughtfully created to be both classic and modern—your go-to every day and night, polished but still relaxed.
As the handbag pendulum swings between slouchy, oversize shapes and neater, primmer silhouettes, the Stevie sits somewhere in the minimalist middle. The front flap features Mulberry’s iconic Postman’s Lock without making the bag feel like a satchel; it’s a confident design that’s perfect for someone equally self-assured and practical-minded. Available in two sizes, the bag fits more than you'd expect without looking bulky. The regular size is big enough for your laptop or an outfit change—a no-brainer on work and travel days—while the compact "small" iteration is the epitome of a desk-to-dinner bag and aligns with the wider trend for shrunken versions of popular styles.
The array of color and leather choices is where you can really assert your personality and make the Stevie your own. Leather or suede? Or would you prefer embossed snake? Each size, color, and fabric combination creates a different mood, complete with gleaming metallic hardware, to transform anything you pair it with. It’s pretty hard to decide between Black, Ebony, Amethyst, and Foggy Grey, because each colorway has its merits in both sizes and can elevate a cozy coat or an evening dress in an instant.
The Mulberry Stevie is so new that no one has really been seen carrying it yet, so it’s not associated with a singular look or vibe, making this the perfect time to invest ahead of fall. Inevitably, it won't be long before the first "It Brit" will be pictured carrying it, but for now, we're free to experiment with the bag’s endless styling possibilities and consider how it'll actually function in real life. Is it really as versatile as it looks? It’s literally my job to find out, so I took four different iterations of the Stevie out for a spin. Read on for my verdict with detailed styling notes.
Small Stevie Top Handle in Ebony Supple Smooth Leather
Style Notes: Call off your search for the ultimate day-to-night bag, because the Small Stevie Top Handle is here. Not too big, not too small, but just right for busy days and evenings out when there’s absolutely no need to lug around more than you need; just the essentials you can’t leave home without, including a paperback book in my case, arranged in order of accessibility between the external and interior compartments—I earmarked the front pocket for my credit card, lip balm, and hand sanitizer.
This deep chocolate tone is divine. Even a black bag loyalist like myself can appreciate the warmth and richness of the hue. Even though it seems fall-coded, it’s ready to transcend seasons and impress year-round. Here, I’ve teamed it with an indigo denim dress and cream heeled loafers because I noticed that the colors and textures complement each other so well. Beyond neutrals and earthy, muted tones, burgundy also works with this colorway, and I think it would really set off a sky-blue dress or a gold-toned yellow top. I'd also use it to anchor leopard print.
As the styling here is pared-back and unintentionally preppy, it felt most natural to carry the Stevie by its top handle, even though I slung it over my shoulder when I needed my hands free. This is a look I could wear for a day that might start in the office, with the Stevie taking pride of place on my desk, then pivot to external meetings and appointments, ending with an impromptu dinner or drinks. I'd also carry it with the straps tucked in to create the illusion of a clutch, further elevating this smart-casual outfit.
Top tip: You can also fit an iPhone 17 Pro Max, purse, earphones, sunglasses, keys and a small snack inside.
Stevie Top Handle in Foggy Grey Suede
Style Notes: I never thought a suede bag was a risk worth taking living in a rainy city like London, but this Stevie Top Handle has completely won me over. The soft structure stops it from becoming too slouchy when it isn't full, so it feels more grown-up and less boho, which is perfect for me. I also like how the luxe texture (the strokable surface is very hard to resist) immediately softens anything you wear it with.
This regular size is dangerous for certified bag lovers like me, who can now decant the contents of the three bags I might carry separately into one: an umbrella, a spare clothing layer and a foldable tote bag for starters, along with my tech, makeup bag, a bottle of water and maybe even some spare shoes. But it’s not a bottomless pit; on the contrary, there are ample compartments to keep things organized. Styled here with an oversize trench coat, a checked orange co-ord, and ballet flats that match the hardware, the bag really pops, doesn’t it?
The Foggy Grey colorway clashes pleasingly with everything I own, as you can see, so while it’s technically a neutral shade, it definitely makes a bold statement. Again, I’ve dressed up a little here with an outfit I’d probably wear to dinner with friends (after switching the flats to heels), but I imagine this bag would look just as good with jeans or even elevated track pants. What pleasantly surprised me the most was that the slim crossbody strap slipped easily over the volume my coat added to my shoulder. This isn't always the case with bags, and it means I can carry the Stevie and layer to my heart’s content: wool, leather, denim, faux fur, or whatever else I want to throw on. None of my heaviest winter coats and puffy jackets are ruled out, either.
Top tip: Spray it with a good suede protector and invest in a brush to sweep away any dirt.
Stevie Top Handle in Black Supple Smooth Leather
Style Notes: Roomy and sensible with smooth lines and soft curves, the Stevie Top Handle ticks all the work-bag boxes and is more than chic enough to wear elsewhere. In pitch-black leather accented with darker hardware, it’s classic and adds taste and intention to an outfit without ever looking like an afterthought. That’s why I, and other fashion insiders, believe you need to have at least one good black bag in your collection. For me, this is it.
Nothing beats black-on-black (flash of red optional) when you want to look put-together. I’ve gone down a sportier, technical route with this day-to-day look to demonstrate that the Stevie truly goes with everything, even casual trainers and a waterproof raincoat. It can adapt to any fashion mood, and I rate its craftsmanship even higher because the bag keeps its shape when full and never looks bloated—a pet peeve of mine with other bags I've owned. The cost-per-wear (or rather, the cost-per-joy) ratio is off the charts.
The other thing about this sleek Stevie is that I don’t feel the need to be too precious about it. I’d want to show it off and use it as much as possible, so I'd be comfortable carrying it under an umbrella in the rain or using it as my carry-on for a flight. I’m also excited to customize it with a dangling bag charm, wrap a scarf around the handle, or temporarily add a claw clip.
Top tip: This bag will excel in every situation and occasion, come rain or shine.
Small Stevie Top Handle in Foggy Grey Waxed Snake Print
Style Notes: Swapping smooth leather for embossed snake takes the Small Stevie Top Handle to another level. This new pattern instantly transforms the minimalist silhouette into something fun and maximalist yet effortless—it's still an everyday bag if you want it to be. The personality and spark it adds to an outfit is undeniable and shouldn’t be limited to special occasions. It plays really well with simple shapes and capsule wardrobe staples because the texture does most of the heavy lifting, so the rest of the outfit doesn’t need to compete.
That being said, I wanted to think outside the box when styling it. I opted for a pink cashmere cardigan, black leather skirt, and black Mary Jane shoes to let the gray-toned snakeskin shine in all its glory. Eye-catching and subversive, I also wanted this weekend outfit to lean into the bag's retro spirit; as modern as the Stevie is in design and functionality, it has echoes of the demure, prim bags that stylish women carried in the 1950s.
The bag was small enough to keep glued into the crook of my arm if I didn’t want to hold it by the top handle, and of all the Stevie iterations I tried, this is the one that was the most obviously "evening," with the most potential to be characterized as, dare I say, sexy—especially when used with the straps tucked in to accessorise an LBD.
Top tip: If carrying snakeskin feels too daring or flashy, style it as if it's neutral.
This article was originally published on Who What Wear UK.
