Founded as a family business in Somerset in the South West of England in 1971, Mulberry has developed a global reputation not only as a creator of high-quality leather bags and accessories, but also as a quintessentially British brand – one that combines the bucolic charm of the English countryside with the buzz of the big city. It’s a proud and longstanding supporter of British manufacturing, too, still producing more than 50% of its leather bags in its home county of Somerset, just a stone’s throw from the kitchen table where the very first ones were made.

In a geographical sense, then, you could say that Mulberry hasn’t travelled very far in its 50 years, its roots still firmly planted in the Somerset soil from which it first emerged. That's not a bad thing. A strong sense of place, along with a rich heritage and a continuity that defies fashion trends, are all part of its enduring charm. The reality, of course, is that Mulberry has grown tremendously since 1971. It's now the biggest maker of luxury leather goods in the UK with stores all over the world – something it's achieved not only by staying true to its roots but also by keeping one eye on the road ahead, whether that means championing new sustainable materials such as Eco Scotchgrain, a durable bio-plastic material made from inedible cereal waste, or constantly reinterpreting its classic designs for a modern crowd. That, above all else, is what keeps it on our essentials list. Scroll on to see what we mean

It says something about our appreciation for Mulberry’s Clipper holdall that it has occupied a coveted spot on The Essentials list since its inception. Spacious, practical and stylish in an under-the-radar kind of way, it might just be the archetypal weekend bag. This version, in a light grey Eco Scotchgrain (a lightweight, bio-synthetic material made from inedible cereal waste, which resembles the brand’s signature pebble-grain leather), and finished with tonal leather trim, is even better.

Part of Mulberry’s Heritage line, this refined tote bag in Eco Scotchgrain is typical of the collection: defined by bags and accessories that take inspiration from the brand’s original association with British outdoor pursuits. But while the classic silhouette and the Mulberry logo-stamped luggage tag speak of a design philosophy that has remained constant over the years, the sleek black colourway and the finer details of this tote bag – which include an interior laptop sleeve – lend it a contemporary look.

Essential for frequent flyers, a good wash bag or dopp kit isn’t just a stylish addition to your suitcase; it’s also a safety measure for protecting your clothes from bottles of moisturiser and tubes of toothpaste, which, as we all know, have a habit of malfunctioning mid-flight. Mulberry’s signature Scotchgrain material provides the necessary waterproofing here, while the leather piping and embossed logo patch add a smart finish.

The Mini Antony is perhaps the perfect expression of Mulberry, capturing the town-meets-country, old-meets-new spirit at the heart of the brand. Taking the design of a classic leather postman’s satchel (the original, full-sized Antony has been in production for decades and is still available to buy today), and shrinking it down to the dinky proportions of a cross-body bag, it’s an ideal accessory for festivals and city breaks.