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LONDON (AP) - Heritage luxury brand Mulberry always nods to traditional Britishness on its catwalks, and its new spring showcase Sunday was no different, with hints of 1960s London, English roses and a bulldog called Turbo.
For her final collection at the brand, creative director Emma Hill offered up loose swinging shapes, wide-leg trousers, florals and luxurious leather outfits.
The colors were limited to a no-nonsense palette of icy blue, cream, navy and orange, but it wouldn't be a Mulberry show without a dash of fun. So models walked with a bulldog on a leash, dressed in the same floral patterns as its human companions.
The show opened with model-of-the-moment Cara Delavigne striding out in a pale blue dress skirt, a somewhat wintry black and gray floral swing coat and matching tailored shorts. Lighter, breezier outfits followed, including loose pale blue or peach T-shirt-and culottes combos with sheer horizontal panels.
Those same trapeze shapes took on a more austere appearance when they appeared later in suede and leather. Most looks only featured one color, with a pop of contrast provided by the brand's popular handbags. There were envelope clutches, larger shoppers and a small boxy shoulder bag.
The closing looks returned to a clean cream shade with thick textures, embossed with floral details and sequins.
"Emma's always done a great job with the accessories _ that is Mulberry's strong point _ but her ready-to-wear is also really strong. It's sad to see her go," said Natalie Massenet, the new chairwoman of the British Fashion Council.
"I really, really love the white bonded lace pieces. I like anything with texture and I think it's really fresh," she added.
The show, typically one of the blockbusters at London Fashion Week, drew Vogue editor Anna Wintour and style maven Alexa Chung among others to its front row.
Other designers also showcasing on Sunday's hectic schedule include Vivienne Westwood, Preen, Temperley London and Jonathan Saunders.
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