Universal Design Studio has completed work on the new Mulberry flagship store for the north of England in Manchester. The Manchester store is the latest in an ongoing collaboration between Mulberry and Universal Design Studio, who recently unveiled the new Mulberry London flagship store on New Bond St to critical acclaim.

Mulberry will be rolling-out this new concept created by Universal which is based on elements of craft as well as ecological concerns and Mulberry’s origins in the English landscape. The new store design plays on the idea of two separate ‘zones,’ the ‘Garden’ and the ‘Drawing Room.’ The concept aims to create an environment with a distinct change in pace for visitors, as well as a flexible space for Mulberry to display different collections, both classic and fashion-led.

The Garden allows for incredibly flexible display. A bespoke tiled wall acts as a display fixture thanks to wall-mounted glass ‘tanks,’ ready-to-wear rail and removable timber prongs. The wall, made up of unglazed porcelain tiles of varying thickness/angles, also provides a striking textured backdrop to the store. The floor within the Garden is sandblasted limestone with a fumigated, end grain oak centre.

The concept for the Drawing Room juxtaposes the natural feeling of the Garden with a statement, polished brass cash desk and stainless steel clad column. A family of dark oak perimeter units has been designed to house specific collections of product and the shelving has unfinished Mulberry leather inserts. A Rachel Whiteread daybed and Barber Osgerby Zero-In table sit on bespoke carpet just outside the luxurious, large-scale fitting rooms.