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Mulberry Fall 2012: Wild and Wooly Things, With the Best Front Row of the Day

LONDON-Mulberry really knows how to put on a show--from the invitation, to the decor, to the little extras they provide during the show--and this se

LONDON-Mulberry really knows how to put on a show--from the invitation, to the decor, to the little extras they provide during the show--and this season was no exception. Held again at the Claridges ball room, the foyer and various entrance rooms were filled with floor to ceiling golden balloons in the shape of Mulberry bags, and on one wall were some very Maurice Sendak-ian monster feet sticking out from a pile of balloons. The theme continued inside, where the benches were all covered with black goat hair, all the more luxurious for the very starry front row that came out on a Sunday morning to see Mulberry's beautiful monsters.

Michelle Williams, Lana Del Rey (who has a brand new Mulberry bag named after her), Azealia Banks, Elizabeth Olsen, and Lady Mary and her sister (erm, the middle one) from Downton Abbey were both there. There were so many celebs that the photogs couldn't get them into one picture. But besides pretty celebs, there was a lot to see on the runway, too.

The collection was indeed inspired by Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, with a small nod to the Muppets. But there was nothing scary about this collection of really luxe, warm pieces--and the collection definitely had a sense of humor without being ridiculous, a sometimes fine line to walk.

The collection was anchored by fur, and it was long, lush, and well...furry. From gilets to jackets and even a skirt, mongolian fur adorned everything. Even a dog got to wear some fur and take a turn down the runway. While the palette was fairly neutral in general, it was broken up by some flame orange pieces and an "acorn tie dye" that I loved. There was also a subtle zigzag pattern, which seems to be a bit of a recurring theme this season in London. (See: House of Holland.)

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The models walked the finale to the Muppets "Manamana" song, and we couldn't help but smile at Mulberry's fashion friendly monsters.

Photos: ImaxTREE

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