Mulberry vs Watership Down Crafts: The Best Mulberry Dupe Bags in the UK?

If you’ve ever admired a Mulberry bag but couldn’t quite justify remortgaging your house for one, you’re not alone.

Many shoppers love the classic British style but want something more realistic — something they can actually use without worrying about scratching it.

In this post, I’ll look at how Mulberry and Watership Down Crafts compare in style, craftsmanship, and practicality, so you can decide which one genuinely fits your everyday life.

If you’re already curious, you can take a look at my unique handmade tote bags— each one made in Hampshire from rescued fabrics, with a focus on character and usability.

Mulberry Craftsmanship vs Handmade Tote Bag Character

Mulberry has built its reputation on traditional British luxury. The bags are beautifully made, polished, and structured — the kind that says, “I have my life together.”

Watership Down Crafts sits at the other end of the table — a solo maker in Hampshire sewing one-of-a-kind tote bags from rescued upholstery fabrics. Each bag has its own personality (and no two ever look the same).

So, if you prefer your accessories to tell a story rather than display a logo, you’re already heading in my direction.

Design and Everyday Use: Mulberry vs Tote Bags for Everyday Life

Mulberry’s bags are lovely to look at, but they can feel more suited to boardrooms than busy mornings. They’re structured, formal, and often a little heavy.

My bags are the opposite: soft, practical, and designed for real life — zips that close properly, pockets where you actually need them, and fabrics that make people say, “Where did you get that?”

But what if you do like the status of a designer name? Fair question. Just bear in mind, no one ever compliments a logo. They notice the bag that looks different.

Sustainability and Materials: Mulberry vs UK-Made Tote Bags

Mulberry uses fine leathers and traditional techniques, and there’s no denying the craftsmanship. But leather production isn’t exactly light on the planet.

Watership Down Crafts focuses on rescued and repurposed fabrics — designer offcuts, forgotten swatches, and upholstery samples that get a second life instead of ending up in landfill. Every UK-made tote bag is unique, sustainable, and (let’s be honest) a lot less stressful to use every day — no luxury price tag to tiptoe around.

Does sustainable mean boring? Not in the slightest. It just means your bag has a past as interesting as yours.

Mulberry vs Watership Down Crafts Prices

Here’s where things start to separate like chalk and cheese:

People searching for Mulberry dupe bags aren’t necessarily looking for knock-offs — they’re just looking for well-made British bags with real character, at prices that don’t make your eyes water.

Who Mulberry and Watership Down Crafts Bags Are For

If you love timeless leather luxury, Mulberry will always be a solid choice. It’s classic, polished, and undeniably British.

But if you’d rather carry something that no one else has — something made slowly, thoughtfully, and with just the right amount of personality — then unusual tote bags from Watership Down Crafts are a very different kind of statement.

Final Thoughts

Mulberry represents the glossy side of British design. Watership Down Crafts represents the real one — creative, practical, and a bit less precious.

If you’re searching for genuine Mulberry dupe bags that don’t compromise on quality or charm, take a look at my unique handmade tote bags.  Each one is handmade in Hampshire and built to be used, not just admired.