Mulberry taps up new creative director to reverse embattled brand's fortunes

The luxury handbag maker has approached Johnny Coca, the head of leather goods and accessories at Céline, about taking on the role, according to The Sunday Times.

Mulberry has been without a creative director since Emma Hill departed in September last year, which resulted in the company being unable to put on shows at London and New York fashion weeks.

News comes after Mulberry issued another profit warning after a plunge in revenues in the face of “continuing headwinds affecting the luxury sector”.

Mulberry expects its profits to be “significantly below” previous forecasts after sales for the six months to September 30 fell 17% to £64.7m.

Mulberry’s latest warning comes after it launched a turnaround plan following a turbulent year in which its chief executive quit following a series of profit warnings.

Bruno Guillon left in March after the failure of his risky strategy of raising prices to appeal to more well-heeled shoppers.

Mulberry executive chairman Godfrey Davis said the company is now focused on building on its “solid foundations and unique brand positioning” to restore growth.

The profit warning coincided with Burberry warning on its outlook, despite rising sales in its first half.  

Burberry total revenues came in at £1.1bn for the six months to 30 September, with sales in its retail arm up 8%, but it warned it had experienced “some softening” in sales growth from its Chinese customers.