The decision was announced in the company’s half-yearly report in December last year, when it said it had signed a letter of intent with a high quality third party partner. The brand’s womenswear and footwear ranges represent a small proportion of its sales, which come mostly from women’s handbags.Mulberry’s chief executive Thierry Andretta told the Daily Mail: “the categories of ready-to-wear and shoes have potential for growth in the future and are an important factor in building the lifestyle image that will help develop Mulberry internationally”.

According to the paper, the ranges will continue to be designed in-house by Creative Director Johny Coca, but will be manufactured in Venice and Milan.“Licensing the manufacture and codistribution of these categories will enable us to deliver quality product while achieving our target price range,” said Andretta.The company, known for its celebrity following, appointed Johny Coca as Creative Director in July 2015, and his first collection for Mulberry will be presented at London Fashion Week this February.