It’s strange, but true: I tailor my outfit to match the handbag I want to
carry for the day. Now while you (fellow handbag lover that you are!) may
completely empathize, as a handbag designer, I have to swallow the bitter pill
that fashion ‘accessories’ were created to complement fashion, and not the other
way around. Fashion runways have long dictated the colors and styles of fashion
accessories for the season.
That’s why I’m a regular at industry tradeshows in New York, Los Angeles, Hong
Kong and Dubai. Tradeshows provide an insight into new market trends and
silhouettes. One of my favorite shows is the APLF Fashion Access Show in Hong
Kong. Held from October 3-5 at the stunning Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre, this comprehensive fashion accessories and lifestyle event featured hot
designers, trendsetting brands, collections of high end accessories and - most
important of all – it’s a great place to find out what’s hot for your 2008
handbag wardrobe! 500 exhibitors and 6000 buyers from more than 60 countries
can’t be wrong – they are the movers and shakers of the fashion world after all!
So get ready: just for you, here’s a little guide to what trends will be hot
next year. Start picking up pieces now for your collection and you’ll be a
trendsetter, not a follower once the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve!
Concept
There were four major trends that have come under the spotlight for 2008 fashion
– and all as diverse and flexible as the world we live in. So whoever you are,
wherever you are from, 2008 is bound to bring you a style that you can follow
with your heart.
TREND 1: MARRIAGES OF OLD AND NEW
The Trend: This trend is about unearthing precious concepts from the past
and evolving it for the present, bringing with it the surprise of anachronism.
Infuse conventional themes with your personal style and modern twists to create
fresh, new looks that still have the pull of days gone by.
What to Look For: The most fashionable girls will start their purchases
with a clutch, preferably with those adorable kiss-and-lock clasps your granny’s
purse used to have. Antique finishes, doctor-style bags and anything with a
frame. Have a look at the delectable Dolce & Gabbana Large Leather Frame Bag
($1284, Bergdorf Goodman).
A must-have shape that will cause you to look back to the 80s is the crossbody
strap.
TREND 2: DRAMA QUEEN
The Trend: Enter a dream world that inspires you to take one step closer
and then, once you have, get drawn into a space that you never want to leave.
Seductive, captivating, fascinating, unconventional, exhilarating, glamorous,
confident – these are the perfect adjectives to describe the products under this
trend. The drama queen is back so dust off those high heels and pick up bags
that scream: “I’m here! Look at me!”
What to Look For: interesting hardware, new shapes and unconventional
accents, animal prints treated in new ways, strange never-before-seen features,
quirky bags, unusual placement of pockets and patent leather. One
“I-must-carry-this-right-now” bag is the always-adored Dior Gaucho Saddle Bag
($745, Shop.com).
TREND 3: HOMES FOR THE HI-TECH
The Trend: With technology evolutions in recent times, consumers have had
to adapt very quickly. There is almost an urgency to use these new ‘toys’ that
have become a source of pleasure. And new items to carry bring a need for
pockets and spaces to house them.
What to Look For: bags with specialized pockets for gadgets and
electronics such as ipods, laptops, blackberrys, flash keys and more. This is a
big trend for ‘man’ bags.
TREND 4: MELTING POT
The Trend: Globalization and increasingly nomadic lifestyles have caused
us to search different places and cultures for something that truly reflects the
diversity inherent in our world. This trend fuses cultures in a way that brings
forth a kaleidoscope of cultures and experiences, in a bid to bring true
understanding and unity into our daily lives.
What to Look For: ethnic silhouettes and details, a ‘story’, artistic
influences, touches of fusion, accents such as feathers and beads, a rich
tapestry of fabrics and unconventional color combinations. Check out this
beautiful ethnic fusion satin and suede "cloud" motif hobo bag with jade rings
from Shanghai Tang ($315, ShanghaiTang)
Now you know what features and accents to look for, don’t buy them in the wrong
colors! Watch out for next blog which focuses on the color trends for 2008 and
you’ll be able to pair these fantastic new trends with the colors that are
totally en mode in the coming year!
Author: Natasha Shamdasani ( Want to become a Handbag Correspondent? )
Comments: []
| 1. | gaucho is so circa 06' not sure we are back there yet... it is still about BIG BAGS or CLUTCHES and cluthes that could carry a small child - lol - JL from nyc, December 28, 2007. |
Other Bag Trend Articles:
July 25, 2008 - NYC: We Like Our Big Bags July 18, 2008 - COLOR BLOCK July 13, 2008 - The Difference between Luxury Handbag and Those Fakes July 04, 2008 - HAPPY INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER DAY! June 27, 2008 - 2ND ANNUAL INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDS WRAP-UP June 20, 2008 - SEX AND THE CITY June 13, 2008 - SINGERS OR DESIGNERS June 06, 2008 - Balenciaga for Every Season May 30, 2008 - HOW TO DRESS FOR THE 2008 HANDBAG AWARDS May 23, 2008 - Exotic Skins May 16, 2008 - BOLD BRIDES BAGS IT... May 09, 2008 - Bags I couldn't live without... May 02, 2008 - Happy Bday Doc! April 18, 2008 - Summer Sensations April 11, 2008 - The Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards April 04, 2008 - Fun In the Sun March 28, 2008 - Cheap thrills or custom-made extravaganza? March 21, 2008 - The Easter Ease March 14, 2008 - 2 in 1 Louis Vuitton March 07, 2008 - Signature Dress February 29, 2008 - Ooh La La Clutches February 22, 2008 - Barbie Pink for Betsey February 15, 2008 - Big Bag Budget? February 08, 2008 - Happy 75th Louis Vuitton Speedy!!! February 01, 2008 - Sensuous Citrus
|