Marchesa has realized what most fashion watchers already know: handbags are one of the most profitable categories of products that a brand can make. They don’t take the sizing and fit of a dress, they’re seen as useful and more worthy of expenditure by consumers, and they can be sold in a larger variety of stores than a ball gown. They provide an introduction to the brand for new customers and increase awareness and familiarity among potential clients. Any high-end designer would be crazy not to make bags.
Georgina Chapman and the fine folks at Marchesa are decidedly non-crazy, so the bags are on their way and will debut for Spring 2010 at the forthcoming New York Fashion Week. Since their line is made up almost exclusively of ultra-detailed evening wear, it’s not surprising that they chose clutches and evening bags to make up their inaugural accessories collection. They show much of the detailing that has become Marchesa’s signature – intricate beading, rosettes, and a limited color palette. My favorite touch, though, is the jagged crystal wrapped in stone-encrusted metal that forms the closure on many of the bags. A little bit of a hard edge to set off an evening bag’s demure nature.
The designers insist that all of the bags were designed specifically to be large enough to fit a Blackberry, keys, and makeup for touch-ups. If that’s the case, then hallelujah, it’s a common concern that they’ve chosen to address. They will be made in silk, metal, and exotic leathers and will retail from $995-$5000. Since the collection has yet to be presented, store availability is unknown, but the designers say that they will be sold in the same types of stores that sell their dresses, both in the evening wear department and on the main floor with the rest of the accessories.
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