SPRING/SUMMER 2008 Looks:Text/Photos-J.ECOCHARD
We love the ENK trade shows.
No hour long waits for press registration, friendly staff, no celebs, and no linebacker paparazzi trampling worker bees for photos of the Front Row.
Just aisle upon aisle of accessories and clothes that beckon for up close and personal views.
The Spring/Summer 2008 Accessories Circuit visited NYC last week that saw warm, sunny skies take the drudge out of the hike to the Piers Convention space ensconced on the mighty Hudson.
Once inside, it didn’t take long to stop us in our tracks. Clever Carriage, an ultra-sophisticated, luxe handbag, tote, carry-all line that we cannot believe we missed in earlier reviews, was hands down the highlight.
Luckily we squeezed in a chat with the lovely South African born, “Head Coachman” Kim Tania Issacsohn. …in her perpetually packed booth. She noted that her clients (of 11 years running) are “cultured women with a high taste levelsl that want something different and unique.” Each bag, as it is, “has a clever story”- is painstakingly hand crafted with panache, and is definitely “not your mama’s hippie bag.”
For Summer 2008, some of our favorites had a Safari theme with handbags of eye-popping exotic skins such as a bright red croc tote, a pinkish clutch with subtle gold hardware closures, and python carryalls. Arts and crafts elements were found in a neutral tone beige/brown/black raffia satchel with handmade natural wicker trim, an earthy African Kuba cloth tote, and a durable black or white braided carryall made of recycled rubber. Clever!
Clever Carriage is a line that is the essence of trends for Spring/Summer 2008. Designers continue to dial down the bling factor of two years ago, with more classic architectural shapes for bags that appeal to a wealthy, 35+ year old customer. Textures or trims distinguished one line from another-as seen in the leather button, limited edition white tote and delicate flower petal butterfly attachments on the plush ivory leather satchel (also limited edition) by newcomer Jessica Jensen.
Additionally, most displays featured neutral tone (black, white, beige, brown) wear with anything- satchels of exotic skins or buttery smooth leather. Patent leather, still popular at GogoGears travel totes and padded laptop sleeves (in shiny “oil,” “army,” and “leather lime” green colors)---was not as ubiquitous as in seasons past.
And the splashy floral prints and the neon bright colors of last year’s looks were largely absent, giving way to soft pastel sorbet smooth tones or the always popular leopard print bags.
We love the ENK trade shows.
No hour long waits for press registration, friendly staff, no celebs, and no linebacker paparazzi trampling worker bees for photos of the Front Row.
Just aisle upon aisle of accessories and clothes that beckon for up close and personal views.
The Spring/Summer 2008 Accessories Circuit visited NYC last week that saw warm, sunny skies take the drudge out of the hike to the Piers Convention space ensconced on the mighty Hudson.
Once inside, it didn’t take long to stop us in our tracks. Clever Carriage, an ultra-sophisticated, luxe handbag, tote, carry-all line that we cannot believe we missed in earlier reviews, was hands down the highlight.
Luckily we squeezed in a chat with the lovely South African born, “Head Coachman” Kim Tania Issacsohn. …in her perpetually packed booth. She noted that her clients (of 11 years running) are “cultured women with a high taste levelsl that want something different and unique.” Each bag, as it is, “has a clever story”- is painstakingly hand crafted with panache, and is definitely “not your mama’s hippie bag.”
For Summer 2008, some of our favorites had a Safari theme with handbags of eye-popping exotic skins such as a bright red croc tote, a pinkish clutch with subtle gold hardware closures, and python carryalls. Arts and crafts elements were found in a neutral tone beige/brown/black raffia satchel with handmade natural wicker trim, an earthy African Kuba cloth tote, and a durable black or white braided carryall made of recycled rubber. Clever!
Clever Carriage is a line that is the essence of trends for Spring/Summer 2008. Designers continue to dial down the bling factor of two years ago, with more classic architectural shapes for bags that appeal to a wealthy, 35+ year old customer. Textures or trims distinguished one line from another-as seen in the leather button, limited edition white tote and delicate flower petal butterfly attachments on the plush ivory leather satchel (also limited edition) by newcomer Jessica Jensen.
Additionally, most displays featured neutral tone (black, white, beige, brown) wear with anything- satchels of exotic skins or buttery smooth leather. Patent leather, still popular at GogoGears travel totes and padded laptop sleeves (in shiny “oil,” “army,” and “leather lime” green colors)---was not as ubiquitous as in seasons past.
And the splashy floral prints and the neon bright colors of last year’s looks were largely absent, giving way to soft pastel sorbet smooth tones or the always popular leopard print bags.