Spring/Summer 2008 Previews –Continued
ALINA
Text, Photos by J. ECOCHARD
A twenty-minute runway show can build buzz for established brands but a showroom jaunt offers intimate intros to newer lines.
On a recent visit to a PR’s girly pink Garment Center’s locale, a group of simply stunning exotic skin (croc, Napa leather, alligator) carryalls grabbed our eyeballs as soon as we walked in. Our moment of we want it all NOW was ignited by the under the radar, made in Italy, luxe line Alina.
Sprouting from seeds planted by two Cuban-born sisters, Alina Garcia and Yamilia Halfon (who now reside in Houston TX) the exclusive Alina bags are classically shaped, not architectural mysteries that hold nothing. The glorious samples we saw- a sunny bright orange ostrich “Tremezzo” shoulder bag with tasteful gold hardware, and a roomy burnished metallic creamy brown/beige ostrich “Ryl” shoulder bag…are knockouts.
More thoughts?
Effortlessly channeling the timeless elegance of a fashion icons Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, Alina’s clutches, handbags, and satchels command attention without the screaming tacky initials or graffiti smeared touches of similarly priced ‘exclusive’ brands that will-of course- date in a New York minute.
Customer Code Red!
Women whose self-esteem isn’t tied up with an obvious “name” will appreciate the superior construction, handy, multi-pocketed interiors, and premium quality of materials in these Lone State keepers.