TANO Leather Bags' BOOTH
SPRING 09 PICKS=COLORFUL and AFFORDABLE
Javits Convention Center, Westside Highway, NYC January 4th
Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and from company website
It was a Sunday smack dab after the supposedly dismal retail holiday selling season.
But we think the floor traffic was decent (orders written?) on the first day of the mega mashup of fashion tradeshows splayed on floors of various locales throughout Manhattan.
Today, we strolled the aisles of MODA, FAME and ACCESSORIES that to our peepers, focused on accessibly priced goods.
For Spring ’09 we saw similar trends akin to what we saw on the runways in September...
As in...
Bold, solid colors-for handbags---turquoise, sea blues, fuchsia pinks, deep purple, black, white, metallics of gold and silver.
Prints are eye poppin strong, graphically speaking, the delicate sweet look and plaids/Madras of Fall 09--- were largely absent. Less animal prints this season too as people need a fresh look and a reason to SHOP.
Jessica Alba in a Tolani Collection Scarve (see below for the 411)
Handbags and carryalls continue to be offered in structured and slouchy styles with clutches, hobos and roomy shoulder haulers for urban types dominating the booths. Another trend we love is the use of au courant fashion fabrics on luggage---in sizes that are humongous check in worthy -and others ideal for overhead airline compartments.
MURVAL, PARIS
Good luck with the airlines not mangling any of the aforementioned.
Jewelry saw a continuation of the statement pieces via large beads and semi-precious stones, pile on skinny bracelets (beaded and metal), and a large number of eco, recycled,and Fair Trade lines. Spiritual amulets and other semi-religious symbols are also set for prime time.
On the other end, the delicate (like the 'in' line Me and Ro) in precious metal jewelry seems popular again and certainly more affordable. These danglers are decidedly Asian influenced with nature silhouettes (leaves, flowers) dominating. And lace patterns are still hip as that trend continues.
The mod, art deco architectural shapes of last season probably didn’t sell well. We didn’t see any exhibitors with those shapes this time around.
TOP PICK: THE TOLANI COLLECTION
A rainbow swirl of colors on Missoni-ish style, floral, and hand embroidered- printed scarves and wraps... drew the hordes of retailers into the corner booth of the Tolani Collection.
An Olsen Twin
With a huge celeb following (is Jessica Alba ever without a long one wrapped around her neck)…these India made, hand loomed scarves in a gazillion tones are affordable and seasonless. And the designs are often very unique…they’re trademarked.
Alka Tolani, the San Diego based owner, started her company 3 1/2 years ago-with a few scarves designed and hand loomed in an overseas family owned factory----and then sold at a charitable fundraiser.
Prior to that, “I was a huge golfer with kids.”
Well, no surprise, a real retail demand soon ensued…and Tolani and her ever expanding design team went to work in earnest.
New for Sring ’09 is a small collection of day wear in the spirit of the company and YSL's dreamy resort frocks…meaning colorful tunics, flirty silk chiffon tiered skirts, and batik print, cotton voile smock topped strapless dresses.
Intricate hand embroidered silk jackets and coats round out the offerings.
RETAIL: Online and at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendels, Kitson (Los Angeles),
INFO: TOLANI COLLECTION