SPRING/SUMMER

Colorful patterns and prints are perking up handbags for the season.

Clutch by J. Renee

Price:

Retail range is $64.50 to $124.50

At J. Renee, patent, clear and printed vinyl, and textures are important. Snakeskin, exotic printed leathers in metallic, and bold colors round out the offering. “Color blocking and geometric looks are big this season, especially in patents and vinyl,” said Sarah Jones of product development for Remac LLP, which makes J. Renee bags and shoes.

Claudia by Charles L. Thomas

Price:

Retails for $159

In the Claudia, Thomas trims soft pebble grain woven fabric with polished Italian leather for a chic, sophisticated look. For spring/summer ‘08, Charles L. Thomas is expanding its offerings by adding CTL Swing, “a bridge line of fun and colorful handbags at a lower price point,” designer Charles L Thomas told WSAToday.com. Thomas is also introducing the Baroque collection of clutches for holiday. Hues are “fresh, colorful shades of happiness” that are “muted but assured, evolving from feminine favorites which include tarragon green, rose pink, chocolate brown and deep lavender to indigo.” Retail range is $169 to $319, $69 to $139 for CTL Swing, and $99 to $149 for Baroque.

Valerie by MiMo Handbags

Price:

Retail range is $80 to $230

Inspired by the women who changed society in the 1970s, Mi Mo Handbags are made for someone who’s balancing everything and needs a bag that works as hard as she does. “For spring, along with the earth-toned colors of our Brazilian leather in burnt orange, mustard and dark olive, and our new-old leathers in dry sand and rusted brown, we are mixing it up with signature floral-print canvas in cornflower blue, deep turquoise green, dark fuchsia, orange and maroon,” said Mia Scofield, founder of Mi Mo.

Patchwork hobo by Ariat

Price:

Retail range is $149 to $169

Inspired by its equestrian roots, Ariat designs its handbags with traditional Western stitch patterns and classic detailing, Ariat-exclusive hardware and embossed and inlayed leather. “The utilitarian look is popular with lots of hardware and shorter handles, but we’re seeing it softened with feminine textures as well,” said Jennifer Ruff Hellickson, creative services coordinator. Ariat’s new Patchwork Collection “keeps functionally in mind with light-colored linings to help you find items with ease, a snap key ring holder and slots for your cell phone, credit cards and other accessories.”

Tote by Bamboo54

Price:

Retail range is $24.99 to $39.99

This will be the year when green fashion leaps to hip, fashion-forward options and Bamboo54 will be at the helm of this social fashion evolution. “The trend is geared toward sustainable resources and using renewable materials for all facets of life including fashion and accessories,” said Jerry Chan, president. “We utilize these available resources to design and develop all of our products.” Spring ‘08 brings lots of structured totes and shoulder bags in bright hues of blue and green with coordinating sandals.

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