Idependent Handbag Awards Announces Finalists

I had the distinct pleasure of spending one lengthy birthday at the Paramount Hotel going through thousands of entries for this year’s Independent Handbag Design Awards. Thanks to the quirky judging company (Zandile Blay, Nicole Giordano, Jess Zaino, Grace Gold, Samia Grand, Sabina Ptacin, Emma Grady, Colin T. McDonald, Kathryn Finney and Lois Sakany) the … Continue reading »

WWD: Accessory Network Buys Kooba

NEW YORK — Accessory Network Group has acquired the rights to the Kooba brand from private equity firm Swander Pace Capital. Kooba was bought by Swander Pace in 2007. The amount ANG paid was not disclosed. Abe Chehebar, chief executive officer of ANG, said the company was approached by Sage Group, an investment banking firm, … Continue reading »

WWD: Elie Tahari Launches Emmy Rossum Handbag

After years of wearing Elie Tahari’s designs and tailoring them to her liking, actress Emmy Rossum felt she had some constructive criticism to offer. Tahari said, “I was talking to her about her style and I saw that she had good taste and she liked [my] bags. She’d say, ‘I wish it was this way, … Continue reading »

WWD: Accessories Shows See Uptick in Traffic, Mood

NEW YORK — This month’s accessories trade shows — AccessoriesTheShow and Accessorie Circuit — exhibited strong signs of continued growth within the sector. “I think people seemed pretty optimistic, cautiously optimistic,” said Joseph Maio, owner of Adornments Fine Jewelry in Sag Harbor, N.Y., who attended both shows. “People weren’t afraid of pushing the envelope with … Continue reading »

WWD: Nancy Gonzalez Launching Travel Collection

Nancy Gonzalez is expanding her exotic skin offerings for the fashionable jet-setter. Starting today, Gonzalez’s 11-piece, crocodile-skin travel line will launch exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. Santiago Gonzalez, president of Nancy Gonzalez (and the designer’s son), said the line came out of practical needs. “Mother and I are always traveling, and it made no sense to … Continue reading »

WWD: Accessories Council Excellence Awards Preview

The recipients of the 2010 Accessories Council Excellence Awards, who will be honored tonight in Manhattan, are industry leaders who share powers of creativity, innovation and commitment. Alber Elbaz, Designer of the Year Alber Elbaz has designed for Geoffrey Beene, Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent and Krizia. But his work as creative director of Lanvin … Continue reading »

WWD: Rebecca Minkoff Launches Footwear

Rebecca Minkoff is expanding her handbag and ready-to-wear portfolio with the introduction of a 25-style shoe collection. The footwear will be offered in stores for spring and will make their debut at Minkoff’s rtw presentation next month during fashion week in New York. The line will retail for $160 to $395. “I’ve always been obsessed … Continue reading »

WWD: Cheap Accessories

A new accessories customer has emerged, molded by the recession, fast fashion and Internet shopping. As a result, there is renewed focus by brands on costume jewelry, as well as lower-price handbags, eyewear and other products. Accessories vendors and retailers attending the New York trade shows this month said conditions had compelled them to target … Continue reading »

WWD: Milly Branches Out With Accessories

Flirty sportswear brand Milly has launched a nautical-inspired handbag line and is ramping up its profile in jewelry. “I set out…with the same philosophy and aesthetic as my ready-to-wear collection: smart, sexy and glamorous…a modern sensibility with a vintage vibe,” said the brand’s designer, Michelle Smith. The handbags, which eventually will include 19 silhouettes, including … Continue reading »

WWD: Accessories Council: A Vital Player

NEW YORK — The Accessories Council, which began as a small trade organization to give voice to the needs of an overlooked retail sector, has matured into a vital supporter and player in the fashion industry. Its annual Accessories Council Excellence Awards have become a high-profile celebration of the sector and its advocacy has become … Continue reading »