New York—Nina Shoes, one of the leading makers of special occasion footwear, is launching its own handbag collection slated to premiere in February 2011.
The 57-year-old footwear company, most known for its bridal and social occasion shoes, has been selling evening bags on its website. “They did so well we decided to expand and do our own collection and offer them to retailers as well,” says Patti Cohen, senior vice president of marketing and corporate affairs at Nina Footwear.
While Nina had a licensed handbag collection several years ago, this time the company is taking the business in house. Lynn Robinson, formerly of La Regale, has been appointed senior vice president of Nina’s new handbag division.
Nina Shoes, which generally retail between $78 to $129, is one of the best known names in special occasion footwear, claiming about 30% of the special occasion footwear market according to NPD estimates.
The new handbag collection, slated to retail for $50 to $100, will have the same “sexy and glamorous” point of view that Nina shoes have, Cohen says. Fabrics will include satins, sequins and other social occasion looks.
“Some of the handbags will have designer touches that Nina is so known for and will coordinate with the footwear. Others styles will be freestanding styles,” Cohen adds.
