Handbags: 2008 Key Retail Trends

• Growth for this normally robust category slowed in 2008 as recessionary pressures mounted, the “It” bag waned and other classifications gained momentum.

• Several upscale handbag designers broadened their base with limited-edition collections for mass-market retailers. Examples included Rafe New York, Anya Hindmarch and Gryson.

• In terms of color, primary brights flourished as a spring season trend. For fall, classic neutrals such as black, chocolate brown and burgundy prevailed. Gray and black/white combinations also emerged as “new” neutrals, while metallic finishes (including updated metallics such as gunmetal) rose to fashion staple status.

• Exotic skin styles remained popular throughout the year—embossed on leather and available at a wide range of pricepoints. Crocodile, alligator, python, snake and hair calf also sold very well. Brights (such as turquoise and fuchsia) frequently updated this popular look.

• Dominant silhouettes included full-flap shoulder bags, mailbagmessengers, doctorsatchels, barrels, duffles, flat north/south styles, as well as north/south frames and covered frames. Elongated east/west clutches remained strong sellers for both day and evening.

• As details, quilting and released pleats/tucks led the way last year, while “belted” styles were also popular. Turnlocks, zippers, latches and buckles all added functionality to fashion styles, as did double pockets and exposed zippers. Fringe also made a comeback from their 1960s heyday—with strong sales results.

• Wood embellishments and other natural materials (including straw, canvas and rope) gained sales success throughout the warm-weather months, as did raffia and crochet cotton.

• Designers, celebrities and apparel brands continued to capitalize on their names. Launches included: collections from Stuart Weitzman, Carlos by Carlos Santana, 7 For All Mankind and Joe’s Jeans.

• Launches continued for “green” handbag styles, made in repurposed materials such as recycled plastic and rubber. Canvas totes with ecofriendly messages such as “Green Is the New Black” also sold well.

• Nylon gained popularity during the latter half of the year—in part because of its lower retail cost and partly for its advantageous ergonomic qualities (e.g., more lightweight than leather).

• “Subcategories” (laptop cases, carry-on bags and diaper bags) reported good sales with styles mirroring handbag fashions.

Special Occasion Handbags: 2008 Key Retail Trends

• The classification held its own this year, with sales increases for prom season and fourth quarter. It remains a year-round business overall.

• Clutches dominated across the board, followed closely by vintagestyle frames, as well as pouches in velvet and satin. Both often came equipped with interior shoulder or wrist straps for a more hands-free option. In general, bigger was better: Larger variations sold best across the board.

• This larger-sized phenomenon in special-occasion handbags marked the “day-into evening” trend. Handbags embellished appropriately for evening, yet large enough for daytime needs (to hold cell phones, BlackBerries and other essential gadgets) emerged as a subcategory in its own right.

• “Day into evening” counts junior and contemporary customers as its target audience, although longer-length “envelope” clutches also appealed to mature consumers.

• Customers also purchased smaller-scale box clutch silhouettes, which complementedvoluminous apparel and often showed up on the Red Carpet.

• Hand-held box clutches targeted a younger, hipper market, with more modern and graphic shapes. Accents like feathers, bugs or salamanders, added a touch of whimsy.

• Bows, large faceted jewels (with colored and/or clear stones), flocked fabrics, ruched ribbon trims and passimenterie, were all popular details for special-occasion bags.