Wholesale Handbag Blog: Wholesale Western Handbags & Other Western Fashion Styles

How Hermes went from Saddles to Handbags

May 20th, 2013

admin

The German born, but French raised, Thierry Hermès founded his famous fashion company in 1837. While today Hermès is famous for its luxury handbags and accessories, the company used to sell items we barely use anymore.

The Hermès logo for over 50 years has been of a horse and carriage. The logo pays homage to what the company was built on, luxury harnesses and bridles for horse-drawn carriages. Hermès was started in a small harness workshop in Paris. Thierry Hermès’ son, Charles-Emile Hermès, would eventually take over the management of the business.

When Hermès’ son took over, he moved the shop in 1880 to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorè, where its flagship boutique is still located today. Charles Hermès had new ideas for what direction to take the company. It wasn’t handbags that he introduced, it was saddles. With the help of his two sons, Adolphe and Emile-Maurice, Charles Hermès grew the business and began catering to Europe’s elite. They were selling their saddles as far as Africa, Russia, Asia, and even America. In 1900 the company introduced the Haut à Courroies handbag, which was designed for horse riders to carry their saddles with them.

After Charles Hermès retired, his two sons renamed the business Hermès Frères. By 1914, they had 80 saddle craftsmen to keep up with the huge demand for their product. They would eventually begin using zippers on their leather goods and were the first company to introduce this device in France.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that Emile-Maurice launched the company’s first accessories collection. In 1922, Emile-Maurice introduced his first leather handbag because his wife complained that she could not find one she liked. A decade later, the luxury label would launch the Sac à dépeches bag (later renamed Kelly) and in 1937 their signature headscarves were introduced for the first time. In 1949, the company launched its silk tie and first perfume, called Eau d’Hermès.

The company was not doing so well in the ‘70s, until the great-great-grandson of Thierry Hermès took over. Jean-Louis Dumas turned the company around after modernizing the business. He would also put his faith in some new designers, such as the unconventional Martin Margiela. By the time Dumas passed away in 2010, the company was worth billions.

Today, the company’s handbags are elite. They have been naming their bags after celebrities since the 1950s, and their most desired bag is the Birkin. Named after the British sex symbol Jane Birkin, this particular bag will cost you several thousands of dollars if you can get your hands on one. There is currently a waiting list for the Birkin that allegedly you will be on for years before being able to buy the rare handbag.

I’d Like a Number 5 with a side of Handbag Please!

May 13th, 2013

admin

Ever wish you could just grab a new outfit and handbag at a drive-thru window instead of looking for parking at the mall? Well, now you can! One luxury department store in London is taking shopping to the next level by taking a page out of McDonald’s business plan.

Selfridges, a popular luxury department store in London, will be launching the world’s first drive-thru outlet. Instead of ordering a burger and fries, you can grab a Burberry coat and Chanel handbag on the go. Customers will never have to worry about looking for parking or searching stores for what they need.

The drive-thru will be available for those customers who have made purchases online at the Selfridges website. Customers can also use their mobile app to search the store’s inventory for the perfect outfit or handbag and then pick up their purchases at the drive-thru window. The convenience of this service should intrigue a lot of people. Those who shop for luxury clothes and accessories should love this system. Not only will it save people lots of time, but it will allow them to shop for their items in the comfort of their own home and not have to wait for them to be shipped.

If this clothing drive-thru idea becomes a big hit in Europe, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it here in the United States. Everyone is on the go here and looking for a way to save some time. A luxury service like this could appeal to many American consumers.

Turning Florida’s Python Problem into Handbags

May 6th, 2013

admin

Florida has been overrun with pythons and handbag designers are trying to take advantage of it. Designers are contacting hunters who are trying to reduce the amount of pythons to use their skins as a part of their handbags.

Six months ago, a New York City designer named Camille Zarsky started contacting the python hunters in Florida to see if any of their catches could be used in her collection of exotic-skin purses. After Zarsky learned that the snakes, first introduced to the Everglades in the nineties by pet owners who grew tired of caring for their animals, were being captured by the thousands, she figured she could use the skins for her handbags.

It seems crazy, but the snake problem in Florida is a serious problem. In January, the Florida Wildlife Commission invited 1,500 hunters for a “Python Challenge”, with cash prizes for the biggest catches. No one is sure exactly how many pythons are living and breeding in the wild, but it is estimated that there is between 10,000 and 100,000. Since thousands of snakes were being captured to reduce the population, Zarsky figured she could put the skins to good use.

Zarksy and other designers see this as both an opportunity for their business and to help fix Florida’s python problem. Zarsky plans to use the skins she ordered from her hunter to make handbags exclusively from the material. Snake skin bags are actually trending right now and by giving hunters more incentive to hunt the pythons, it will help alleviate Florida’s problem.

New Brand Repurposes Military Canvas as Designer Handbags

April 29th, 2013

admin

Sword & Plough was started by Emily and Betsy Nunez. They grew up in a military family and decided to start a very unique designer handbag company to honor those who have served. The Nunez girls wanted to create something that would emotionally and physically touch civilians in their everyday lives and remind them, in a beautiful way, of the challenges our country and Servicemen face.

The Nunez girls created Sword & Plough in 2012. Their handbag company recycles and repurposes military gear. They create sturdy and sophisticated products, whose sale empowers veteran employment, reduce waste, and strengthen civil-military understanding. They say that this is what makes their bags rugged, refined, and relevant.

Here is how their sustainable design works;

The Sword & Plough company is dedicated to employing veterans and it couldn’t be a better time for their efforts. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans is 9.2 percent. The company is looking to have its bags hit the market very soon. They are currently raising money on Kickstarter until May 15th. Their goal was to raise $20,000 and currently they have over $165,000 in donations.

New Designer is Taking Hollywood by Storm

April 22nd, 2013

admin

This spring, Hollywood’s elite women will probably be toting handbags you’ve never seen before. Naomi Watts, Emma Roberts, Kate Bosworth. They won’t have a Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, or Coach bag on their arm when you see pictures of them walking the streets and at the hottest nightclubs. What they will have are bags by Paris-based designer Jerome Dreyfuss.

Jerome Dreyfuss creates bags with a laid-back, bohemian design, much like Isabel Marant. You may have already seen a celebrity rocking one of Dreyfuss’ bags and had no idea. His bags are logo-less, have a tomboyish look, and all have a boy’s name. They also have clever designer details, like multiple straps to allow for carrying by hand or over the shoulder, removable wallets, attached key rings, and mini-flashlights.

Sarah Jessica Parker has been photographed running some errands with Richard, a colorful and perforated patchwork leather handbag. Emma Roberts loves the black leather drawstring Alain and Emma Watts has been seen with Igor, a back python cross-body bag.

Dreyfuss launched his accessory line in 2002, with the goal of creating “practical, light, soft bags that feel as good next to your body as a teddy bear.” Dreyfuss and Marant make a powerful duo in the fashion industry. Besides having similar styles, they are also a couple. However, they say they do not like to talk about work at home.

Dreyfuss is expanding his brand to shoes this fall. He will be releasing a pair of pumps called Pinpin, which has removable fringe. He has also recently launched men’s accessories under the label Monsieur Dreyfuss. His men’s duffel and bowling bags come equipped with a bottle opener for popping a brew on the go.

Spring handbag Trends get a Make-Over

April 15th, 2013

admin

In the past the trendiest handbags seemed to always be oversized, logo-laden, and hardware loaded. For spring 2013, you can expect the hottest handbags to be smaller and simpler. They will be brightly colored and fun, to welcome in the warm weather.

Spring is all about color and Roseanne Morrison, fashion director at Tobe, called the season’s ladylike totes, clutches, cross-body and shoulder bags “modesty” handbags. Tobe is a firm that focuses on consumer-based merchandising trends and found the modesty trend for handbags came due to a ripple effect of fashion’s demure dress silhouettes that look refreshed and modern in bold shades. “Handbags had to follow suit,” Morrison said. “They’re an indication of the return to ladylike dressing with simplistic designs – and propriety. Women want to be current, and the handbag is the most noticeable. It also shows her taste.”

While the handbags of spring will be scaled back in size and embellishment, color is turned all the way up. Ken Downing, fashion director for Neiman Marcus, said that spring’s high voltage handbag palette is “anything goes”. This means you will see bright colors to clashing colors to color collages within a single handbag. Downing predicts that orange will be the top color for spring. Downing also iterated that functionality is more important than ever with handbags. Some bags come as a clutch but have a hidden strap so it can double as a cross-body bag. Pockets for a cell phone, e-reader, or mini tablet are in high demand as people take their technology everywhere.

Women want a bag they can bring to work but can also run errands or hit the beach with. At the same time they want to look trendy and beautiful. Handbags this spring will be brightly colored and at the same time have functionality. Make sure you grab a colorful clutch or cross-body bag for yourself!

New York Council Member Pushes for Law against Buying Fake Handbags

April 8th, 2013

admin

The counterfeit handbag industry is become larger and larger in the United States. With many people unable to afford the high prices of designer bags, people are turning to purchasing cheap knock-offs. The demand of high end fashion for less is big and counterfeiters are taking advantage. One council member in New York is pushing for her legislation that would make it illegal to buy the fake handbags to be put into effect.

If you have ever been to Times Square in New York you will have seen the guys on the side of the street selling designer handbags. They have their products in a bag or on a blanket and are nervously looking around while trying to sell you a bag for cheap. They are all knock-offs of popular designers like Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Marc Jacobs. The “salesman” looks nervous because it is illegal for anyone to sell counterfeit items. However, it is not illegal for someone to purchase one of the fake designer handbags.

Margaret Chin is the council member trying to her legislation passed that would make the purchase of these counterfeit handbags also illegal. Purchasing a counterfeit handbag would be a misdemeanor and would be punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. Chin hopes that this law would be a big deterrent to people hoping to score a designer bag for less and that it would decrease the demand. By decreasing the demand for counterfeit handbags there will be less money to be made and there will be less counterfeit products being made.

Customs seized $348 million in forgeries last year in New York alone. Even though the authorities are cracking down on counterfeiters, demand for the product is still high. Most low-level sellers who are charged with distributing counterfeit goods are only charged with a misdemeanor and set free. Advocators of Chin’s legislation compare the counterfeit handbag industry as similar to the drug trade business. “It is illegal, smuggled into the country and sold at an enormous profit.”

Hot Handbags for Spring 2013

April 1st, 2013

admin

After a long winter, spring is finally here. Time to put away the heavy coats and pick up some new colorful handbags for the spring! The top designers in the world aren’t slacking and have come out with some of the hottest bags to choose from. Here are some of the best handbags to rock in spring 2013;

Kate Spade Pike Place Market Alicia Handbag

This eye-catching bag comes with Valencia and royal blue stripes. Classic shaping and vibrant colors make it a great bag for hitting the beach with your girlfriends.

Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

This handbag comes in a soft mint green color and is made from saffiano leather. It is perfect for the business woman on the go this spring because it has multiple sections inside to divide up work related material from your sun tan lotion.

J. Crew Edie Purse

Colored perfectly for the spring, the J. Crew Edie purse is beautiful. Its vintage violet color is delicate but bright and can add a soft touch to any outfit.

Marc Jacobs Isabelle Werdie Shoulder Bag

Stand out wherever you go with this bright neon yellow patterned bag. The color pops on the bag and is loud!!! It goes right over your shoulder and will have people doing double-takes everywhere you go.

Henri Bendel Brown & White Woven Mini Bag

This bag is fun and unique. The mash-up of patterns isn’t distracting and the different looks go together well. It is definitely a fun statement piece that requires an outgoing personality. If you want something original and creative this spring, this is the bag for you.

You Can’t Fake Fashion 2013

March 27th, 2013

admin

Counterfeiting is a multi-billion dollar global industry. Designers work hard to create their brand and become successful. With the counterfeiting business becoming so big, it is even harder for designers to sell their products when others make low-quality fakes for a fraction of the price. With so many people willing to spend less on a fake to give the illusion of fashion, the CFDA and eBay have teamed up to create the “You Can’t Fake Fashion” campaign.

In a recent study, almost 75 percent of women admitted that they have knowingly purchased a counterfeit designer fashion item. The billion dollar counterfeit industry will continue to strive with three out of every four women buying fake designer products. The most popular fake items that women buy are handbags and wallets. To try and combat the counterfeit industry, the CFDA and eBay have partnered to raise awareness against buying counterfeit goods and celebrating original design.

The website eBay is the world’s largest online marketplace and consistently partners with brands, retailers, and law enforcement to battle the global counterfeit trade. EBay understands that counterfeit items damage consumer trust and hurt the hundreds of thousands of businesses and stores that sell authentic goods on their marketplace. This understanding has helped eBay become great partners with the CFDA to create the “You Can’t Fake Fashion” campaign.

Together, they have brought in 90 of America’s best designers that include Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, and rag & bone to each customize a canvas tote to create a one-of-a-kind bag. All of the designers infused their personality, originality, and creativity into every bad that celebrates original design. The bags are available at auction right now on eBay, starting at $100. There is also a standard “You Can’t Fake Fashion” tote available for $50.

Tips for Picking out the Perfect Handbag

March 20th, 2013

admin

A handbag can make or break your look just like a pair of shoes. And just like shoes, you can never have enough handbags. Different occasions and outfits call for different styles, sizes, and colors of handbags. Here are some tips you can use to help pick out the best bag for you and the occasion.

• Try on handbags just like you try on clothes. Check in the mirror how you look with it on. See if the scale, shape, and color work for you.
• Make sure the handbag is suitable for its purpose. You may fall in love with a certain design or color, but if you can’t fit everything you need inside, it will be useless. You also don’t want a huge bag when going to parties or the club.
• Pick a bag with compartments that you can use to easily find what you need.
• Lighter-colored bags are easier to clean, and linings with light colors will make things easier to find.

The bag you choose will depend on your style personality. Some people prefer neat and classic bags, some like designer, and some might just want an outgoing, bright, flamboyant bag. No matter the style you are attracted to, you need to choose a bag that fits your body type also. For instance, a petite woman will look overpowered by a large over the shoulder bag.

Color and fabric are also important factors when picking out a handbag. Don’t be afraid to shy away from neutral shades like black, tan, and grey. Picking out a bag with great color to it can really add some flair to an outfit. If you are adventurous, it is trendy right now to have clashing colors on one bag or wild animal print in multiple colors. If you like to play it safe, colors like teal and purple are a less risky choice, because there are many shades of those colors to suit everyone. What your handbag is made of will depend on your budget and what the bag will be used for. Some people like purchasing bags made of quality leather because it will last a lifetime. Others prefer to buy a bag made from fabric and just get a new one each season.

Some trends that are hot in the handbag world right now are pouches, clutches, totes, colorful, classic, or printed. With spring approaching, a tote is the perfect day bag, and the clutch is a great accessory at night. You can even toss the clutch in the tote and be ready for the beach and dinner!

In the end, you want to buy handbags that fit you. Your bag will say a lot about who you are and what your style is. You do not have to spend thousands to get a great handbag, as many companies have designer-inspired bags. Shop around just like you would for the perfect pair of shoes to find the best style and price for you.