Upscale New York-based department store Henri Bendel introduced its new six-piece collection of luxury handbags last week. The company launched the new Premium line of bags and updated its classic designs in an effort to increase its sense of quality and exclusivity. The introduction of the new handbags is intended to establish Henri Bendel as a brand, rather than a retailer.
The materials and designs are unique. They utilize hand-cut embossed Italian leather, hand-painted patterns, and fringe detailing.
The Premium collection was designed primarily by Pina Ferlisi, who became creative director for Henri Bendel in July 2012. She had previously worked in accessories at Marc Jacobs, Coach, and Alexander McQueen.
Ferlisi wanted to create a stylish and exclusive collection for customers who value elegance and vintage glamour. Henri Bendel is targeting consumers who are interested in mid-priced luxury bags.
The new handbags are being sold online and in select stores across the country. The company’s social media sites are also offering discounts.
Most department stores have their own branded lines so that they can retain a larger portion of revenue for each purchase and increase their market share in those products. Henri Bendel announced in April that it would no longer sell third party merchandise at its stores. Instead, the company wants to emphasize its in-house line. The changes took effect in September.
Henri Bendel was founded in 1895 in New York’s Greenwich Village. The company began to use brown-and-white-striped shopping bags in 1907. The bags have long been considered iconic. Henri Bendel has opened 28 stores outside New York City since 2007.
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