Shimmering high-tech synthetics and nylons, coated leather and even films and see-through plastics give some bags a futurist look. At the same time, the trend towards fine, natural leathers that underscore their value through look and touch, is continuing.
Soft, dull materials, buffed surfaces, suede and coarser grains are dominating here. Reptile embossing, above all snake and crocodile, remain an “evergreen” theme for bags but call for innovative surface and/or finishing solutions. In addition to the braiding, the top-stitching, gathers, pleats and accordion pleats so popular this season will also be revisited.
After the uncontested dominance of XXL bags, the formats proposed for the coming S/S feature more versatility again: although big styles are still prominently represented, producers are also presenting smaller and small handbags again.
The customary landscape formats will be joined by more portrait formats and square shapes of particular importance in the ever more important unisex segment. Softer finishes can still be found but in general more constructed bags with “more shape and body” are trendier.
Discreet, down-to-earth shapes feature for shoppers and classically designed styles with half-long shoulder straps. Elegance is signalled by short-handled or clutch bags while basket styles and soft mini-pouches exude romanticism and girlish femininity. The sporty statement comes from casual shoppers and pouches, large-format strap bags and again more backpacks.
Both accessories and carefully selected decorative elements ensure the necessary individualism of the bags. A multitude of different metals are used but always make a high-quality, rather emphasizing statement.
Chains, original fasteners and pendants, which occasionally also toy with initials, decorate the bags. Gathers, accordion an regular pleats are key elements. Short-handled bags always feature handles coated with the face material and zippers rather than clutches.
Designers are once again showing a bolder approach to decoration and even bag pendants are making discreet inroads again.
Alongside bags, belts remain key accessories in order to give outfits the desired fashion statement. They (with the exception of denim belts) sit in the waist, are wide or semi-wide. They can feature extremely minimised designs and only make an impression with colour and shine.
However, more strikingly designed clasps and worked leathers are also on offer again. Gloves are meeting with growing fashion interest and can also set highlights in summer when featuring new materials and decoration details.
Outfits continue to be complemented with long summer shawls in a wide variety of qualities. Very trendy again are leather bracelets in all trend materials and colours wound around the arm once or several times.
marketing@alchempro.com
