Bagging the ultimate accessory

Ragtrader asks three bag brands about what buyers can look forward to in spring/summer 2006/07.

Catherine Manuell designer Catherine Manuell . . .
What are retailers' feelings about spring/summer 2006/07 - are they feeling confident?
I hope so, I feel many have had a hard time in the past six months.

What styles do you expect to be your best sellers this season and why?
Silk structured handbags, new luggage and angular handbags. They are all new directions in wonderful fabrics or simple but strong new looks

Where have you taken your inspiration from for the new collection?
My inspiration is from Australian sun drenched summers.
The feeling is "it is exciting to get up and get on with your day".

What are your prices for spring/summer 2006/07? How have they altered since last season?
From $10 to $400, no changes really.

How important is marketing to your brand?
We consider it very important as it supports our growth here and overseas.


how.u.c.me designer Natasha Lwanov . . .
What are retailers' feelings about spring/summer 2006/07 - are they feeling confident?
For how.u.c.me the spring/summer 2006/07 has been a huge success. Due to our creative edge and unique printed and embossed skins we have really made a statement. The exclusive skins have been very popular combing innovative styling is a winning look for our clients. They are feeling very confident and the sales so far reflect that.

What styles do you expect to be your best sellers this season and why?
Our designs sell well across the collection as each piece stands alone. Our more flamboyant styles are still leading as retailers are reporting to us they are being sought after as the consumer wants more than a plain brown handbag.

Where have you taken your inspiration from for the new collection?
My inspiration stretches wide and my love for art, travel and superb design sets the mood. The spring/summer 06/07 collection embraces a fusion of 1960's 'popart' twist, romantic shapes and a powerful colour palette. Even tactile experiences while traveling in Europe and the East influence my designs. I wake up in the middle of the night with a design that comes to mind and have to sketch it down immediately ...my husband can't believe it. I have a pencil and paper on hand by my bed at all times. I also have hundreds of handbag designs in sketch form that are not yet reality...I am happy to work from my true heart as there is so much 'safe' product in the fashion world and it is all starting to look the same.

What are your prices for spring/summer 2006/07? How have they altered since last season? If so, why, if not, why not?
Our pricing is similar to the last collection... Some areas have increased due to the new skins which are very expensive to produce due to their complexity and quality, but well worth the increase. Our retailers have not found this a problem as our customers are looking for the 'wow' factor. Every how.u.c.me bag offers great extras such as; gift keying, dustbag, lucky coin, loads of inside pockets, leather and quality guarantee, unique shapes and interesting leathers and trims. We are clear of where we sit in the market and are respected for our point of difference.

How important is marketing to your brand?
Very important. It's all about branding for how.u.c.me. Our marketing is strong and we ensure we reflect our image correctly and carefully to the market at all times. We also like to reflect a little humour as we are serious about producing our bags, however, lets have a little fun with the image and design elements. Note our spring/summer 2006/07 image with our sea gull friend which has been well accepted. We like to show off our brand 'outside the square'- we are a designer creation. We produce a limited collection each season and reflect that in our marketing.


Milleni marketing manager Felina Feynberg . . .
What are retailers' feelings about spring/summer 2006/07 - are they feeling confident?
Retailers have to be confident and are definitely confident in our exciting summer range.

What styles do you expect to be your best sellers this season and why?
Our casual ranges in the colours inspired by the fashion in Europe and America and our beautiful Italian leather range, which is second to none in quality, style and price.

Where have you taken your inspiration from for the new collection?
Our inspiration was taken from the colours of life in Florence, Milan, Paris, London and New York.

What are your prices for spring/summer 2006/07? How have they altered since last season?
As usual, we are the most competitive in our field. The retail customer expects this of our brand. Our casual fashion synthetics retail from $50 to $70.00 while our Italian leather ranges retail from $120 to $200.

How important is marketing to your brand?
Marketing is most important. You cannot expect your brand to be recognised without advertising and marketing to back up a superb product.