Handbag label travelling apace

SYDNEY: Hand bag and accessories label How.U.C.Me has launched a new range of travelwear and men's products while simultaneously unveiling plans to expand its retail presence into Asia.
How.U.C.Me designer Natasha Iwanov said the brand's first Asian store - to open in May in Hong - would be the first of a chain of franchises in Asia.
"Running franchises in Asia will allow us to keep a fairly strong level of control over our image," she said, adding the franchise model was "easy to replicate".
Iwanov said the label - currently operating one boutique in Los Angeles - also planned to expand into more boutiques across the US, before broaching the European market.
"It's very important to enter each market carefully and in a way that allows our brand image to be reflected clearly and precisely across the world.
"You have to think globally because the Australian market is only so big and it's very important not to drown the market in product."
How.U C.Me's travel range - comprising matching handbags, laptop bags and luggage bags - began launching through around 100 stockists across Australia last month [March].
The travel luggage comprises sets of matching handbags, briefcases and luggage made from mixture of PVC and real leather inserts. Prices range from $100 for handbags to $189 for medium and $230 for large luggage bags.
The men's range currently comprises PVC briefcases priced at $150 to $180, leather models priced at $500 to $600 as well as shoulder bags priced at around $80 $130
Both the travel and the menswear range would be expanded for summer 2007, with the latter to include wallets and co-ordinating accessories.
"I had a lot of interest from men who admired the women's product and kept asking me do to something similar for them. The European market caters very well for men who want something masculine but a little bit quirky as well, whereas until now in Australia there has been very little around that fits into that niche," Iwanov said.