Fall/Winter 2009 Handbag Trends
New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we’ll be wearing next season, so let’s see what’s in store in the shorter term. There are two key reasons why the trends in autumn are so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. Secondly, it covers the biggest and most important date on any fashionista’s calendar – the Christmas party season.The following style statements will help you to keep heads turning at the end of 2009.
In a year that has suffered a financial meltdown, it is not surprising that the WWII slogan ‘Make Do and Mend’ has become part of everyday terminology. The fact that most of us are becoming a lot more conservative about our spending habits has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.
Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. These can be found in most charity shops as well as in the dark corners of most of our mothers’ closets. If you fell head over heels in love with the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. In a effortless fashion, the chain was hung carelessly over our shoulders in Spring and Summer. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Whimsical and effortless, and now really up to the minute.
If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Fashion designers are loving English Heritage looks at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season’s must-have cosy, knitted styles.
All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. There is only one look sure to spice up any piece of eveningwear… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Free your inner animal with a handbag that shows off this key look. Just keep it faux, please.
For all of those girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don’t get your whiskers in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season’s collections of designer handbags. More good news, they have hit the High Street too. You will be transformed into an arts and crafts leader with the help of buttons and beading. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Great timing for Hallowe’en!