New York, NY – January 9-11, 2011: As I approached Pier 94, home of the Intermezzo and the Accessorie Circuit fashion trade shows, the exterior was a buzz with lines of yellow taxis and black cars. Mini stampedes of buyers, retailers, press, and other fashion insiders swarmed inside for their first looks at the upcoming trends and the next big thing in accessories, and I eagerly joined them. However once inside, the buzz diffused into a low hum as everyone scattered to their respective booth hit-lists.
Rebecca Minkoff was on the top of mine. Known for her classic handbag and accessory collections, she did not disappoint. Must-have candy-colored leather bags along with canvas wedges adorned her booth. Although Minkoff is the queen of cross-shoulder and strapped handbags, Lauren Merkin dominates the clutch silhouette. With an impressive collaboration with jewelry designer extraordinaire, Michelle Fantaci, Merkin offers three exclusive clutches embellished with jewels designed specifically for this line.
Merkin's line along with Nada Sawaya, and J. Alden effortlessly execute the top trends in accessories. Metallics including pale golds and shimmery silvers are new the classics and expect updates on this look from season-to-season. When it comes to straps, it’s all about the chain, and both long and short are huge this year. The most sought after fabrication is embossed reptile skin. Lauren Merkin does an amazing multicolored snakeskin bag in various silhouettes. Posse offers a metallic faux croc bags at reasonable prices. You can also pick up small functional bags at Posse with choice of either leather fringe or cross-shoulder.
Santi Santi brings on the glitz with jewel encrusted evening bags. This is your one-stop for sequined and vintage-inspired purses, which is a great way to jazz up a casual look or polish off your fanciest ensemble. The designs of Whiting & Davis are also perfect pieces to brighten up any outfit. However, Linea Pelle is the go-to for your everyday basic leather bags and belts.
It boils down to the fat and the skinny in necklaces trends. The gaudy, yet tasteful, statement necklaces are apparently here to stay. Erickson Beamon makes elaborated statement necklaces adorned with crystals, sequins, and jewels. Vita Fede is also in the over-the-top necklace act with silver, gold, and multicolored themed jewelry, perfect for a night on the town or an after work cocktail party. For a more rocker chic look, check Elizabeth Cole who is all about the hardware, heavy metals, and chains.
But don’t think it’s all about glitz and glam for your neck decor. The skinny metal necklace is also in a big way this season. You’ll be charmed by the jewelry designs of Alex Woo, who has launched a new line of thin metal chain necklaces with a small delicate charms attached. One of my favorite charm series by him is his fresh take on astrological signs. Pick your sign and choice of chain and you are good to go. Rebecca Norman also has the skinny on this necklace trend but her designs are more bohemian-inspired, the pieces are all handmade. The Argentinean jewelry company, Sibilia, is also very impressive with their specialty collection. It mixes and matches precious stones and metals for a natural and unique look.
xoxo,
Candy
I originally wrote this article for FashionEdits. You can view it here.