FINDINGS
LA BAGAGERIE IS BACK: After several years’ absence, French handbag firm La Bagagerie is coming back to the U.S., this time for wholesale rather than retail distribution. The firm’s Madison Avenue shop closed in August 1996, and since then fans of the line have had to cross the Atlantic to buy its classic leather or fun fashion bags and leather goods.
Jacquie Moskowitz LLC has been named exclusive U.S. agent and will begin selling the line in July from showroom space at 385 Fifth Avenue. Moskowitz said the line has been edited slightly for the American market and will wholesale for about $55 to $210.
La Bagagerie is sold in its six stores in France, in leased departments in Galleries Lafayette and Bon Marche and through distributors in Germany, Spain and Japan.
FAUNA & FLORA AT BG: After successful careers as a pharmacologist and a lawyer, Evelyn Clothier has become a designer, turning her lifelong love of jewelry into a collection of pins in dragonflies, bumblebees and other nature-inspired looks.
The 18-karat gold and platinum one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces are embellished with diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones and enameling with an antique feel. Since the line was launched exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in mid-April, butterfly pins have been the most popular, according to Rise Gerber, fashion director for accessories.
“The collection got off to a quick start and really appeals to fashion customers and those who appreciate hand-craftsmanship,” said Gerber.
Retail prices range from $1,600 to $35,000, and during an appearance by Clothier recently, a diamond and pearl swan pin sold for $33,000.
FIORUCCI FUN: Fiorucci has signed a license with Ash Hosiery, New York, for hats, caps and gloves. Ash, which has manufactured only hosiery to date, has brought in production resources to make the new products.
The new categories are now in the concept stages, according to Dawn Power, vice president of design at Ash. The design direction will come from Fiorucci’s sportswear designers in Milan and New York. The line is expected to be in stores by spring 1999, targeted to better boutiques and department stores.
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DATE DIBS: New York accessories maker A. Brod Inc. has grabbed the license for brand — “The Mark of the Millennium” brand — for scarves, belts, hats and hair accessories.
The brand is licensed through Walker Group/Designs in New York and has attracted other firms to the millennium hoopla, including Adrienne Vittadini for a knit collection, Josie Natori for sportswear and Ferragamo for scarves and ties.
The retail range for the A. Brod accessories will be $10 to $40. The firm is shipping the items beginning Aug. 15.