By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
June 5, 2001
Get ready to show some skin: Animal-skin purses.
”We’re seeing a lot of exotic skins this season,” says Ultimo owner Sara Nygren. ”Alligator, python, pony skin–they’re all very popular. The clutch bag is back in style as well. But we’ve got a little more variety now. Women want something fun, unique and durable.”
A good handbag can be a conversation starter, especially if it’s made entirely from film strips.
”I met [director] John Waters and he was trying to figure out which movie my purse was made from,” Nygren says. ”It’s surprisingly durable for day wear, but it’s also a really cute evening bag. Each purse is made with different film strips.”
A good purse also can be your best accessory. A neatly put-together look may be thrown off by a scuffed up handbag. Conversely, a striking velvet bag may spruce up a casual jeans look.
”I always suggest that women get a bag that goes with everything they have, and also one that just screams fun,” says stylist Kim Blanche. ”You can take a cue from the designer bags and find something similar that’s cheaper. If you have a basic black bag, you can use that pretty much all year round. If you can afford to splurge, go for that bag with feathers, flowers, sequins or whatever else on it that you love and have to have.”
This season’s most coveted bag is John Galliano’s soccer bag, which replaces Prada’s bowling handbag as a must-have. There’s also the new Louis Vuitton graffiti bags designed by Stephen Sprouse.
What’s out? Microfiber purses.
”I haven’t seen any of those in the new collections,” Nygren says. ”That doesn’t mean they won’t come back.”
