Sorry for not updating sooner, but we have been traveling all day and I will not be updating today. We are in New York City right now, and while it is cold, miserable, and rainy, we are still thrilled to be here. We have exciting interviews set up along with sneak peaks at handbags for […]
Original post by Megs
I think gold and diamonds are always “this season”. 
Original post by Chic Inspector
China’s largest down apparel company — Bosideng International Holdings Limited (”Bosideng” or the “Company”; HKEx: 3998, together with its subsidiaries comprising the “Group”) presented its latest 2008/09 fall/winter cold resistant apparel at the “2008 China International Clothing and Accessories Fair” (”CICA”) in Beijing, an annual event of great prestige for top players in the apparel and fashion industry. Leveraging the Bosideng brand, the Group also unveiled a brand new line of cold-resistant apparel products to expand its year-round, marketing opportunities. At the CICA, Bosideng first showcased a new series of non-down four-season fashions to highlight the brand′s strategic positioning of focusing on down apparel as core sales items, but expanding its reach into four-season fashion lines.
Original post by no@spam.com (Maxamillion Blick)
Weiqiao Textile Company Limited (“the Company” or “Weiqiao Textile”) and its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (HKEX: 2698), the largest cotton textile producer in China, recently announced its annual results for the period ended December 31, 2007 (the “Period”).
During the year under review, the demand in the textile market decreased owing to the appreciation of the renminbi, the decrease in the export tax refund rate and macroeconomic control measures. Revenue of the Group decreased 6.2% to RMB18,590,000,000 compared with 2006. Gross profit decreased 19.9% to RMB2,662,000,000. Net profit attributable to shareholders rose 10.9% to RMB1,868,000,000. Basic earnings per share were RMB 1.56, 9.1% higher than that of last year. The Board of Directors proposed a final dividend of approximately RMB0.50, up 13.6% compared with 2006.
Commenting on the annual results performance, Ms. Zhang Hongxia, Chairman of Weiqiao Textile, said, “In 2007, reductions in exports and the rises in production costs led to more intense market competition. The appreciation of the renminbi, the changes to the export tax refund policy and a rise in raw materials costs all posed certain challenges for the textile industry in China. Despite poor market conditions, the Group achieved steady results in a challenging textile market, in part as a result of effective cost control measures. Leveraging on our economies of scale and technological transformation, we successfully increased operating efficiencies by improving equipment and facilities and optimizing our product mix.”
Original post by no@spam.com (Maxamillion Blick)
More specifically, April in Paris. And no passport is necessary because April in Paris is not a trip itinerary, but a true find for handbag lovers who appreciate look, quality, and craftsmanship foremost.
Beatrice “Bea″ Amblard is the craftsman at the helm of this San Francisco based company, and she comes by the title craftsman honorably. With a career that began at the venerable house of Hermes, where she worked on styles from Kelly bags to small leather goods, manufacturing, and designing, Bea honed her skills and was eventually sent to the states by Hermes as their “Ambassador″ to their new San Francisco outpost in 1987. At the time, she was only the second individual sent to the US by the company, and the only one to open their own store stateside.
But enough about Bea, because the bags are really what it’s all about.
Made from imported french skins, Bea’s April in Paris bags will last a lifetime. They are as elegant and timeless as any bag around. While some aspects seem borrowed from Hermes styles, they only go to show that what is a classic transcends labels.
The bag pictured above, the Natalie, is $9500, as shown in alligator. While it may seem like a steep price, it is actually very reasonable, and far, far less than similarly sized alligator bags…most of which are not made by hand.
Smaller, but no less spectacular, the Reno clutch in lizard, is the sort of bag you’ll pull out for occasion after occasion. Like the Natalie, it too has the signature bee at the clasp (bee for Bea) which is like tiny bag jewelry, and made of sterling silver, or 18 karat gold in rose or yellow.
The Reno sells for $3500.
A style I love the looks of is the Manhattan Tote. Pictured in bright orange grain calf, with the surprise of red insets, this is a class act. I am a sucker for the lunch bag look…I love the sharp lines and geometric quality, a nice alternative to the rounded corners, and softness of so many current bags. I do admit that it is not a bag for everyone.
It’s so bright and cheerful! It too is $3500.
I know there are people who will balk at these prices, people who will readily plop down thousands for a branded bag, but not for something less recognizable. April in Paris is probably not for you. It is for that person who has no problem spending a lot on a bag, but doesn’t want to have to do it twice a year to feel current…and who may want everyone to know just how deep her passion for quality bags runs but not the depths of her wallet.
April in Paris bags are custom made to order, and the possibilities are endless. By working closely with her sources, Beatrice can request specific dye lots, so you can pretty much consider the rainbow your palette, and have the color done in any of the leathers and exotics available.
Also, on the site are links to the April in Paris Newsletter which you can subscribe to if you choose. it has some very good information beyond just new styles including local workshops, and tips for caring for leather and exotic skins.
Should you be local, or just traveling to the Bay Area, the April in Paris boutique (and workshop) is located at 55 Clement St in San Francisco. telephone 415-750-9910.
Original post by Bag chick
I also love the necklace but I feel those neckalces were last season. Does anyone agree with me on this?
Original post by Chic Inspector
Lux Couture presents our March Giveaway with an exotic clutch from Michael Teperson!
What’s to win?
With your entry in this thread, you get the chance to win this exciting Par Avion Clutch by Michael Teperson sponsored by our good friend Sari Brown at Lux Couture! Made of supple watersnake, the Par Avion features smart detailing like […]
Original post by Megs
Lambertson Truex Metallic Rivington Clutch
Lambertson Truex bags are known for their clean lines, impeccable quality, and understated elegance. At times these bags fly below the radar, but the Spring 2008 collection jumps out and grabs your attention. From exotic crocodile in metallic gold to orange ostrich, the spring bags for Lambertson Truex have my heart. […]
Original post by Megs
Some say Victoria Beckham owns 10 Hermes Birkins. Whoever claimed this obviously has not been keeping up with Victoria and her outings because her Birkin collection exceeds 10 by far. And one of her newest editions, said to be a gift from husband David, is a 30 cm Hermes Ostrich Birkin in Violine. When […]
Original post by Megs
Botkier Frankie Satchel
Botkier bags have become a fan favorite in the handbag loving world. As the brand has developed over the past five years Monica Botkier, the designer, has kept true to her fans producing more hip and usable bags each season. Recently there was a release of Botkier shoes, which I look forward to […]
Original post by Megs