Who is going to be the breakthrough designer in 2009?

[cre8or]

Personally i think LOCKHEART will be the next 2009...they're the orignial designers from Isabella Fiora...so we should be seeing more of them....plus i like how to they put in so much detail into each bag...its amazing.

[Loquita]

Hmmm....I think that there will be breakout designers at different price points...a great mid-point designer for 20 and 30 somethings that is on the verge of making it big is Bryna Nicole. I get the sense that Ignes and Belen Echandia are slowly but surely growing as well, but I don't see them going exactly mass-market to the degree that Rebecca Minkoff is heading (for example, she has just started having to outsource some of her bags to China).

Given the economy, I think that the super high-end bag market is going to suffer more, whereas the mid-level designers will take a hit but not so much. I also anticipate more of a move towards personalized or "bespoke" bags offered by Belen Echandia and Ignes (sort of like the bagista's version of Starbucks drink personalization). The industry is def. moving in that direction.

[janetk77]

I'm betting in this economy, even people who can afford the super high end will go for the subdued luxury over flash. So, more emphasis on muted signs of luxury for those "in the know" - BV intrecciato, maybe Loro Piana, and conservative Hermes. But I also think we're going to see more rugged bags that reflect a we-shall-overcome zeitgeist: the new Proenza Schouler line especially captures this androygnous/schoolboy/beat-up-with-character feeling beautifully (Kirna Zabete markets it as "Vogue's "anti-It bag" for the girl who knows she's "It") - the ps1 would be perfect in my eyes if only that strap was designed for crossbody. The new mood is luxurious functionality with timeless rugged quality. (I think this thread is getting at this too: If Indiana Jones bought a bag at Barneys....)

I also think Loquita is absolutely on the money regarding the bespoke bag market. In this market, a good bag will more often be a rare and careful investment, and more and more women are going to appreciate the luxury of choosing their own materials, choosing the best functionality for their own lives, and enjoying the mystery of an exclusive, personalized bag in a sea of flashy logos.

[atlbaggirl]

Originally Posted by michelle100

What do you think about Victoria Beckham's new collection, Can she breakthrough in 2009???

I love her collection -- and yes it is similar to other designers -- but the styling is classic and I think the dress are versatile. I am hoping it will be available at www.Netaporter.com . I wear DVF dresses all the time and I am looking forward to adding a couple of her dresses.

Some dresses from Fall 2009

[hedger22]

Gorgeous dresses! Look at those waists! haha

[ivysun]

my vote goes to:
Ignes
Treesje
CC Skye handbag
Not Rational
Bryna Nicole

[beesaunt]

I vote Ignes. Simple, elegant, nice prices...

atlbaggirl - LOVE the avatar. I remember that ad...

[Is it on sale?]

I'm not even yet a fan, but Ignes seems to be everywhere. I think, given what I've read about their CS and QC, this is going to be the brand to beat.

[goodatlife]

jeremy dreyfuss. love his effortless bags... although he is hardly seen around here in the US..actually, that's one reason i like him all the more

[shimmerbrick]

definitely treesje. they've been churning out some pretty awesome stuff!

[seahorseinstripes]

i think proenza schouler and alexander wang bags are going hype this year, both have their bags worn by olsen so people were talking about them even before they came out

[ladakini]

Originally Posted by kachesle

i love her but she's a bit overpriced, which won't fare well in this economy.

Her bags are too busy for my taste, too overdone. Love Yuen and Bird.
A very interesting thread.