Money Bags

(Courtesy of tradingfloor.com)

Chanel SS 2013
(Courtesy of: designscene.net)

Accessories and handbags have become increasingly popular. Campaign ads alone are capturing consumers' attention when it comes to accessories. Take for instance Chanel's SS 2013 accessories ad campaign.... some of the photographs feature supermodels and catwalk stars, but they haven't captured as much interest to consumers as the model-free ad (the Chanel accessory-scattered room photograph).

It's always applaud-able when a brands products solely speak for themselves! Dior handbag ads are also popular featuring shots of actresses Marion Cotillard and recently Jennifer Lawrence; very simple photographs with the bag (attracting the shot towards the bag). 

Dior
(Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com)

Advertisements like these are reflecting the ever-increasing priority for many fashion houses and luxury brands.

Hermes Birkin Bag
(Courtesy of: forbes.com)

Brands' handbags and perfumes are major money-spinners in luxury goods these days, rather than the clothes seen on the models in many ads. Like luxury brand Hermes Birkin bag's sales reported a 26 % jump in profits last year.   

It seems there may be a preference in the "accessibility" of accessories these days. Many luxury brands in the fashion business feel the pressure to put what is selling the most in the "retail spotlight". While budgets are tight, labels attempt to attract their customers however they can and accessories seems to be the answer!

The consumers' mindset thinking, "when looking to buy from a luxury brand, we can ALWAYS buy a bag." Meaning anyone can carry a Birkin bag, Burberry's Orchard bag , or Charlotte Olympia clutch without having the perfect "supermodel" body. 

There has also seen how in the past there were much more press coverage for clothing brands received (especially for runway shows). Even Louis Vuitton, best known for his luxury bags, produces clothing mostly due to this.

Charlotte Olympia Clutch
(Courtesy of: purseblog.com)

Take Proenza Schouler, a high-concept woman's wear brand who recently re-vamped their website's accessory displays. Stocking a range of small leather luxury goodssuch as handbags (including the brands well known PS1 bag), jewelry, scarves and a select group of items from the luxury brands' Spring 2013 runway collection.

This brands' total annual sales estimated at £50 million, easily making the brand (and the website) their largest sales channel.

Proenza Schouler PS1 bag
(Courtesy of: beverlys.net)

                             

  

Nicholas Kirkwood SS 2013
(Courtesy of: shorazzi.com)

Nicholas Kirkwood, known for popularity in high heels has made heads turn on runways and in the press with his shoe collection. In January he even became the first accessories designer to win the British fashion council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

Some luxury retailers are even offering consumers access to brands' products early (usually at certain store for a limited time). High-quality luxury brand Lanvin made at least 5 black python handbags (priced at around £4,000 a piece) that were only available to top customers. Only 14 of these were produced in total at that time.

Lanvin Black Python Happy Bag
(Courtesy of: portero.com)

So it seems fashion fanatics might be skipping past the retail clothing racks and heading for the luxury handbags, clutches, heels and other accessories for a little while.