PARIS — The accessories market has been buffeted by change in recent years: Explosive growth in the contemporary sector effectively stole the luxury “It” bag’s thunder, offering consumers trendy, Instagram-friendly — and better-priced — alternatives.
Now the contemporary market — and handbags in particular — may have become the victim of its own success, with Paris showrooms crammed with new brands that all want a piece of the accessories space, which remains dominated by mega labels.
The brands that stood out in Paris have been carving their own niches and steering clear of aggressive influencer placements, which often can lead to labels going boom, then bust.
Medea is one such label. It has long opted to gift its bags to artists, musicians and friends rather than fashion influencers, and has stayed true to its creative pursuits, collaborating with the likes of Nan Goldin, and most recently, Judith Burstein. The aim is to create limited-edition pieces that complement its signature leather tote, which is designed to resemble a paper bag.
Ratio et Motus is another name to note. Having just graduated from Net-a-porter’s Vanguard program for up-and-coming designers, the label is now looking to expand distribution globally and to build its own retail channels.
“We’ve already expanded
Now the contemporary market — and handbags in particular — may have become the victim of its own success, with Paris showrooms crammed with new brands that all want a piece of the accessories space, which remains dominated by mega labels.
The brands that stood out in Paris have been carving their own niches and steering clear of aggressive influencer placements, which often can lead to labels going boom, then bust.
Medea is one such label. It has long opted to gift its bags to artists, musicians and friends rather than fashion influencers, and has stayed true to its creative pursuits, collaborating with the likes of Nan Goldin, and most recently, Judith Burstein. The aim is to create limited-edition pieces that complement its signature leather tote, which is designed to resemble a paper bag.
Ratio et Motus is another name to note. Having just graduated from Net-a-porter’s Vanguard program for up-and-coming designers, the label is now looking to expand distribution globally and to build its own retail channels.
“We’ve already expanded