Suede Fans Hit Barbie K.
Shoppers looking for newness are scooping up washable suede zip-up jackets at Barbie K. in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Made by New York-based Revue, the jackets come in hooded and suede/sweater varieties and retail for about $240.
“They’re easy to wear and easy to take care of,” noted storeowner Barbie Falconer, who said that shoppers should wash the jackets inside out in a garment bag and dry them flat.
Falconer added that the black suede jacket has already sold out.
Other standout lines appealing to Barbie K.’s 30- to 65-year-old beach customers include Carilyn Vaile’s beefy solid-color nylon shirts in varieties ranging from three-quarter-sleeve to cowl-neck and casual activewear by Sebu and Glima. The Brighton purses and jewelry are a cash cow, especially during the holidays when dutiful husbands hit the store. “They come in with the catalog dog-eared, saying, ’I want this and this,’” said Falconer.
The former TRW communications professional is hoping to see some fresh design ideas for Spring. “There’s not a whole lot of newness out there,” she said. “Things are starting to look the same.” —Nola Sarkisian-Miller
