California Apparel News

Southern California–based lifestyle powerhouse Trina Turk is adding handbag designer to her list of talents.

Known for her colorful aesthetic and iconic contemporary designs for fashion and home, the brand is officially launching three categories of clutches, satchels and totes in August for Fall 2014.

“Our customers have requested them for several years, and we felt that a bag category would really round out the lifestyle of the brand,” the designer said. “The bag collection, just like the entire Trina Turk brand, is inspired by California’s vibrant multicultural mix, architecture and landscape. We are also inspired by California’s outdoor poolside vibe, so all of our bags are named after cocktails.”

The Trina Turk handbag collection is segmented into three distinct categories: Essentials, Luxe and Sun.

Essentials, the core of the Trina Turk handbag collection, are designed around Trina’s flourishing ready-to-wear business. It is made up of traditional and vintage-inspired totes, satchels and cross-body silhouettes. Essentials use both structure and multi-functional design components.

Luxe consists of evening bags and clutches distinguished by custom hardware and luxe linings.

Sun, an extension of Turk’s year-round “Swim & Spa” collection, consists of a single, key item: a canvas and leather tote. It will be presented in three hallmark Trina Turk prints: water-color floral, geo stud and brushstroke plaid. The Sun group will launch with her Resort collection.

“I think the collection really interprets our California modern inspiration, and I’m excited to offer clients a full assortment ranging from totes, satchels and cross-body silhouettes to clutches and small leather goods,” Turk said. “I wanted to create a line that would be both stylish and functional, and I think that each of the categories meets a different need for the customer—whether it’s as her everyday tote or a style to carry at night.”

There are 28 different styles offered, including certain looks in multiple color ways. Fabrications range from soft nappa leather to monochrome woven pebbled leather to printed haircalf.

These fabrications are cast in peacock and mineral blue, berry, cabernet, amber, military green and pumice. Embellishments and details include knotted tassels, painted pop edges, perforations, embossing, enamel and resin hardware with the brand’s signature Floret icon. The bags are manufactured in China, with leathers and materials sourced in Italy.

Handbags wholesale from $93 to $215 and will be available at leading department stores and specialty boutiques nationwide, including Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie, as well as Trina Turk boutiques nationwide. They are also available at www.trinaturk.com.