Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - March/April 2021

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup THE HEALTHY BACK BAG COMPANY LAUNCHES SS21 COLLECTION The Healthy Back Bag has launched its SS21 collection, with the company creating three themes. These will, according to HBB, “encapsulate the new mood of optimistic change as we showcase function and performance using a palette of organic neutrals, utilitarian monochromes and happy primaries. RE- claim, RE-work and RE-mix represent a new circularity bound together with a palette of genderless and seasonless Blues representing calm, confidence and strength.” RE-claim comes in organic shades of green, red and brown, which are combined with perennial pastels in a theme that encapsulates both the gentle and the wild side of nature. An emphasis on sustainability and upcycling creates an individual twist to fabrics that can be traced in plush textures, natural fibres and vintage style prints. RE-work centres around cool minimalism with a utilitarian aesthetic, while RE-mix is an ultra- modern, vibrant and stimulating theme taking its nod to the 1990s sportswear combined with a nod to the future. Visit www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk CAPRICE LAUNCHES NEW A/W CATALOGUE 21/22 Shoe brand Caprice has launched its new autumn/winter 21/22 collection, which features ‘unusual styles, clear aesthetics and expressive details.’ Styles include combat boots, chunky loafers or fashionable city styles with square toe forms. The company offers a versatile collection with around 200 styles ranging from high trend to classics. According to a press release, delicate and exclusive shoe upper materials are combined with thicker treads. Chunky, combat, or Chelsea boots are in vogue and shape the new collection. The company says, “Robust, chunky and playful, these boots can be perfectly combined with any outfit. They impress with their rustic and multi-colored profile soles, which are light and have non-slip materials. “Functional attributes and decorative elements merge perfectly with one another and result in daring and distinctive shoe creations. “The classic Chelsea boots are a fashionable upgrade offering very thick or transparent soles. “The trendy combat boots in different shaft heights, widths and sole designs ensure the casual work boot look. Riding and slouchy boots round off the range of long boots perfectly and show attention to detail and style.” In terms of trends, Caprice says, “Next winter, classic black will experience a new hype and dominate the color palette of the Caprice collection. Gray tones such as granite or stone are all-rounders and set the tone. “Soft nuances such as taupe, cream or wool white are experiencing an upswing and are stylish and multifaceted. In addition, lively natural tones such as cognac or turmeric meet timeless and calm green elements such as hunter, olive or cactus.” POETIC BRANDS TEAMS UP WITH NATIONAL GALLERY ON NEW APPAREL RANGE In response to a growing interest in art in the licensed fashion sector, specialist apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has teamed up with the National Gallery, which houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, to create a range of adult apparel and accessories based on its impressive and extensive artworks. The range incorporates a wide range of products including adult daywear apparel and outerwear, swimwear, flip flops, beach bags and towels, adult nightwear and essentials, and accessories including caps and luggage. The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and houses over 2600 paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century in Trafalgar Square. With one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Gallery displays many world-famous works, such as van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Anne Bradford, Director, Poetic Brands, comments: “Over the past year we have seen a significant interest in art within the fast fashion segment of the industry and subsequent demand across the high street. The National Gallery offers us a wealth of assets from a number of artists that translate beautifully onto apparel and nightwear. “We are also developing luggage which although isn’t hugely in demand at the moment, the time will come when we are all travelling again, and this collection will provide premium, and easily identifiable pieces for consumers to be proud of on the carousel. Working closely with the team at the National Gallery, we have ensured that their art collection has in turn created a fashion collection that is already very much in demand.” Judith Mather, Buying and Brand Licensing Director, the National Gallery, comments: “We are very excited about the partnership with Poetic Brands which will bring old master paintings to a new audience. It is amazing to bring our collection to modern life.” INDUSTRY NEWS 99