There might be a cut, but there’s no internal hemorrhaging, yet. VogueParis.com claimed this as the first leather goods for Nina Ricci, but I recall vividly they used to have various products from handbag to SLG, and my mum bought a hat box even.
Despite Olivier Theyskens’ seat is still warm and ignoring Anna Wintour’s voice out disapproval, Nina Ricci wastes no time (or has no time to waste?) and decide to revamp the brand in desperate urgency by pushing hard on leather goods and accessories. The house first launched 10pcs of limited edition blue tote sell exclusively to Dover Street Market which, needless to say, was aim to gain touches of coolness chez DSM.
I couldn’t help but feel NIna Ricci will become the direct competitor to Azzaro, but so far, without the presence of creative designer (C.D.), Nina Ricci has already started building the elegant Parisian image here which IMO is fitting to the house. Composed by 4 models and will grow throughout the season. A collection of tote bag, a hobo, a kit bag and a small number is born. All characterized by twisted emblematic to echo horseshoe, they are available in different colors and luxurious skins: lamb skin, pony, calf and alligator. The collection will be available in May at Nina Ricci store.
However, do these bags mean anything? We all know many C.D.s don’t really *design* the bags and accessories, but the question is- can bags sell without that Mida’s touch of the soul of a recovering brand? Clearly they don’t mind to let people know these are done by designing team. I mean, they can’t claim these’re actually Peter Copping‘s creations after the official announcement? Are they gonna do the post-Tom Ford/Gucci trick and have 3 designers to handle 3cates: WRTW, MRTW and accessories? Also, I really wonder if bags and accessories are the only way out to *revive* a house like Nina Ricci or Valentino for that matter? ‘Cos I DO NOT think so, this is what killed someone like Lacroix’s biz. Tell me there’s absolutely no hope for prêt-à-porter to come back as the dominant role in a fashion brand like what Tom Ford did for Gucci over 10 years ago. How disappointing is that! God, I miss Helmut Lang.
