Kooba's Spring 2011 handbags: (L) Dasha shoulder bag and (R) Kiley satchel. Photo: Kooba
Out with the old and in with the new isn't always the best path for design success. But with a little tweaking, Abbe Held, creative director of Kooba, has taken some of the brand's classics and made them fresh for 2011.
The hugely successful Natasha shoulder bag, for example, will be offered in new colors and textured leather, and comes with a sleeker snap-lock hardware closure.
Of course, there is plenty of newness like the Dasha hobo made from butter-soft leather that effortlessly molds to the body.
"It's soft, easy, and very versatile. It's my favorite bag of the season," says Held.
The main focus for silhouettes is versatility in design via multiwear options. Functionality is key for Kooba, as seen in the Lyndi purse that can be worn as a clutch or the handheld Shannon satchel with a detachable shoulder strap.
Kooba is giving the woman options. "It's like having a new bag every day," Held proclaims.
The brand is also giving its customers shoes, as Spring 2011 sees the full offering of Kooba footwear after Fall 2010's soft launch.
"Footwear design is truly miniature architecture. Every element of the shoe matters to the functionality and fit. We're focused on building a beautiful collection based on edgy yet easy silhouettes."
Kooba's Spring 2011 shoes: (L) Hayle and (R) Helen. Photo: Kooba
The assortment of Kooba shoes, handcrafted in Italy, includes flats, medium and high wedges, and thick and cone heels. Expect ankle straps, criss-cross detailing, and mixed materials like cork, soft leather, suede, and wood.
The shoes will be sold across the United States in high-end boutiques, internationally at Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, and on the brand's e-commerce site.
As for the color story, Held feels that, "For spring, pale taupes mixed with natural naked Vachetta tans are beautiful colors. And accenting neutral hues with rich and vibrant darker tones make for an eye-catching pallet."
She also forecasts that for Fall 2011, "We will be seeing many shades of gray with deep mahogany accents."
In other news, read about Lindsay Lohan's new handbag line.