New York Fashion Week Spring 2008 Handbag Trends

Zac Posen

Is it too soon to forecast the trends for Spring '08 handbags with London, Milan and Paris still waiting for their turns to dazzle us? It's never too soon for anything in fashion. It was plain to see what we could expect from the designers who showed at NYFW. Exotics will still be going strong into spring after their prevalent use this fall. Look for bright, candy-colored bags or unconventional color combinations to take center stage. Basic colors shift from blacks and greys to nudes with camel as the "must-have" color to invest in. There are still the perennial black/white combination bags, but this spring expect to see camel/black combinations everywhere. Styles and shapes range from clutches and frame top bags to messenger-style totes and large weekend carry-alls. These shapes make the most sense for spring and summer use since travel picks up during this time of the year, and coats, which hinder the ability to carry messenger bags or clutches, are banished to the back of the closet. Of course, our favorite designers from across the pond might have something completely different in store for us, but it's likely most of these trends, especially shapes and materials, will continue throughout their collections as well.

Exotics
L-R: ODLR, ODLR, Michael Kors

Bright Colors
L-R: Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs

Camel and Black combinations
L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Max Azria, Max Azria

Black and White combinations
L-R: Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka

Clutches
L-R: Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka, MARC by Marc Jacobs, BCBG, Calvin Klein

Travel Bags
L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch

3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein,Marc Jacobs, MARC by Marc jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch and Zac Posen photos via Style.com

Badgley Mischka, BCBG, Max Azria and Michael Kors photos via Elle.com