Spring/Summer 2009 marks the United States launch of Gretchen, the innovative European handbag and leather collection quickly gaining international popularity. For designer Anne Hofmann, leatherwork is over a century old family tradition and Gretchen, launched in 2006, a subsequent step.

Stylistically influenced by the modernist Bauhaus movement, Gretchen handbags, gloves and belts are a unique blend of artistic design and sensible utility. Using simple geometric shapes in hues of natural, black, cognac, violets, and greens, Gretchen incorporates complementary elements of weaving, piping and quilting into soft luxurious leathers. Each piece is meticulously crafted for superior form and function.

Standout pieces include the effortless “Opera” hobo bags; the lavender half-moon-shaped clutch in quilted napa leather; the “Actress” bag, a large square tote with patent leather paneling and fingerless motorcycle gloves in purple with green stitching and buckle detail. The collection retails from $150-$630.

Gretchen has been featured in over 80 publications including Vogue Germany, InStyle Germany, and Elle Germany.

Gretchen can be seen online at www.mygretchen.com .

La Maison du Chocolat is pleased to announce the opening of its newest boutique in New York City, located at 63 Wall Street, in November 2008.
The idea behind the new store embodies the innovative La Maison du Chocolat aesthetic, motivated by the desire to create a space that inspires sensory, discovery, freedom and luxury.
Since its inception, thirty years ago, La Maison du Chocolat has consistently set the highest standard for chocolate and while the new space maintains a fidelity to the luxurious style, it has been updated in a classic yet contemporary style.
The boutique will feature the traditional chocolate and dessert counter, as well as a Tea Room.
The 63 Wall Street boutique is proud to be at the forefront of the revitalization of the Financial District and the expansion of luxury retailers into the area.

Lucky Brand goes to their vault of vintage gear to and came out with inspiration

Lucky Brand announces their limited edition, handcrafted, vest. This vest is a re-creation of a vintage piece that has been in the Lucky Brand vault for years. Co-founders Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman along with Liz Munos, the president of Lucky Brand, have been collecting inspiring vintage pieces for over 15 years and this unique vest was lucky enough to be discovered with enough time to be re-created and offered for the fall season. Three hundred lucky shoppers will be able to get their hands on this vest and then the vault will close again with the vest inside.

Rooted in rock ‘n’ roll and vintage-inspired, Lucky Brand designs and produces denim, sportswear, knits, woven’s, outerwear, t-shirts, active wear and has recently launched Lucky Kid. Additional Lucky Brand licensed products include swimwear, watches, iPod players, and accessories for men and women. Lucky Brand Jeans has over 180 neighborhood stores nationwide and internationally. The Lucky Brand collections are carried at better department and specialty stores and at luckybrandjeans.com.