THE WORD ON WHAT’S HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE
AW, MOM, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ONE
Or so it seems at the rate Chanel is selling the ultimate in backpacks. A shipment of the black caviar calfskin version ($1,425) and the mahogany split calfskin ($1,395) sold out before it arrived, says Roger Martin, director of the South Coast Plaza boutique. And there’s a long waiting list for the next shipment. But don’t panic. A good supply of the honey-colored crocodile version is still available at $9,310. Martin says the packs’ popularity has moved them onto the list of Chanel classics.
BLUE SUEDE SHOES
Vans chukka suede boot--in black, burgundy, turquoise, green, navy and other colors--has become the clunky shoe of choice among many teens. The high-top-style athletic shoe ($46) has been available for a decade, but the urban street wear trend has had sales skyrocketing by 500% in the last year, says Sari Naukkarinen, Vans director of product development. “It’s been very, very good for us.” So good, in fact, that Vans now has a velvet version ($44) for young ladies who mix their casual footwear with dressy dresses.
HAUTE WATER
Leave it to Gucci to figure out how to carry your Evian in style. The Italian design house has come out with a water bottle holder for the poshly parched ($125 for the small holder, $145 for the large), in black or brown with the familiar Gucci logo on the bottom. What with water being so precious in California, doesn’t it deserve handling with kid gloves? Make that “cinghilae,” which is what pigskin becomes once Gucci brands it.
THE TROUBLE WITH HAIRY
The campaign by men’s magazines to put sideburns and goatees on every man’s face is having its effect. But for some, that means face fur is losing its punch. Graphic artist Shark Kehler (say it out loud) of Costa Mesa has worn a Van Dyke beard for years, but lately he feels it’s no longer a unique statement. “I grew it when I was a beatnik, and I ended up liking how it hid my chin.” Now every guy who can grow whiskers has one. But Kehler, 38, says that won’t make him shave his off. “I had my Van Dyke first, and I’ll keep wearing it after the trend’s over.”
