Handbags as a Symbol of Female Power

By Henrietta Timmons

Elaine Turner handbags to give you that added power

Have you ever thought of a handbag as a symbol of female power and authority? Of course everyone is different so a purse for one person may mean something totally different and unique for another but let's look at handbags from a different perspective.

The press of England has spent time and effort speculating and commenting on ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's handbag. To quote "The Times" in June, 1982 written by Julian Critchley, "She...tends to believe the worst of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She cannot see an institution without hitting it with her handbag..."

It's obvious that the press equates Margaret Thatcher's handbag with her assertion of power and the ability to impose her will. If you look closely, you will notice that her handbags closely resemble the Queen Mother's handbags. Is it because both of these powerful women choose the same type of bag or is Ex-Prime Minister Thatcher deliberately mimicking this female symbol of ultimate authority in her country?

Negotiations are underway for the famous handbag to be placed in a museum that houses Winston Churchill's papers and historical documents from the War. There is no indication that Mr. Churchill's wallet is stored in this prestigious collection but, then again , Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to impose her powerful presence (and pocketbook!) on 10 Downing Street!

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Elaine Turner on Elaine Turner

The Summer Look from Elaine Turner

My husband and I own the business. I was a former apparel merchandiser and designer in NYC. My background is in private label design for mass retailers such as Talbot's, Ann Taylor etc. My dream was to have my own business. It was great timing for accessories. All the hot ready-to- wear designers were branching off into accessories and I felt there was a niche in the mid-market handbag area for contemporary, classic, accessible handbags. Accessories were becoming the best way to update your wardrobe and express your individuality. My work experience enabled me to understand the needs of a wider audience. We got started 7 years ago. Handbags are an instant, "feel good" item. Accessories are the surest way to make a customer happy- no trying them on, no, "I am feeling too fat today" etc.. It's all about the moment and watching someone instantly become happy with the purchase of her new handbag! I respond to that and this is why I wake up happy and WANT to go to work everyday.

Our target audience is late 20's to 65 and up. We seem to attract young professionals and chic Mom's. We are known for our unexpected mix of materials and for our ladylike elegance. For example, we have an extensive straw collection and we combine straw with the luxurious leathers such as python and croc. We source all Italian leathers. We have been extremely successful with our distressed lamb collection that is in stores now. Our inspiration really comes from our customer base- everything we do stems from what we feel she would respond to. We follow all the current trends, but we are sure to interpret them in a way we feel she would like. We never want to lose sight of who she is. Our line is contemporary yet classic. We never want to be a "fly by night" trend collection. We want there to always be longevity and value in the bags we create. We are currently designing Spring 2008 and just opened our first retail store in Dallas at North Park mall. And we are expanding our product offering into baby bags, weekenders, Small leather goods and cosmetic cases.

We are a true original. It was really about 2 people who wanted to start and business and did just that. I think the intimacy of the brand is unique -there is a face behind the brand. I feel like we separate ourselves from our competitors in that we are offering an elegant, sophisticated product at an approachable price point. All too often what you are envisioning in your head is not what the initial design or prototype looks like! It's a definite "UH-OH" moment. But you have to put your nose to the grind stone and fight through it and be persistent about what you want.

My greatest achievement with regard to my business is starting it. I think that is ultimately the hardest part. It really is about the journey and living each day. I do not want to be living for what "might" happen in the future. That is futile. So I choose to look at what I have accomplished now and how I can build on that each day. From a more literal perspective, opening a store in North Park center in Dallas has been exhilarating. There is nothing quite like experiencing a tangible, three dimensional space that communicates your brand. Every time I walk in that store I am affirmed as to why I am doing this. The reason it is all worth it, is making women happy everyday! I have to say, we are in the "make women happy business." You don't meet too many disgruntled customers in the handbag business- you see lots of smiles! That's what keeps me going!

Events and Sales: Steals on Elaine Turner Handbags

EVENTS
• Meet John Kressaty, 3LAB chemist and skin-care authority, at his first appearance at Barneys. Call to set up your private skin consultation. Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St. (212-833-2010); Wed. (11–2).

• Get a free makeover today and tomorrow, as John Frieda Salon sets up shop downtown with a mobile hair salon. Frieda himself will make an appearance both days, and celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh (to Sarah Jessica Parker and Fergie) will offer tips. Through 6/26. South Street Seaport, 10–6.

SALES
STARTING TODAY
• Alexander Wang is having a spring sample sale, with loads of cool black dresses and loose denim. Through 6/26. 628 Broadway, at Walker St.; Wed. (3–7); Thurs.(10–7).

• Bring out your inner girly-girl on Betsey Johnson’s sample sale. Dresses are down to $87 (orig. $345), and tops are $55 (orig.$220). Through 6/26. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W, 44th St., nr. Broadway, Seventh fl.; Wed.–Thurs. (10–7:30).

• The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop got in a special shipment of Chanel blouses, dresses, jackets, skirts, and pants for you to scoop up today only. 1440 Third Ave., nr. 81st St. (212-535-1250); Wed. (10–5).

• Sandals, heels, and more, from Hollywould’s cruise collection are up to 80 percent off. Through 6/30. 198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-1905); Thurs.–Sat. (11:30–7); Sun. (noon–5).

• Society for Rational Dress, Diabless, Vivienne Westwood, and Morphine Generation are all 20 to 75 percent off at the Woodley & Bunny sale. 490 Driggs Ave., nr. N. 9th St. (718-218-6449); Daily (noon–8).

• With this three-day sale, you’ll only have to pay $5 to $60 for clothes from Soundgirl, or pay $40 to $60 for Shoes for Lovely People. Through 6/27. 1385 Broadway, nr. 37th St., Fifth fl. (212-730-0377); Daily (10–6:30).

• The Brian Reyes and Tashkent by Cheyenne sale starts today. Through 6/26. Tashkent Studios, 939 Eighth Ave., nr. 56th St., Ste. 501; Wed.–Thurs. (11–7).

• Elaine Turner handbags are up to 75 percent—off. The Eva Sand Dollar beach bag that was $150 now is $50, and python clutches that were $650 are only $195. Through 6/26. 320 Fifth Ave., at 32nd St., Ste. 1102. (212-239-8966).

• Score 30 percent off Vix swimwear by typing VIXDC30 at checkout. The Perry black suit with gold detailing that was $170 is now $119.

STARTING TOMORROW
• United Bamboo’s spring/summer 2008 collections, as well as previous collections, are up to 90 percent off retail. Through 6/28. 217 Centre St., nr. Grand St., Sixth fl. (212-925-3311); Thurs.–Fri. (10–7), Sat. (12–7).

ENDING TOMORROW
• The Akris trunk show ends tomorrow at Bergdorf Goodman. Through 6/26. Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St., Fourth fl. (212-753-7300); 10–8.

The Little Black Bag - Elaine Turner Maya Shoulder Bag

You've heard about the little black dress, right? Well just as every girl needs one a little black dresses for every occasion, every wardrobe needs that little black purse. Of course the handbag doesn't have to be little, it can be big or medium...and you can definitely have more than one. The Elaine Turner Maya bag in black is our little black purse. Though not very little, this bag can go anywhere we need. Great for everyday, comfortable to carry and roomy enough for all we need, the little black dress has some competition. Elaine Turner handbag measures about 15 x 14.5 x 2 inches with double adjustable shoulder straps. Shop for authentic Elaine Turner handbags at up to 40% off now.

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