California Apparel News

While Cate Adair’s costumes may be the perfect look for the ladies of Wisteria Lane, her handbags are designed for the ladies of real life. The Emmy Award–nominated costume designer for “Desperate Housewives” launched her line of signature handbags, Cate Adair Collections, on Nov. 19 at a private cocktail reception in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills. While Adair insists her two worlds are separate, Wisteria Lane’s leading ladies—Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Brenda Strong, Andrea Bowen and Kiersten Warren—turned out to show their support for the designer, who keeps them looking stylish every week on the hit ABC television show. Adair doesn’t plan to feature her handbags on the show, but her collection is already available at retail. Kitson and Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles, Bloomingdale’s in New York and San Francisco, and specialty boutiques across the country have picked up the line.

Adair said she was inspired to launch her collection of sophisticated handbags, small leather goods and belts because she loves accessories. “I adore accessories and I wanted to do something that was contained, that was fun and also that I could fit into the time when I’m not doing the show,” said the designer. The collection features 14 styles, including large carry-all totes, satchels, shoulder bags and evening clutches. Small leather goods such as makeup cases, business card holders and key chains are also part of the line. “I based it exclusively on things that I enjoy and things that I thought were practical and needed,” said Adair.

The bags, made of luxurious Italian leathers, come in an array of vibrant colors and are hand-stitched and finished with woven and tassel details. Adair uses whimsical details such as a scalloped shape resembling a smiling face, fun two-tone color combinations and a sexy, yet exotic, iridescent silk lining. “I wanted small leather goods that were fun because our lives tend to be a bit serious and rushed and crazed,” said Adair.

Small leather goods are retail priced under $160, and most handbags range from $300 to $700 retail. A business card case wholesales for $23; a wallet for $68; a wristlet clutch for $129; a medium shoulder bag for $198; and a large jeweled shoulder bag for $319. “I wanted it to be hopefully more affordable luxury,” Adair said, adding that she plans to make the line available to a wide range of people through affordable price points and a variety of retail outlets. “In my life personally and in my life professionally I never like to rule out a resource,” she said. “I would hope that anyone from 5 to 105—if they enjoy my taste and, hopefully, the practical side of the bags—can enjoy it.”

For more information, call (310) 471-4969 or go to www.cateadair.com. —N. Jayne Seward