Nadine Kam photos
Rie Nomura, left, and Harumi Yoshizumi showed up at the opening with their own Anteprima Plastiq purses, purchased 2 and 5 years ago respectively. The plastic wire-mesh purses hold up over time and are great for travel because you can toss them around with little harm done.

Went to the opening of the Anteprima Plastiq boutique at Ala Moana Center Friday morning to see what shiny new purses they’re carrying. I have to admit I didn’t understand the appeal of the knitted wire bags as little as four months ago, but they really grow on a person like a lot of what’s new in fashion.

Who doesn’t love a pony?

Designer Izumi Ogino, who started the Milan-based line, is so creative and adds all kinds of whimsical details to the basic bag forms. Since last season, she’s added a lot of sequin and bead work to her collection. People with more classic tastes were pointing out their favorite bags and asking mine. I’m such a Jekyll/Hyde person that I can veer from the very classic to the goofiest stuff out there, so of course I was drawn to one purse with orange duckies all over, and another Western-style purse with plastic ponies sewn on.

Also checked out the grand opening Hawaii exclusive, a green wire tote with four-leaf clover embellishment. This might be one for the Vegas addicts. Crystals from the clover, interspersed with charms in the shape of horseshoes and lucky 7s. At $690, a purchaser’s gotta be pretty lucky to begin with.

Video over the cash register showed Ogino’s clothing designs. I wish those would come here too. Her garments are simple and pretty with a lot of ease. Perfect for Hawaii.

Next up for Anteprima Plastiq is expansion to Guam, and figures, Las Vegas.

Heading out later, passed by J. Crew, where I saw this cute dress on the manikin. A stylist recently told me she was sorry J. Crew opened here because everyone would discover her little secret as far as finding stylish clothes at relatively affordable prices. I can see why. This metal jacquard Zoey dress is $198, but the way prices have headed, this would easily be $400 to $600 elsewhere.

J. Crew Zoey dress. It’s pinned in the back, so fuller than it appears.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 at 1:33 am and is filed under Accessories, Purses, Shop, Shopping events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.