By Michelle Zhang (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-03-28 14:25

There once was a time when the size of a handbag was inversely proportional to a woman's social status- arge carry-alls were useful to the hoi polloi; ladies usually flittered about with only a clutch.

In the blink of an eye, things have changed. The rule of the day is "big is beautiful" - in fact, the bigger, the better.

Asia's top model Du Juan, China's prima ballerina Hou Honglan, Beijing-based beauty designer Wendy Ye and famous actress Li Xiaoran were all carrying capacious, pale-colored bags at Salvatore Ferragamo's Shanghai Center store where the Italian leather goods expert presented his new spring- summer collection.

The pale colors, including white, pale gray and gold, are not the only trend. According to James Ferragamo, the women's leather product director, colorful shades of red, yellow and aqua blue burst out among the grays in the collection inspired by the Italian sun.

The metallic shining effects of the leather are inspired by the reflections of the sea at the end of the day.

Ferragamo's iconic bags have been adapted with glamorous maquillages: embroidered flowers and applications, hand-worked crochets and braids. The exquisite hardware is made of silver, gold, leather and wood.

The fashion house has also chosen a print from its archives featuring 13 elements to create a collection called "Theater," says James Ferragamo. The leathers range from antique-look alligator, python and anaconda, to ostrich and calf.

Longchamp's iconic "Rival" series has also seen a revival in the new season, as shown at the French brand's City Plaza store last week.

The Rival and the Mini Rival bags, with a light, fresh appeal, are made of pure white or whitened silver-metal leather. The softness of the colors is counter-balanced by the metal zippers and rivets. The spacious volume is ideal for busy modern business women.

The French fashion house has also created a collection of simple, elegant ready-to-wear to "accessorize" the leather goods.

The tailored jackets feature narrow shoulders and deep collars, structured with fluid lines. A box jacket in lambskin creates a structured style, while one in supple sheepskin achieves a vintage look. The feminine and sophisticated trench coat with princess sleeves can be worn as an evening dress. Details are on loan from bags, such as the rivets used as loops in the trench coat.

Short skirts worn by the models are slightly different from each other, designed in the casual A-line, in hues of white, gray and cement beige.

Shanghai Center
Location: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Tongren Lu
Tel: 021-62798600

City Plaza
Location: 1618 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Wanhangdu Lu, Metro Line 2 Jing'an Temple Station
Tel: 021-32174838