Retail started to roar about animal prints several seasons ago and the trend is here to stay. From python pumps to leopard leggings, apparel manufacturers are embracing their wild side in the form of prints, and when it comes to accessories, animal figurines are the way to go. Beasts transformed into unnatural hues, such as pink elephants and purple zebras, have been spotted in the lines of high-end designers like Roberto Cavalli, who deems miniature alligators, felines and frogs are a chic way to finish off an outfit. For Le Belle, the new fashion accessories wholesaler based out of San Jose, CA, the trend has taken hold in a big way. “Right now, we’re selling a lot of winter hats and scarves,” says Jenny Chung, who, along with her husband Sean, owns the store. The company stocks a wide assortment of animal hats with fauna to suit nearly any taste, and the items are selling like hot cakes. The team also has an online shop, OneStop Accessories, which launched nearly seven years ago.
“Through the winter months, we’re all about animal hats, but when spring is here, we will focus on our jewelry.” One of the latest additions to the Le Belle catalogue, item OST-20121129-36, is a gold tone hinged bracelet with an owl on it, accented with pavé rhinestones and dangling feather charms. Owls have been one of the most popular animals to translate into wearable merchandise, and Le Belle also stocks a variety of rings and necklaces in line with the trend. Fashion forecasters and bloggers across the country anticipate that tropical birds, llamas and foxes will be the latest animals to adorn accessories, with animal-shaped bangles being a popular pick.
For more information:
Le Belle
851 Commercial Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Tel.: 408-437-8727
OneStop
265 E. Winston Street, #2
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-622-1151
Website: www.onestopacc.com