From the Designer

Dear friends,


During these difficult times I would like to keep you informed as the designer of Rough Roses, and, as someone who has been many years in the industry, as to what are the trends that will help overcome this situation and what are the fashion directions that I feel will survive and even make us prosper during these times.

Number one is we must offer our customer the style and quality they are used to but at a price that allows them to feel they are truly getting value. If you used to retail handbags from $500 and up, I think it makes sense, if the quality and looks are right, to offer these customers bags at $300 to $400. This has been Rough Roses strategy from the beginning and it has worked beyond our expectations.

In belts, it’s the same thing. If your retail was $125 and up, doesn't it make sense to tell your customers that they can buy the same quality and great style from $80 and up?

In terms of design, what I see is the following to help us weather the storm. I believe that denim will still remain relatively strong. Like I said above, I think $250 to $300 will be difficult, but I do believe $125 to $175 will take its place. The relative strength of denim will of course, help the belt business. I think jeans belts as well as hip belts will become the stronger items. That doesn't mean waist or skinny is over, it only means that these other items will get stronger. Also, due to the economy and that a belt is a relatively inexpensive way to dress up and change the look of an outfit, I believe the belt business, in general, will be starting to trend again in a very strong way.

This denim trend also relates to handbags. For a woman to spend even $300 for a bag today, she still needs a reason. I believe the reason needs to be multi functionality. That means a bag must be just as "cool" to wear in the day as it is at night. This is a design challenge and one I have been successful in doing. You can still make casual and soft to the touch bags that are elegant as well. Please check our brochure and website and see for yourself!

Looking forward to our next chat


Thanks,



Wynn