Bag these bags

HANDBAGS have never been more hip. Whether in the clutches of a supermodel, pop kitten or soap star, they are the fashion talking point of the moment.

The trend this season is for quirky bags featuring images and appliqu, with everything from dogs to garden gnomes plastered all over the front. Talk about wearing your art on your sleeve.

Long gone is the time when the handbag was purely functional, providing somewhere for women to store their purse and make-up. Women today are likely to have a wardrobe full of bags - one for every occasion.

Someone who understands only too well the relationship of women to their handbags is Jane Robinson, handbag buyer for Fenwick department store in York.

"When it comes to handbags, there are two categories of women," she says. "The first has an 'organiser' for use day to day at work, a fashion bag for going shopping or out for lunch with girlfriends, and an evening bag which goes with most outfits.

"However the majority of women fall into the second category and have a passion for handbags and buy anything that is different. They use it until they are bored with it and buy another."

Needless to say, men just don't get handbags. "We overhear a number of arguments between couples in the handbag department," reveals Jane. "And many women tell us that they are going to have to sneak their new bag into the house."

Such women are likely to be in handbag heaven this spring, as bags are at the forefront of the craze for accessories.

"There has been a general explosion of accessories," says York image consultant Sally Hanley. "It's been led by celebrities who are changing what they carry around with them more frequently. In the past, women might have had one handbag for best and one for every day - now they have lots of handbags to go with lots of different outfits."

Handbags, says Sally, are the perfect way for women to make a statement. "You don't have to make it with your clothes. You can wear plain colours but make yourself stand out by what you are carrying."

For sheer turning-heads appeal, this season's collections have it in the bag.

Believe it or not, one of the best-sellers is a range of bags featuring the image of a Scottie dog. The collection is named after the dog, Radley, and women, it seems, just can't get enough of it - or rather him.

The dog first appeared as a little leather cut-out tag hanging from the handle. But soon he was getting top billing, appearing as large as life on the front of the bag, either by himself or incorporated into scenes including one at the beach and another by an igloo with some penguins. For spring, Radley has re-emerged in the company of some gnomes who are fishing.

The success of the range has led to an explosion of similar-style art bags and made quirkiness one of the defining characteristics of this year's bag collections.

"Radley has definitely set a trend. Many suppliers are now looking for anything quirky, anything different," said Jane, who travels to Milan in Italy twice a year on a handbag shopping spree for Fenwick.

Also in the store's collection is the Billy Bag, featuring a British Bulldog wearing a red studded collar - a hit with popstars such as Kylie Minogue and Nicole Appleton. And some women will be tickled pink by the new range from Pure which unzips to reveal a thong and disposable toothbrush inside.

Another selection from Sirco has drawings of Venice, New York and Hollywood on the front. But for sheer wow factor, it is hard to upstage Via Repubblica's leather holdall which features the scene of a woman in car. It costs £195 and Fenwick has already sold out - after re-ordering three times. The last one was snapped up by the store's very own bag lady, Jane Robinson.

But you don't have to take out a second mortgage to bag a bit of style this spring. You can find some affordable examples on the high street which will still create a stir.

Perfect for summer is the Parrot Bag from French Connection, featuring a multi-coloured bird on front of a turquoise canvas beach bag - a snip at £20 by mail order (0870 606 3285 or www.fcukbuymail.co.uk) and also available at Boots in Coney Street.

Accessorize is always a good hunting ground for handbags. Check out the collection featuring brightly-coloured floral embroidery, with prices from £18.

If quirky isn't your bag, you can still stay in fashion for summer with some more subtle styles. Straw and stripes are two other big trends for the new season.

A final tip is to opt for a plain, white bag. The fashion editors at the catwalk shows in Milan were all sporting white bags, in various shapes and sizes. Mango is well ahead of the game and has a selection in stock now, as is Browns with its new Jane Shilton collection.

Bag 'em while you can.

Updated: 09:37 Saturday, April 19, 2003