craft and innovative style in an impressive way. Aigner has a true love for leather, and this collection really showcases that.” The Spring/Summer 2014 collection offers three themes or color ranges: Birds of the Amazon, featuring Palm Green, Rio Blue and Tucan Yellow paired with White and Raffia hues; Sublime Nature, featuring Amazon Green, Bast White, Terra and Bahia Brown; and Copa Carnival featuring Heliconia Red, Pitaya Pink and Gold, anchored by Black. In addition to the Cybill Bag, available in Black, Taupe, Heliconia Red, Burgundy and Amazon Green, the Leather Collection for Spring/Summer 2014 features Saffiano, a soft leather bag available in Black, Heliconia Red, Terra Brown and Vibrant Purple. The collection also features Copa, available in Black, Tucan Yellow, Terra Brown and Azalea.
more on its leather collection. In addition, Aiger has noticed that price is often disregarded in favor of quality and design in the Middle East. “One example is our new “It” bag, the Cybill—although the price is comparably high, it is selling extremely well, which shows us that it is not always the price that matters,” explains Staude. “And of course, all bags with our well known logo materials are generating great sales.” In addition to favoring quality and style over price, Staude notes consumers in the Middle East are also looking for recognition. “When the bag is perfect in quality, color and style, they buy it; however, they look more and more for an outstanding bag which can be recognized all over the world,” she says. “Our logo material in many different colors and styles is still one of their all-time favorites.”
Taking note
Future plans
Collections aside, Aigner is working towards targeting the Scandinavian and Eastern European markets as it feels there is significant buying potential from the regions. “Moreover, we are expanding with our Travel Collection on various airlines to catch passengers not only at the airports but also on the airplanes,” Staude adds. Presently, Aigner has noticed a trend towards small bags and accessories and a focus on color. “Customers do not only want the best quality and functionality from their bag, but also look for outstanding design and strong colors which characterize and create a really individual look and personal style for the owner,” says Staude. Aigner’s Travel Collection is currently doing well in the Middle East even though customers in the region tend to concentrate
Looking ahead, Aigner sees great potential in the Middle East and also in Asia, as the region is currently the largest buying group worldwide. The brand will continue to invest in various media outlets as a means of gaining further exposure in profitable regions. Currently the brand has a TV spot at Munich Airport, banners and light boxes at Amsterdam Airport and light boxes at Beijing Airport. Furthermore, Aigner is actively taking part in various promotions such as Munich Airport Shopping Night. Part of Brazilian Beats, the Aigner Leather Collection for Spring/ Summer 2014, the Saffiano and Copa bags feature fine quality leather
To maintain relevance, meet customer demand and continue to set trends, Aigner’s design team travels extensively to seek out the newest trends and developments in the world’s fashion capitals. “It is extremely important that they keep up with the current trends and styles but without losing track of our roots and heritage,” says Staude. “On the other hand, our sales teams function between our buyers/distributors/ end-consumers and our design team.” In addition, Aigner also consults client feedback, which Staude feels is the most effective method for determining consumer demand. “Their preferences and what they tend to criticize—this feedback is passed on to our design team to include into new designs,” says Staude.
Aigner’s Crossover Bag is available in two styles and a variety of colors and features a zipper closure and a large Aigner logo
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