MZ Wallace launching leather handbag collection

The nylon handbag movement became a major trend in the early to mid 2000s, primarily due in part to brands like Prada, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade. Of course, like all good trends, everything comes to an end. People are more interested in investing in leather handbags again. Just look at the popularity of the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag.

Lucy Wallace Eustice and Monica Zwirner, the founders and designers of MZ Wallace, launched their label in 2000. The company is known for two things, mixing nylon with quality Italian leather, and their Jane bag.

Over the past several seasons, the brand has done some of their classic nylon styles in leather, but, now, they are launching their first-ever leather collection. Zwirner told WWD that "The moment felt right. We have dabbled in a leather style here and there, and our customers have always responded well."

Five of the brand's most popular styles including the Metro tote, Sutton bag, Metro backpack, Pipa cross-body, and Lexi wallet have all been done in leather. The retail prices for the bags are 30 to 50 percent higher than they usually are for MZ Wallace's offerings, with price points ranging from 225 dollars for the wallet to 485 for the Sutton bag. The leather collection will be available exclusively at MZ Wallace stores and e-commerce sites beginning in March.