Gretchen Fall 2009
Gretchen Fall 2009

DALLAS, May 29, 2009 / FW/ — Anne Christian-Hoffman, the designer behind Gretchen summed it up nicely when she described Gretchen handbags as “a tribute to women who cherish and cultivate their personal fashion style and who have an eye for the special.”

Handcrafted in Germany with the finest European leather, Gretchen’s structured hobos, totes, and clutches that combine ultra-modern structures with Bohemian undertones make you feel that everyday is a special occasion.

With architectural silhouettes in minimalistic tendencies as the signature aesthetics, Gretchen handbags make an ultra-modern statement. With names like JAZZ, SWING, TANGO and ACTRESS, there is an instant connotation to vibrancy and sophistication.

All four offer daytime and evening bags that can further be divided into daily use and special occasion. While JAZZ proffers a hobo with adjustable shoulder strap and a tote with spacious interior of daily use, the sophisticated SWING puts forward feminine designs and decorative weaving on pouch bags.

ACTRESS and TANGO are the two statement makers. Embodying a great expression, ACTRESS is about extravagance and elegance. A favorite by Paris Hilton (she was seen in Los Angeles and in Cannes toting the bag), the medium-sized Actress which creates the perfect daytime look, right through to the stunning evening clutch.

TANGO on the other hand reflects sheer extravagance in its purest form. Here the detail is all in the shape; the handles with their lavishly handcrafted relief structures which shape the bags perfectly and in contrast to this, sumptuously soft and voluminous bodies. The Tango range consists of two models which complement each other perfectly, the ingeniously shaped evening bag with wrist strap and the large tote model, which is certain to be a big favorite for all your daytime needs

Gretchen prides itself in exceptional quality and innovative design and retails exclusive boutiques including Inago in LA and 25park.com from $250 to $600.

Born in Wetzler, Germany, Gretchen designer and co-founder Anne Christian-Hoffman grew up surrounded by her family’s renowned leather goods business, Otto Kessler. Designing both the ladies and men’s gloves collection each season gave Christian-Hoffman the product knowledge and design proficiency that was to be her foundation.

Launched with partner Michael Georg Scmitt in 2004, Gretchen has quickly established itself at the forefront of the luxury accessories market. It has been featured on the cover of Accessories Magazine in March and the pages of Lucky, WWD, Surface, and Vogue Germany.