New pochettes come in lustrous satin and sparkle through the use of allover sequins.

China suppliers of evening bags are attracting buyers by infusing their products with high shine.

	Shantou Yameili offers the model Y91334-1 evening bag made of polyester satin. The 18x14cm product is covered in beads.

Patent leather and satin are the top choices for the base material for their glossy finish. Embroidery, quilting and topstitching are used to add visual interest.

Moreover, the woven fabric lends itself to many detailing techniques often seen on garments. Ruching, pleating, and oversized bows and rosettes give texture to the smooth shell.

Other types of hides and textiles are employed in metallic colors for a dose of sheen. Alternatively, the body can be completely covered with rhinestones, faux pearls, beads or sequins.

Exotic touches are also gaining ground. Makers utilize PU leather that has a snakeskin pattern or embellish designs with ostrich and chicken feathers. Between the two types of plumes, those from ostriches are about 20 percent more expensive. Both are sourced from Guangdong province and undergo inspection and quarantine by local authorities or third-party testing institutes.

As regards shape and size, rectangular models measuring 20 to 30cm long are popular because they are easy to carry. To enhance portability, many styles adopt a chain shoulder strap, cutout handle or a detachable wristlet.

Prices of China-made evening bags start below $3.50 and exceed $7. Quotes are mainly determined by materials and trimmings. Design intricacy is also an important factor as it dictates input consumption and the amount of labor needed during manufacture.

Locally sourced textiles such as polyester satin, velvet and canvas are the most economical options for the shell, followed by PVC and PU leather. The costliest are cowhide, and pig- and calfskin. Imported variants are utilized in high-end models.

Most purses adopt polyester or nylon satin, velvet or jacquard for the lining. Some upscale styles have PU or genuine leather inner surfaces.

Zippers, magnetic snap buttons and kiss locks are the common closure types. Latches with a metal or imitation gemstone finial are also used occasionally. These accessories are often made of bronze, or iron, aluminum or zinc alloy and plated in gold, silver, nickel, rhodium, brass or gunmetal. Antique effects are available.

In recent months, prices increased 10 to 20 percent due to rising material and labor expenses. Rates for polyester climbed 10 percent in 1Q11, while those for zinc alloy are up 20 percent YoY. Worker spending grew as much as 30 percent.

The trend is expected to continue in the months ahead. Considering this, along with the appreciation of the yuan, quotes are likely to be augmented at least 5 percent in the next six months.

Product gallery

Product gallery Aucheer Enterprise Ltd Model: AC010 MOQ: 20,000 pieces Delivery: 45 days Description: PVC leather; nylon zipper closure; chain strap; black Danbio Sports & Entertainments Products Co. Ltd Model: DBO-7A01M MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 45 days Description: PU leather; butterfly shape; magnetic snap-button closure; two interior pockets; 21.5x7x12cm; custom colors Danbio Sports & Entertainments Products Co. Ltd Model: DBO-C099C MOQ: 200 pieces Delivery: 45 days Description: Velvet; kiss-lock closure; 8x6in; red, purple or custom colors; one piece per polybag Shantou Yameili Technologist Co. Ltd Model: Y91334-1 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 30 to 45 days Description: Polyester satin; allover bead trimming; kiss-lock closure; 18x14cm; silver; one piece per polybag Shantou Yameili Technologist Co. Ltd Model: YH91497 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 30 to 45 days Description: Polyester; allover sequin trimming; kiss-lock closure; 28x17x3cm; silver; one piece per polybag Shantou Yameili Technologist Co. Ltd Model: Y1229-3 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 30 to 45 days Description: Woven PU leather; gem-trimmed latch closure; 18x10x4.5cm; custom colors; one piece per polybag Note: This article "Formal purses dazzle with reflective surfaces" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.