Yak Pak Inc., the maker of colorful backpacks and messenger bags for children and teens, is expanding its reach with its spring collection of women’s handbags.
Inspired by Bollywood, the Seventies and the company’s heritage, the handbag line, marks a new chapter for the New York-based firm as it targets customers in their 20s and 30s, as opposed to their core teenaged shopper.
Acquired by the Accessory Network Group in April, Yak Pak said it expects about a 10 percent increase in sales within the handbag line’s first year of coming to market. Yak Pak, which was founded in 1989, said it brings in roughly $30 million in sales annually.
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Yak Pak founder and president Stephen Holt told WWD that the new handbag line combines the sourcing and development expertise of Accessory Network Group with Yak Pak’s innovative prints and product designs.
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The new collection will compete with the likes of Kipling, LeSportsac, Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers and Coach’s Coach Poppy line.
Retailing from between $50 and $125, the spring line consists of three subcollections: “Bollydoll,” “Spring Street” and “Yak Pak Air.”
Yak Pak’s Bollywood collection is inspired by the soon-to-be released illustrated story by Bollywood artist and singer Armrita Sen, and will feature vibrant colors and animated characters.
Inspired by its New York heritage and SoHo flagship, the Spring Street collection consists of soft satin fabrics, which, according to the company, signifies a “sophisticated departure from the brand’s signature offerings.”
Both the Bollywood collection and the Spring Street collection will include totes, hobos, crossbodies, bucket bags and soft backpacks.
Yak Pak Air is a “futuristic” collection inspired by “Seventies après-ski sport outerwear,” the company said. It consists of durable, water and tear resistant materials in messenger, hobo, duffle and crossbody styles.
Come spring, Yak Pak’s collection can be found at teen retailers like Zumiez, Hot Topic and Pacific Sunwear of California, college bookstores, boutiques, sporting goods stores and select department stores.