• The hobo. Alone, its slouchy, worn-in shape could have been looked rather lackadaisical. But when designers constructed them of bold-colored leather and in epic proportions, the bag became a staple. And, very much like those late 19th and early 20th century migratory workers of the same name, women started carrying their entire lives with them.
• The color purple. MJ Bailey, sales manager of Bagsrep.com, has noticed that going into 2009, customers are still demanding for bags in the shade traditionally affiliated with royalty. And while Pantone declared mimosa as the color of the year, other handbag wholesalers may find that their customers still cannot get enough of purple or even its 2008 pick: blue iris.
• Animal prints and skins. Though the classic leopard print remained popular, consumers grew fond of other skins. More specifically, that of the giraffe and zebra sported the top sellers of Polka Dot Petals, according to owner Joni Rogers. But as Vogue notes, January could be the month of the python, with the skin making its most notable appearances on clutches. At Paris Fashion Week, Louis Vuitton also premiered a handbag collection made of ostrich skin, according to European boutique Gleni. Polka Dot Petals already has its own version available.
• Chain embellishments. For most of 2008, designers added a few small chains here and there, to toughen a chic look. But going into 2009, they are making appearances again as the bag’s handles. As Coco Chanel did with her 2.55 bag in the 1980s, long chains can be now be seen with smaller, boxier purses; shorter chains with bigger totes.
• The clutch. Many handbag wholesalers made sure to have this cocktail party essential in stock, in silver, gold or bronze – something they may still have to do in the future. Take note of Bluefly.com: while inspired by Blair of “Gossip Girl,” the online retailer is promoting a few designed by Felix Ray and Linea Pelle, among others.

Which handbag trends do you want to stay throughout 2009? Which trends should go?