We first became “Latico Leather Addicts” after discovering the brand at Endless.com, smitten by their amazing leathers and spectacular color palettes. Under the careful tutelage of Lainie Schreiber, the brand has grown into an impressive collection of fashion-forward handbags and wallets. Stylenotes was lucky enough to ask Lainie Schreiber, the brand’s design director and sales manager, some questions we’ve had on our minds about the brand -- including what colors we can look forward to for the upcoming collection!

Stylenotes: If someone wasn't familiar with the brand, what would you say is the number one aspect that distinguishes Latico in the handbag category?

Lainie Schreiber: Functional fashion. We offer our brand at extremely good prices compared to the private label brands we manufacture for (such as Frye).

SN: What does the name 'Latico' mean?

LS: Latin American Import Company. Originally, Paul (founder and president of Latico) imported strictly from South America. Not so glamorous...

SN: How did you transition the Latico brand to what it is today?

LS: My involvement first began with our licensing with "Frye" handbags. As national sales manager and design director, "Frye Bags" was my baby for ten years. I introduced Latico to women's fashion bags, new leathers, linings, colors and fresh, seasonal, "trending" collections. Traditionally, Latico focused on bags for men and corporate women primarily in Vaquetta Leather with three colorways: black, natural and café.

SN: How important is the use of color to the Latico collections?

LS: This season we are selling more color than ever. Fall 2008 will be highly influenced by the purple and greens as shown on the European runways. In addition to these colors, we are booking stone, putty, flame, marine, butterscotch, ruby, orange, brown, banana and red amongst others.

SN: As of late, what has been the most popular style(s)?

LS: Loose, fluid silhouettes and vintage-inspired framed small leather goods. Celebrities have been pictured with many of our large, colorful weekenders.

SN: Where can Latico be found online?

LS: www.ebags.com, www.piperlime.com, www.bagsthatrock.com (to be launched in June '08)

SN: What's next for Latico? Any new design collaborations, products, etc?

LS: We have developed and recently patented/trademarked our latest design feature called "CoinKeeper." Currently our wallets feature this concept of an exterior coinslot mechanism that directs change into a clear window compartment inside the wallet. Our inventory has blown out! New for fall, our "CoinKeeper" concept can be found on handbags as well. It's a fresh and fabulous new concept that is extremely useful and organizing.

SN: Where do you shop online?

LS: www.bluefly.com, www.oldegoodthings.com

SN: What websites do you visit daily?

LS: www.dailycandy.com, www.style.com

SN: What are the three items that are always with you, you can't live without, and are always found in your Latico handbag (of course)?

LS: Blackberry, Smith's Lip Salve (great on hands too!), Royal Blue Latico Framed Wallet- style #0155.

-- Julia DiNardo