Leather has always made a statement, and in this millennium, both vibrant colours and pastels are in vogue. Soft and supple leather is hot this year. Hard leather is out. Artificially printed leather with animal or reptile prints are the season's favourites.

Check out what’s in and what’s out in belts, wallets, handbags and shoes this year.

 Belts 
Women: Women's belts are out this year--in fact, they are disappearing from the fashion scene all over the world.

Men: Hi-fashion men's belts with dainty gold plated buckles are in.

Women: Small wallets with a clasp on top, with provision for credit cards.

Men: The hot colours this year are black and burgundy. Soft, supple and smooth wallets, with lots of room for credit cards.

 Handbags 

Body Bags: Hip-hugging body bags are the current fashion statement. They come with leather trimmings and are made of satin fabric. Pick up bags with broader straps and room for mobile phones.

Standard bags: Fashion gurus recommend shorter, sexier bags with broad straps. These bags can be tucked under the arm. Long straps are out. The hot colours are black, brown, tan, grey and navy blue.

Bead Bags: Hot property the world over, they are available in bright colours and with leather trimmings. Go for them and get noticed!

Executive Bags: Check out lightweight bags with handles, shoulder straps and mobile phone pouches. Soft black leather is what you have to look for.

 Shoes 

Trends 2001
2001 marks a departure from minimalism and techy futuristic trends. Detail, individualism, colour and glamour are the new watchwords.

What this means for footwear

• Lot of mules / sabots
• High-heeled sandals and slip-on shoes
• Decorated bandages embroidered with pearls, small bows, painted, prints, etc.
• New shapes for heels
• Flat ‘beach sandals’
• Coloured soft sneakers