Bree's bright bags

Launching hangbags with lights

The days of scratching around the various parts of your handbag in search of some elusive item could be coming to end because German accessory company Bree is about to launch a range of bags with internal lights. Smart Surface Technology, which has been developed by Bayer, uses "electroluminesence (EL)" which unlike other light sources doesn't produce heat. Bree has spent nearly a year researching the light-up bags and the first two styles, NorthKap 1 and 2, will go into Bree's mainland European shops from April. The leather and nylon handbags have battery-powered inbuilt lights whic are activated by pushing a button. They will retail at €250 and €400. "We are working very hard at introducing another power source," says Axel Bree. "which will probably be solar. There are many more styles coming through for autumn." UK customers will have to hassle Bree's only UK current stockist Selfridges (who may decide not to stock the bags at all - call them on 08708 377 377 for the latest information).