New Spade bags carry inspiring messages

Here’s a special delivery from Jack Spade: a messenger bag already loaded with a message.

Jack Spade, the companion men’s accessories line to Kate Spade, has introduced its Freedom bag, a natural canvas shoulder bag printed with an excerpt from a speech delivered to Congress May 25, 1961, by President Kennedy. The speech covers a variety of the country’s most urgent needs and for the first time establishes the goal of landing a man on the moon.

Kennedy inspired a nation and using it on the new bag serves as a reminder to all Americans how fortunate they are to live in such a great country, according to a Jack Spade company statement.

For patriotic women, Kate Spade has its Have Courage bag, a navy canvas tote lined with a red and white ticking stripe. The words “have courage” are embroidered on the outside of the bag where the traditional black-and-white Kate Spade New York label usually rests.

“Have courage” is a phrase used by the company since its inception in 1993 when owners Kate and Andy Spade and partners Elyce Arons and Pamela Bell relied on the inspiring words to launch the company on an idea  with no financial backing. It appears on the business cards of all Kate Spade employees.

Both the Freedom and Have Courage bags were made in reaction to the Sept. 11 attacks. All the profits from the sale of the bags will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Race car driver wins in the fashion arena, too

Yes, that is racing star Dale Earnhardt Jr. staring back at you in March issues of lifestyle and men’s magazines. Earnhardt, who normally graces the pages of sports publications, is the “new face” of Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche.

“Winston Cup Racing, DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.) and particularly Dale Earnhardt Jr., all represent the traits of Drakkar Noir  masculinity, power, seduction and speed,” said Jack Wiswall, president of designer fragrances at L’Oreal USA, in a statement.

The fragrance has a long history of courting thrill-seeking men. It’s named for the Viking ships that adventurers used to discover new worlds.

The top notes of Drakkar Noir are lemon rind and verbena; the middle notes are spicier  mostly coriander, lavender and juniper berry; and the base notes leave a lasting woody impression of patchouli, sandalwood and fir balsam.

Drakkar Noir is available in a full range of men’s products, including pour and spray cologne, after-shave balm, moisturizer, cleanser and deodorant.

Knitting magazine hopes to find following

Part magazine, part manual, Knit It! is a new publication that aims to guide both novice and expert crafters toward making fashions for the whole family.

The debut issue offers patterns and instructions for flower-covered children’s sweaters, a crocheted shawl made of mohair and silk yarn and “quick projects” that include a dog’s sweater and a complete sailor ensemble for a doll.

Calling knitting and crocheting “yarn sports,” editor Nancy Wyatt encourages everyone to experience the relaxation and the thrill of accomplishment that she personally gets from creating something with her needles.

Knit It! is produced as a collaboration between Better Homes and Gardens and Lion Brand Yarn. The biannual publication is available in craft stores and on newsstands.