Vera Bradley debuts Fresno State bags at local Top Drawer stores
Vera Bradley, the maker of colorful patterned handbags, has launched a Fresno State line available only at Fresno’s two Top Drawer stores.
The pattern was created for Fresno State and about 55 other schools nationwide.
The Fresno State pattern with the bulldog logo is available mostly in red, with some items in blue. Top Drawer, which has stores in Fig Garden Village and just opened a new location in River Park, is selling a large duffel bag, a cross-body bag, wristlet, tote, ID case with a lanyard, and a throw blanket with the design.
Similar items are available at the Fresno stores with the Stanford University and University of Southern California logos.
The special patterns are not sold online.
The bags debuted Wednesday during the Fresno State Pay It Forward luncheon featuring Vera Bradley’s co-founder and CEO.
Fresno State mascot Time Out made a grand entrance carrying a Vera Bradley duffel. Victor E. Bulldog, the real-life version of the mascot, sported a scarf made from the material.
The brand is popular among college students and has already attracted the attention of Fresno State alumni, says Top Drawer owner Jane Saunders.
Time Out even had some interest in the handbags.
“He whispered to me through his snout, ‘I have a mother and girlfriend who like Vera Bradley,’ ” Saunders recounted.
Bethany Clough: 559-441-6431, @BethanyClough
This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Vera Bradley debuts Fresno State bags at local Top Drawer stores."