It was spring at Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com) last week. Not outside, but Bergdorf’s suburban sister was clearly the warmest place to be when the Chanel trunk opened. Figuratively, of course.

For the un-initiated; there is no trunk at this trunk show. It takes its name from the tradition of designers arriving with trunk-fuls of clothing. Nobody in their right mind would put these pricey clothes, bags and shoes in a trunk.

There was a mini-show on every floor at N-M in Short Hills to welcome the new Chanel (www.chanel.com) line.

To see, touch, and hold a Chanel handbag, we had to compete with the crowd of seasoned collectors scooping up the first editions. The big totes were tops, followed by new versions of classic quilted handbags in bold yellow, green, blue, and red.

The signature chains on the Chanel bags are so elegant, they could be worn as jewelry. In fact, chain linked necklaces -- a riff from Chanel -- are everywhere you look this season.

Chanel shoes were front and center on floor two -- colorful patent flats to match the colorful bags. Classic silver pumps with a stacked heel. Even rubber rain boots.

On the third floor, Chanel showcased its sportswear; the fringed jackets that work with skirts, dresses, even the designer’s jeans. There are lots of plaids and pastels; peach, light blue and denim blue. One piece that attracted much interest, a black, deconstructed jacket with white cuffs. Button it up over jeans, and you look like Mick Jagger.

We won’t tell you the prices. If you have to ask -- well, you know the rest. And you also know that if you don’t get there soon, you may have to wait a little longer for the next trunk to arrive, with your shipment.