I’m a big supporter of young talent and independent designers, that’s why when I heard Emily Blumenthal, founder of Handbag Designers 101, was orchestrating the first Independent Handbag Designer Awards I had to be there. Despite being the day after the big media launch of the BagTrends.com Arm Candy Party, I braved the two hour trip to the Museum of New York to mingle and hopefully find some new talent.

With the exception of Best Handmade Bag – that’s just not my bag, baby – there was a lot of talent in the room. Below is a rundown of some of the evening’s winners and runners up.

Handbag Designer 101 Audience Selected Handbag – Julie Lazarus of Elezar (right) 

Most Socially Responsible Handbag
Winner: Maria Estrada of IGNES Handbags
Semifinalists:
Pauline LLewsis and Le Thi Hong Tu of oovvoo
Arnold Haas of WUBET
Jamila Hubbard of Mad Imports
Clare Elsmore-Dodsworth of Gifted Label

Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design
Winner: Katherine Kwei of Katherine Kwei
Semifinalists:
Osnat Gad of Ocie Minaudiere 
Dayme of Babee D (right with cream clutch)
Scarlett Chamides of Chamides
Jane August of Jane August

Iconic handbag designer, Carlos Falchi also made an appearance to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Falchi changed the landscape of accessory design and for more than three decades, never fell from grace by continuing to produce quality bags from the finest skins and understanding his customers’
needs.

Pamela Pekerman, BagTrends Bag Guru