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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
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
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
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