May 2009
Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource, announces the long awaited results of the finalists for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards Now with Shoes. Over 600 applications were received from around the world ranging with diverse backgrounds from North Dakota to Mongolia to Finland.
The Independent Handbag Designer Awards is the only design competition of its kind in the world for handbag designers to receive credibility and recognition to stand out in today's competitive accessory market. The winners will be announced on June 17th at the IHDA event at the New York Historical Society.
"These 35 designers whether they are established or emerging, share a common passion, commitment and creativity to make a unique handbag while being role-models for entrepreneurship and small business," says Emily Blumenthal, founder of Handbag Designer 101 and the Independent Handbag Designer Awards.
"Each designer is well deserved in their recognition for in each category of Best Student-Made Handbag, Best Handmade Handbag, Most-Socially Responsible Handbag, Best Green Handbag, Best Use of Swarovski Crystallized Elements, Best Show in Overall Style and Design and Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design."
These finalists, whose bags and shoes all must be made under their own label, representing a wide range of styles and designs, in each category are:
Best Student Made Handbag These finalists' bags are students who have successfully started their lines while still in school. This award will be presented by Devi Kroell, CEO & CCO for Devi Kroell.
Best Handmade Handbag These finalists' must be sewn, crocheted, knitted where the design themselves is making their bag by hand or machine. This award will be presented by Katie Boertman, Trade Marketing Manager for the Singer Sewing Company.
Best Green Handbag These finalists' that are made out of sustainable, recycled or organic materials. This award will be presented by Christina Polychroni, Director of Marketing for Korres Natural Products.
Most Socially Responsible Handbag These finalists' meet certain ethical and moral standards in regards to production, employment and philanthropy while impacting the local culture. This award will be presented by Kendall Farell, Executive Director of Bottomless Closet.
Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements
This category represents the best executed handbag in overall style and design and will be Stephan Toljan, CCB Vice President Market Management of Swarovski.
Best Shoe in Overall Style and Design This category represents the best executed shoe in overall style and design and will be presented by Sam Edelman, CEO of Sam Edelman and Tina Aldatz, President of Foot Petals.
Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design This category represents the best executed handbag in overall style and design and will be presented by Lincoln Moore, DMM, Handbags, Saks Fifth Avenue.
The final category to be celebrated is ‘Audience Fan Favorite‘ where fans can vote for their favorite independent handbag or shoe designer based on the 35 finalists on Handbag Designer 101. This award will be presented by Founder and Creator of Handbag Designer 101 and the Independent Handbag Designer Awards, Emily Blumenthal. This designer that received the most votes will be announced the night of June 17 at the IDHA event with the other category winners.
Celebrated British designer Lulu Guinness will receive the IHDA ICONOCLAST Award this year for her 20 years in accessories design. Lulu Guinness famous for her exquisite, witty handbags and accessories originally launched her company in 1989 and instantly became a "must" in every fashion aficionado's international address book.
To celebrate the brand's 20th Anniversary Year, Lulu Guinness will be releasing a new limited collection of her legendary Rose Baskets, which will be on display at the night of the IHDA. Throughout the year, Lulu will be collaborating with famed and up & coming artists to produce limited edition specialty items to be sold at the Lulu Guinness stores worldwide.
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