Badgley Mischka's Silver Anniversary - Spring 2015

A quarter century together!  Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka may have tied the knot last year but their life and label have been official for 25 years.   My former draping teacher at Parsons had fond memories of watching the two of them work together at a corner table in the classroom in the years before I attended the school myself.

The spring 2015 collection of Badgley Mischka was a parade of elegant day looks and dream gowns.  Fluid silk pants and flirty skirts were paired with tweed jackets with motorcycle styling or luxe cardigans for daytime.  Evening wear had a gorgeous palette of light purple, pale blue, different shades of grey and caramel. 

Many of the bodices or skirts were lavishly embellished with jewels, moonstones and satin flowers.  The embroidery was layered on top of lace and tulle.  Rich beading was also used to accent the key print of an elaborate cherry blossom pattern.

Accessories were almost as impressive.  There was a very sophisticated backpack that upgrades the entire category.  There was a giant jeweled bow on a shoulder.  Big clear Lucite cuff bracelets were made luxurious with shining stones.  Small box clutch handbags had a subtle, holographic finish and decorated with rhinestone motifs.  Shoes had delicate straps, often two-toned with python finish leather and embellished with jewels or shiny hardware. 

The show’s finale included a shower of balloons and a surprise appearance of Naomi Campbell who walked in Badgley Mischka’s first runway show.  Now I can’t wait to see their golden anniversary show!

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Kipling Bags Go Back to School with Megan Nicole

Last night's Kipling bags event co-hosted by Megan Nicole was old school. Literally, the event took place in a crumbling old school.  The location was as suffocating, sweaty and as uncomfortable as the poor souls who were relegated to summer session remember.

This was an event that was just baffling to me from a PR standpoint. Initial Impressions mean a lot when you are courting the press.  The first thing a media guest had to do was climb a few flights up dirty school stairs to an overheated classroom.   The stuffiness made you want to leave immediately, before you had a chance to look at the collection.  

Don't get me wrong, the school theme was cute, but it didn't have to be taken so literally to get the point across, especially at the expense of practicality and comfort.

Co-host Megan Nicole was touted as a "YouTube Darling".   She was adorable and performed for the guests.  When I worked at VF Corporation, the Kipling team shared our office floor.  Their collaborating celebrity back then was pop diva Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.  This was when the band was at the height of their success.  Now the brand has recruited a karaoke version of a pop star recruited from social media..  My how times (and budgets?) have changed.

The bags I did get a chance to look at had cute prints, executed in their classic backpack and pouch shapes. Many of them were miniature in size.   I wasn't sure if they were meant for children? Were they supposed to be ironically mini like a phone case?  PR #FAIL number 2: I asked two different representatives this question and neither one had a clue.  I also asked when these would be available in stores.  Again, the answers were "I don’t know....soon I assume?"   Wow, that is helpful.  As a blogger, I have the freedom to write on my own timeline.  Howeve, for time sensitive publications putting together gift guides and back to school round ups, this is vital information that was missing.  A brand could be missing the opportunity for coverage that I assume they would want for potential shoppers...

I took it upon myself to grab a catalog to make some sense of the collection.   The catalog heavily promoted their monogram feature.  This was on trend for today's selfie obsessed world.  Megan Nicole smile sweetly from the pages.  I still have no idea what the intended customer or function of the mini bags are.  Get it together marketing peeps!

Read more >>

Independent Handbag Design Award Winners 2014

 

Congratulations to the talented winners of the Independent Handbag Design Awards 2014.  While the CFDA honors designers of multiple fashion categories, the IHDA is the only internationally known competition that celebrates the purse.

This was the 8th year that the awards were held, championed by accessories professor Emily Blumenthal.  The designers from over 100 countries around the world over the years consider her a Godmother of independent design.

Yes, these awards focus on labels that do not come from the same few corporations that run the industry.  Designers that win receive major pushes to their careers, such as partnerships with huge brands, photo spreads in InStyle magazine, launches at Bloomingdale's...

This year, the winner of Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design as well as Instyle.com's Audience Fan Favorite was John Edwards of Florian London.  His gorgeous wife accepted for him and humbly thanked everyone for their support.  She expressed his dream and sacrifices to get there.

That's what I love about these awards.  There is so much heart in the design, from the personal stories behind the makers to the good intentions in the handbag itself.  The winner for Timberland's Best Green Handbag was Carolina Riffi Ollite-Hopman of Carat23.  This was a category for bags made of renewable, organic or recycled materials.  The FEED sponsored the most Socially Responsible Handbag.  Monica Frisbie of Mondrina won for her Peru-made bag.

I loved Morgan Richard's story behind his winner for Optitex Best Student Made Handbag.  He dedicated his work to his uncle, who believed every piece should tell a story.  He made that directive literal, but telling the story of his uncle in a script-printed leather used on his bag.

Designers flew in from all over the world to attend the ceremony.  One of the few who did not make it was winner of Bernina's Best Handmade bag Gili Rozin Tamam.  She just had a baby.  Her MeDusa bag was a fun embossed and spiked clutch made from plastic.  MeDusa means "jellyfish" in Hebrew.

Guess Handbags sponsored a category asking for designers to sketch a bag using denim.  Finalists had their designs made and the winner, Tika Kuchukhidze of TIKA won an opportunity to work with the team in Italy.

Monica Botkier was this year's recipient for the Iconoclast award.  The Independent Handbag Designer Awards always honors a successful designer who also started independently and built a brand from scratch.

Get a jump on the next "It" bag from one of these designers and you can say you knew them when...

Read more >>

Last Call! Independent Handbag Designer Competition

Are you the next Kate Spade? Rebecca Minkoff? Are you a handbag designer who wants to see your purse design in InStyle magazine or the windows of Bloomingdale's?   The Independent Handbag Designer Awards is taking entries for one more day (April 26, 2014).

You can win categories like best overall design and quality, most green, socially responsible, audience favorite...  

Prizes are GREAT.  They can really help launch your brand and put it in the spotlight.  Check out Independent Handbag Designer winners of previous years to get a sense of your competition.  

You can find the designer application or purchase tickets for the June 18 winners event on the IHDA website. 

Read more >>

Shopping in Hanoi: Ipa Nima Handbags

Yes I am BACK from my epic trip to Vietnam.  Ipa Nima Handbags  was one of my favorite finds in my shopping excursions through Hanoi.  Christina Yu's celebrated accessories label has its own boutique, but was also carried in the top galleries and upscale stores around the country.

The purses caught my attention for their unique embellishments (you know I am a sucker for that).  They had a wonderful mix of embroidery, applique and creative manipulations of materials.  The color sense was fun and sophisticated.  The motifs were fun, but not cloyingly cute.

Christina Yu was a former fashion editor who was driven to create her brand after being inspired by the work of local artisans.  The company commits to working with smaller, family owned manufacturers in Vietnam for the collection.  I am a bigger fan of the designer's participation in  an organization called KOTO "Know One Teach One" that trains and employs disadvantaged youth, orphans and young people with chronic disabilities.

Ipa Nima already has international fans like Cate Blanchett, Maggie Cheung and the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.  Now let's get these bags into New York City too.

Read more >>

By the Book: Michael Kors Spring 2014

 When I attended Parsons School of Design, it was all about "7th Avenue Sportswear".  The king of this was Michael Kors.  His collection for spring 2014 was the textbook presentation of the well edited, merchandised, buyer-friendly groups that our professions always wanted to see.

What does this mean? When my class had to present our groups of "croquis" (fashion sketches on a figure) the teachers were always looking for cohesive  groups mixing prints, coordinating solid colors, diversity of separates, etc.  Exactly what department store buyers would buy, consistent price point and easy enough for the most unimaginative retail to understand.  Were they asking design students to scale new heights in creativity? No.  They were teaching us to get a job.  Parsons students of today are no longer pushed into this philosophy based on the artistic work I have saw at the last graduate show.  In this century, designers can only distinguish themselves from the big labels by doing something completely different.

Michael Kors is the perfect example of the old school. He's not breaking new ground in fashion design, but he is an American fashion icon by his wit and business savvy.  His spring 2014 collection mixed conservative long, buttoned up dresses and classic coats in brown, navy, camel, green.  There were cropped tops and short shorts in the same fabrics to accommodate the same customer's daughters.

The MK handbag was a huge breakout hit at retail the last few years, so purses also took center stage on the catwalk.

I may not look to Mr. Kors for design inspiration, but he's the first man I would go to for a great quip or learn the industry from.

original photos by David TW Leung

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2014 With Janelle Monae

The Divas have rocked the house! What a treat to watch the amazing Janelle Monae perform throughout Rebecca Minkoff's NY Fashion Week show.  The style going down the runway was not eclipsed by the energetic singer, a testament to the strength of the collection.

While the spring 2014 collection was noted to be inspired by Latin America, the muse was not presented too literally.  Pretty embroideries were reminiscent of peasant blouses you might find at a market.  However, they were interpreted in different colors, tailored pieces and contemporary motifs.  Some of the prints reminded me of patterns you would see on plastic tablecloths at your local bodega, BUT in elegant fabrics.  The sense of humor of this approach worked well for this season.

As cute as Rebecca's fashions are, her claim to fame will always be her handbags.  There were color blocked pieces and large purses that were a hybrid between briefcase and her signature MAB bags.  Fun backpacks were added that would look great on the back of a moped. 

The shoes?  To die for, (hopefully not because one crashed and burned in heels).  I drooled over the series of long cut-out boot sandals.  There were some that carried the intricate floral pattern of the garments.  Others were solid colored with contrast hardware.  If the towering boot was not your thing, shorter shoes with multi-colored tassels swung whimsically down the runway.

What did you think of the Diva and Designer collaboration? Does having live music enhance your appreciation of the catwalk clothing?

original photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Anya Hindmarch Boutique Launch in NYC

Luxury handbag and leather goods company Anya Hindmarch launched their lovely boutique on the Upper East Side of Manhattan yesterday.  I always thought of the brand as forward and stylish.  However, the boutique put much more focus on quality, antiques and traditional craftsmanship.

The hand-pressed techniques of customizing your goods were the highlight.  Artisan John Stalley has been the master of this for many years at the London store.  He was brought to New York to train a new generation in old school skills.

As classic as the overall aesthetic appeared, it certainly did not take itself too seriously.  Cheeky phrases were hand-embossed into fine grain leather.  Artistic fonts were unusual color combinations were paired with rich hues.  

Guests left with a literal "pop-up" store, which was a printed cardboard version of the boutique that popped into three-dimensional shape when you pulled it out of the envelope.  A swatch of English heather and a lucky penny also graced our farewells.  Those who needed a treat were handed a freshly made pretzel on the sidewalk.

This boutique proved that old-world luxury does not have to be stuffy.  Now what is your favorite way to marry the old with the new?

Read more >>

Judith Leiber - Artisan to Fashion Icon

The patron saint of luxury handbags, the Judith Leiber Museum in East Hampton celebrates her designs in an exhibit that spans the 1960's to 2004.  She was a Holocaust survivor who learned her artisan handbag making skills in Hungary.

With a very supportive husband, Judith Leiber brought her passion and skills to America, also with a goal of employing women in the trade.  Many of her iconic bags were made in New York.  The classic minaudieres, clutches and accessories have been seen on almost every First Lady in the past few decades as well as countless celebrities.

The museum of a real gem in the woods in East Hampton, Long Island.  The location is part of their residence and also houses husband Gerson's artwork.  There is a modest case on the first floor that houses some of her many fashion awards.  The second floor contains a petite silver and crystal encrusted handbag that I was told was her absolute favorite among the many thousands of her career.  It was the first bag she ever made in metal and crystals.

Back when I was designing for an embroidery house full-time, the Judith Leiber studio used several of my
designs in the collection, but this was already after the company had already been sold.

In addition to the handbags and artwork on display, there is a huge collection of Chinese artwork that the Leibers are fond of collecting.  You can see this influence clearly in the shapes and motifs that were in Ms. Leiber's work from the 1980's onward.

If you catch a last weekend out in the Hamptons, definitely check this fashion exhibit out!  For more information, take a look at their website here.

Read more >>

Win Hpnotiq’s Handbag Challenge - Bling It On!

Who is the most “glam” of them all?  You don’t need a magic mirror to tell you, (that’s what “selfies” are for).  Let Hpnotiq reward you properly, with a purse.   Yes, the blue liqueur is hosting another round of its #GLAMLOUDER contest, and you can win the designer handbag you have been eyeing all summer for showing them your best head to toe look. 

The image you offer up doesn't have to be of yourself, just an incredibly chic look that represents the best of your taste!  For my entry, I loved the classic Hollywood vamping from the models on the Korhani Fall 2013 runway at World MasterCard Fashion Week.  The retro-styled hair, the poses and perfect facial expressions made it the most memorable show in Toronto.

This multi-round contest awards luxurious fashion prizes around different themes.  I first wrote about the glammest heels challenge where they outfitted lucky feet with $800 stilettos.  The next prize was to bestow a beauty queen with an entire year of mani-pedis.  This round, the winners get to their favorite piece of arm candy in the form of a designer bag.

To enter, you need to submit your head to toe “glam look” to Hpnotiq’s Facebook page or their website.  You can also follow and tweet your photo  @Hpnotiq.  Just make sure you tag your entry with  #GLAMLOUDER to make sure the judges see it! They will choose four fashionistas from this contest to gift with the perfect purse.  Winners of this challenge are also entered into the grand prize drawing where you (and three of your BFF’s) are flown out to Los Angeles to get makeovers and shop with Khloe Kardashian (and you know that family can shop!)  You’ll also star in your own photo shoot which might be Hpnotiq’s next ad campaign! Make sure you enter by July 28, 2013.

Click here for full contest rules.   Good luck and win BIG!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hpnotiq via Single Edition Media.The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hpnotiq.

Read more >>

Purse Lovers! Simone Handbag Museum

This has got to be the handbag and fashion lovers ultimate museum...The Simone Handbag Museum in Korea is a multi-story shrine to the fashionista's most necessary accessory and is actually built to resemble a purse!

How badass is that?  The team behind the museum are the masters of the handbag craft that include embroiderers, tailors, designers, restoration specialists, etc.  There are specially made mannequins, custom cast arms that were designed to display each handbag in optimum positions.  Historical bags that date as far back as 1550 are painstakingly restored. More contemporary pieces include a 2012 Celine tote and Alexander McQueen Union Jack purse.

Can't make it to Korea?  You're in luck.  Their website is fantastic.  You can click on the photos of their 300 handbags for a detailed image and description (yes, in English).  It also has extensive photos documenting the creation of the museum and mannequins that I found fascinating.

Think you're bag-obsessed now?  I think I enabled your addiction.

Read more >>

Catherine Malandrino Fall 2013

It takes a damn good designer to pull me out of the comfort of Lincoln Center tents and drag me downtown in the cold.  Catherine Malandrino's Fall 2013 collection was presented in a gallery in the far west side of Chelsea on a frigid Sunday.  

 The collection was inspired by the French Art Deco line of Ruhlmann. If I walked into a wardrobe with nothing more than her clothes, I would want for nothing.  The dark palette for fall fits the city lifestyle perfectly.  There are no basic garments, as geometric embellishments, draped details and flattering cuts made each look shop-worthy.

There weren't a lot of handbags, but the totes on hand were textured and decorated to fit in with the collection.  No dainty clutches here.  A modern woman needs a bag that carries everything her lifestyle demands... Phone, notepad, iPad, makeup, water, umbrella...

See the full collection here.

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2013

Some grunge, some futuristic chic. Rebecca Minkoff's Fall 2013 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a collection for the "modern girl's manifesto".  The show opened with a great musical performance by Wild Cub.

This was a smorgasbord of high tech fabrics, leather, quilting and tailoring.  There was a mix of graphic prints mixed with color blocked jackets and pieces with leather contrast trim.  The last few dresses were super bright in color, with space age silhouettes.

Handbags are Rebecca's big claim to fame.  Her first fan was actress Jenna Elfman who still has that first bag today (she personally tweeted me confirmation of this).  For fall 2013, there was a noticeable reduction of the famous Mini-Mac bag and a large mix of new styles.  There were three-toned saddle bag styles, big bags to accommodate laptops and some fun purses with a holographic finish.

I think I always love Minkoff's collection because she designs for the lifestyles of women like herself. She is a new mother, and her business is a full family project.  This kind of support is something any designer would dream of.  Click here to see the full collection.

photos by David TW Leung

Read more >>

Porsche Twin Bag Launch

You know Porsche for sleek cars.  How often do you shop for luxury fashion goods from them?  The Porsche Design boutique on Madison avenue hosted a launch party for their first purse, the Twin Bag.

The Twin Bag is a ladylike, multi-tasking handbag.  It's basic silhouette reminds you of an iconic Birkin, but it has dual-purpose straps so you can wear it on your shoulder or carry it by hand (as demonstrated by the models above).  Officially launching in March, the bags were available for custom orders last night.  You had your choice of colors and super luxurious skins like ostrich and crocodile.

My Hubby was drooling over the men's watches and luggage in between sips of champagne.  There was a quick photo booth from NYC Photo Party where I ran into fellow Glam blogger, Kitty Bradshaw.  The party also gave me a few moments of pampering courtesy of Exhale Spa, who did my nails.

I always thought of the Porsche brand and sporty, fast, European.  The Twin Bag seemed more conservative and regal than what I pictured the first handbag from Porsche to look like. However I did love it upon sight, and can't wait to see what they do next.
Photos by Mariana Leung, Adam Weinstein and NYC Photo Party

Read more >>

FAB Exclusive: Interview with Camila Alves

You might recognize Camila Alves as the super-hot mom/model (her Hubby is the equally hot Matthew McConaughey).  These days Ms. Alves is gaining praise for her handbag label MUXO and a new tunic collection.  She truly puts family first, her design and business partner is none other than her own Mom.

In contrast to your typical "celebrity" handbag line, Camila and her mother originally started their own handbag line for same reasons as many other designers.  They wanted to make money together and be able to send funds home to their family.  In the early days, the two of them would work late into the night to stitch, hammer and apply trim themselves to make their bags by hand.

Ms. Fabulous editor Mariana Leung chats with Camila about her fashion journey:

Ms. FABulous: Who were your style icons growing up?

Camila Alves: I think my mother was definitely an influential part of my style growing up. She’s always had a cool sophisticated air about her that translates in our designs.

MsF: Has being a parent changed how you work as an entrepreneur and designer?

C.A.: Absolutely! I need things to not only be chic, but also effortless and able to be work for different outfits and occasions.

MsF: You design your handbag collection with your mother.  While you are well known for your modeling work in the fashion industry, did either of you have previous design experience or was it a mutual love of style that brought you together for this collection?

C.A.: I feel like I have been in the fashion my whole life! From my modeling career to watching my mother who has 3 degrees in design and arts! 

MsF: The collection features Brazilian leather and handcrafted workmanship.  How involved were you in the decisions of choosing the materials and directing how they were to be made?

C.A.: I’m completely involved in the creative process. I wanted to create a line that I could nurture and grow be proud of, and that meant that I needed to be involved from conception to execution.

MsF: What inspired you to add tunics to your label?  Is there a plan for a full clothing line?

C.A.: I wanted to expand from the handbags and tunics worked naturally because just like the bags, it’s something that works for all women of different sizes and ages. No plans just yet, but we’ll see what else comes to mind!

MsF: What was the most unexpected thing you learned in creating your own fashion label?

C.A.: I was surprised at how easily something can come to life when you’re passionate about . And also how you actually influence people and provide them with special experiences thru your product and creation!

MsF: What is the most special tradition you have for the holidays? 

C.A.: Getting the whole family together and having a sit down meal and acknowledging how blessed we are to have each other!

MsF: Thank you and happy holidays!

Read more >>

Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

A Midsummer's Nights Dream inspired Badgley's Mischka's spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week.  Not Shakespeare particularly, but the 1935 film (the one with James Cagney and an almost naked Mickey Rooney as Puck).

The collection had dreamy silk organza, chiffon with floral touches in large and small scale to please the most deluded fairy queens.  The silhouettes definitely hinted at 1930's Hollywood glamour.  The muted greys, pinks, purple, silver, ivory and gold made for a gorgeous color palette. The messy up-do hairstyle made the models looks a little more relaxed and romantic, as if they were running through the woods looking for a lost lover than at an uptight cocktail party.  A few pieces that had "angel" like wings looked a little too much like Christian's Siriano's Fall 2012 collection though.

I loved the range of accessories I saw in this collection.  The dainty, constructed clutches were chic with metallic accent.  Embroidered, fingerless tulle gloves were unexpected, but gave an extravagant, edgy option.  Wired and jeweled statement necklaces and structured platform shoes again were modern updates to more formal pieces.

Is it wrong I was a little disappointed that no one wore a big donkey head in the end?

Read more >>

Kara Ross Spring 2013

Luxury jewelry and handbag designer Kara Ross showed her love of the city at NY Fashion week. She created a gorgeous necklace to be shown in a jewelry design exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design.

The necklace encased pieces of concrete from the Hudson Yards as well as photographs of New York City. While most pieces like this end up looking gimmicky, this one looked architecturally chic.

The rest of spring 2013 showcased the designer's skill with interesting leather treatments, like the two-toned snakeskin clutch, or the bracelets, necklaces and rings that had expert jewelry settings using leather and collages in addition to stones.

What do you say, are you ready to wear a bit of your city around your neck?

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: BCBG Spring 2013

BCBG Max Azria showed a sexy spring collection with a simple color palette for NY Fashion Week.  Black, white, grey and pops of coral seem to be the only colors they will offer next season.  The looks were a mix of edgy leather, chiffon and lace with some faded floral prints.  The silhouettes were a lot more constructed than the previous fall season.

I was surprised at how much of the runway show was very dark when every other designer showed brighter, lighter colors.  I wonder how many of the styles were  a spillover from holiday 2012?  There were a few styles that had bandage-like details, similar to their sister line of Herve Leger.  That indicates to me that their collective design teams are likely overworked when styles overlap like that.

Handbags, which are very popular from BCBG were variation upon variation of the big envelope clutch.  They have been offering the envelope clutch for several seasons now, so it must be a bestseller, becoming a signature item, (or the overworked design team just gave up).  The size and scale were quite similar, as well as the styling and finish.

Whether redundancies were in this runway show or not, I still look forward to shopping the clothes I viewed in 2013.  

Full collection:

google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400">

Read more >>

Accessories Report - Miami Fashion Week Edition

I hope you're enjoying our runway reports of all the shows from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The bikinis were hot, but the accessories of South Beach were stars on and off the catwalk.  When I wasn't shooting from the photographer's pit, I did my style hunting with my phone on Instagram.

South Florida fashionistas are all about color. The sun is bright on the beach and the women are no wallflowers. Statement necklaces are more of a declaration on the runways of Mara Hoffman and Red Carter. A bunch of guests even had a chance to DIY their baubles at an event under the tents of the Raleigh Hotel.

Shoes were bold, following trends of color blocking and big floral embellishments. Handbags in Miami were far from demure. I spotted a flashy metallic envelope clutch and a neon trimmed woven rattan purse.  The Caffe Swimwear fashion show had a parade of big, brightly colored straw beach bags with over-sized tassels and wrapped handles.

One popular accessory unique to the South Beach fashion crowd is the updated turban. Maybe it's the heat, but I haven't seen that look too often in the Northeast. Variations includes luxe designer scarves, retro bows and wild prints.

Until next time SoBe!

Now you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for power. Introducing the ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook™, Inspired by Intel. Visit intel.com/ultrabook for more information.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Intel via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Intel.

Read more >>

Independent Handbag Designer Awards 2012

The best of independent handbag designers were honored last week at the Sixth annual awards.  This event is always truly special to me as someone who loves to champion indie creators.
Winning one of the awards isn't just a prize or a headline, but truly a multi-part support package that helps to advance the designer's career.

The award categories themselves brings out the best qualities that the indie fashion industry could hope for, like Most Socially Responsible (using ethical and moral standards in the production of the bag) and Best Green Handbag (made from sustainable, recycled or organic materials). Attendees are encouraged to donate old purses to Bottomless Closet, an organization that aims to outfit women with the confidence and fashion to interview for the right job.

Winners are featured InStyle magazine as supported by editor Ariel Foxman.  Singer sewing machines donate state of the art machines to equip an entire studio, mentorships, special collections in collaboration with designers all propel small business owners to new career levels.

Designers who were honored included Krystal Sokolis for Best Student Made handbag.  Sheila Harper won Singer Simplicity's award for Best Handmade, Aimee Kestenberg won Kipling's award for Creating with Nylon.  Best Green Handbag went to Fiona Kempton and Most Socially Responsible Handbag was awarded to Marisa Collado of Mexico.  The Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design was won by Bita and Rouzita Vahhabaghai for their gold and green reed-like clutch.  The Audience fan favorite (and mine) was Jennifer Lang's laser cut leather purse.

Designer and awards founder Emily Blumenthal has really mentored entire generations of designers with this competition.  Her passion has brought in designers like Carlos Falchi to do the same.

The iconoclast award honored Kenneth Cole this year.  His start in the industry is legendary, but his own wit about this business was even more charming.  His brand is known for leather goods, shoes and bags.  He advised that one should never judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes... (If you still don't like them, you are a mile away from them and you also took their shoes).

Read more >>