Handbag Designer 101 honors handbag & shoe excellence

25 May '09

6 min read

• Alexis Campagna: Antibellum
• Brenda Zheng: Brenda Zheng
• Nanang Agung Rahmanto: Muttox 9
• Lauren Finelli: LaurNelli
• Darren Wallace, Darren Wallace

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.
• Allison McGowan: TEICH
• Linda Wong: Canopy Verde
• Karin Maislinger: kontiki
• Andres Stickney: DRES
• Nazly Villamizar, Ecoist

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.
• Pauline Lewis & Le Thi Hong Tu: oovoo design, Made in Vietnam
• Cherry Kwunyeun: Blumpari, Made in Thailand
• Katie Smith: Angel Jackson, Made in Bali
• Clare Elsmore-Dodsworth: Gifted Label, Made in Mongolia
• Maria Estrada: IGNES Handbags, Made in Uruguay

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.
• Heather Choi: Farfaraway
• Michele Gresh: Modern Unity
• Ana Niculae: Imperfect Indulgence
• Lorna Nixon: Lorna Nixon
• Erin Vorhees: Kempt

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.
• Raphael Young: Raphael Young
• Minna Parikka: Minna Parikka
• Jamie Presson: J.L. Presson
• Marti Zabell: Marz
• Weronika Lesniak: Weronika: Lesniak

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.
• Minna Parikka: Minna Parikka
• Johanna Baccardo: Beautiful People
• Emily Cheetham: Cheet London
• Alice Tapajos: Zibba
• Adriana Castro: Adriana Castro

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 17th at the IDHA event with the other category winners. These aforementioned category finalists' work can be seen here.

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.

The 2009 IHDA Sponsors include CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, Singer Sewing Company, WWDMAGIC, Parsons The New School for Design, Pantone, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sam Edelman, Foot Petals, Devi Kroell, The Fashion Center, UK Trade and Investment, Korres Natural Beauty, The Garment Industry Development Corporation, The Luxury Institute, Ripe Ideas, Soho House NYC, Red Branch Public Relations, Collective-E, Miss Meghan, Rosangel from Gran Centenario, Kristof Wines, Shine to Go, Megan Howard Design, Smart Water, enSof Graphics, M&J Trimming, Leather Suede Skins, Rosen & Chadick Fabrics, Verve NYC and Bottomless Closet.

Handbag Designer 101

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