As the night progressed, the crowd grew eager with anticipation while they waited to hear the names of the chosen finalists of each category. The prize? Well, aside from gaining recognition and credibility, the selected designers will not only have their handbags exhibited in a window display at Henri Bendel but will also have the opportunity to partake in a trunk show to promote their designs.
Emily Blumental, foundress of the IHDA and Handbag Designer 101, delivered a lovely opening address and sent the audience into a minor uproar of excitement upon mentioning that a special guest was in our midst: Judith Leiber! Considering her fortress of a household name and legendary status within the market of accessory design, it was no surprise to hear that Leiber was the recipient of the IHDA’s Iconoclast Award.
A fashion panel of expert judges and industry gurus from Handbag Designer 101 selected the award recipients of each of the remaining categories:
Having successfully started her line of handbags while still in school, Clara Yoo of Parsons School of Design was issued the award in the category of Best Made Student Handbag. In conjunction with this award, Yoo is presented with the opportunity to work as an apprentice on the Henri Bendel accessory design team!
The following category of Best Handmade Handbag required that the winning design be knitted, crocheted, or sewn by the designer himself. This award was given to Darren Wallace along with a new Singer sewing machine.
The winner of the Best Green Handbag was Helen Marcoschamer of Ecoist, having used recycled and sustainable materials for her design.
The Most Socially Responsible Handbag award went to Bridget Reid of PFYH Alpaca: Peace For Your Heart. Having manufactured the alpaca fleece of this winning design in Peru, Reid has made an admirable example of a “socially responsible” designer by ensuring that a portion of the bags proceeds is returned to the country’s local education system.
In the category of Audience Fan Favorite, Bag Borrow or Steal’s readers and consumers (Sex and the City and Jennifer Hudson ring a bell?) voted for their preferred design. The lucky recipient of this award was Suzanna Scarola of Bellabags.
Concluding the awards ceremony with the highly celebrated category of Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design, Jana Hanci (CEO of LaunchBags) handed off the award to a very pleased Lui Antinous.
The Independent Handbag Award show was more like a red carpet affair honoring emerging designers for their endless efforts in the fashion industry. The presence of such established designers alongside the “new kids on the block” serves as an example of the camaraderie within the fashion world.
0 Response to "Second Annual Independent Handbag Awards"
Post a Comment