We want to thank the over 600 applicants for participating in the Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. We received fabulous bags from around the world just confirming that the Independent Handbag Designer can no longer be ignored. We hope you join us to celebrate this special event where the winners will be announced.
General admission tickets are $25 each. To purchase tickets, click here.
Tickets purchased after midnight on Saturday, June 13th does not guarantee seating for the award's portion of the evening.
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Category: Best Green Handbag: Bags that are made out of sustainable, recycled or organic materials |
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Evelina: Vegan Queen- Eco Luxury
Age: N/A
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.VeganQueen.com View DetailsVQ signature silhouette- Diamond Bag
| What is your bag made out of?: |
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eco-friendly materials -developed to the highest ecological standards |
| What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?: |
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I represent Vegan lifestyle |
| Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?: |
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all bags are made in USA |
| Where are bags sold?: |
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www.veganqueen.com/boutique.html | Hide | | |
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Tracy Penwell: Dressed Up Cat Fashion Re-fashioned
Age: 49
Bag Born: 2005
Website: www.dressedupcat.com View DetailsTitle: "Summertime". One-of-a-kind wearable art straw & white leather clutch embellished with 3 watched with white leather bands. All components vintage or recycled. $295.
| What is your bag made out of?: |
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A vintage clutch & recycled embellishments. |
| What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?: |
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I love re-fashioning old but pristine bags into humorous, sarcastic or sardonic pieces of artwear. They draw attention to recycling and meet a robust demand for unique accessories. |
| Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?: |
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Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. I design and assemble each one, by hand, myself. |
| Where are bags sold?: |
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Rima Fine Art Gallery, Kiss Me Kate Boutique, & Chez Antiques in Scottsdale, AZ; Circle & Square Boutique, Presidio Heights (San Francisco), CA; nikishadrow.com; dressedupcat.com |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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Fashion with a Sense of Humor from the Crossroads of Art, Style & Green. | Hide | | |
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Helen Marcoschamer: Ecoist
Age: ...
Bag Born: 2004
Website: www.ecoist.com View DetailsEcoist Handbags, "Slim Portfolio" style, Structured Bag, repurposed candy wrappers, $128
| What is your bag made out of?: |
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Recycled and Repurposed Candy Wrappers |
| What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?: |
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To merge design with social and environmental consciousness to provide stylish, functional, and durable products that people will love to own. All our products are made from recycled, organic, or earth-friendly materials, and are manufactured through our network of fair trade partnerships around the world. We wanted to reduce landfill waste and with every bag sold, we plant a tree. |
| Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?: |
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They are made in Mexico and Peru. Once we get the discarded wrappers from factories, the wrappers are then cut, folded into straps, weaved, and sewn by skilled artisans. Each one is 100 % handmade. Ecoist is proud of its fair trade practices and contributions to social causes. |
| Where are bags sold?: |
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Throughout the US, UK, Japan, Latin America, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. | Hide | | |
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NAZLY VILLAMIZAR: NAZLY VILLAMIZAR
Age: 32
Bag Born: 2007
Website: WWW.NAZLYV.COM View DetailsEYES: Organic structured bag by Nazly Villamizar,made of natural palm fiber $180
| What is your bag made out of?: |
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PALM TREE FIBER |
| What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?: |
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WANTED TO REUSE WASTES IN A FASHIONABLE WAY. |
| Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?: |
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HAND MADE IN COLOMBIA WITH LOVE! |
| Where are bags sold?: |
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NOWHERE YET. | Hide | | |
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Suzanna Scarola: Bellabags
Age: 32
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.bellabags.com View DetailsHand-knitted recycled plastic pouchette w/bow & vintage applique $100
| What is your bag made out of?: |
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plastic bags & re-used chain & button |
| What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?: |
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I think we need beautiful evening bags that are socially responsible too! |
| Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?: |
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My bags are hand-made by me in my studio |
| Where are bags sold?: |
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I am working on this- I think these could be the next-best thing! | Hide | | |
Category: Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design: Best executed handbag overall in style and design |
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Julie Lazarus: Elezar
Age: 35 and counting
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.elezar.com View DetailsVivi, Tote, Brown, Distressed Fabric, 488
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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With the vivi line I wanted a chic vegan bag that was functional |
| What are the retail price-points of your line?: |
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280-500 |
| Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: |
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yes |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Bottega Venetta, Carlos Falchi |
| Which stores currently stock your handbags?: |
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Ashen Boutique, DS additions, Olive and Betts, Tangerine | Hide | | |
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Wendy Lau: Edidi
Age: 41
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.edidi.com View Detailsplatinum plated Frame with Turqusie Nuckle stones, Swarovski crystals. retail
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I love to use the organic beauty of natual stones |
| What are the retail price-points of your line?: |
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$1,500 to $3,500 |
| Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: |
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Yes- I am now working with exotic skins, Stones and crystals |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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I love the classics |
| Which stores currently stock your handbags?: |
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Bergdorf Gooodamn, Browns of London | Hide | | |
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Diego Rocha: Diego Rocha
Age: 33
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.diegorocha.com View DetailsDiego Rocha, "GIGI BAG" style shoulder bag, natural python, lined in suede -$ 1,680.
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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Timeless shapes handcrafted with style and quality |
| What are the retail price-points of your line?: |
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$480 - $ 1,680 |
| Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: |
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yes, I do. |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Hermes, Judith Leiber and Nancy Gonzales |
| Which stores currently stock your handbags?: |
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Macy's, Mira Couture, Shirise, Eclectica. | Hide | | |
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georgia thompson: maas london ltd
Age: 26
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.maaslondon.com View Detailshummingbird clutch. gold plated metal and suede. £1200
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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to create exotic bags of incredible beauty, quality and craftsmanship |
| What are the retail price-points of your line?: |
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high end luxury |
| Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: |
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yes |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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zoe knight , lara bonic, micheal teperson |
| Which stores currently stock your handbags?: |
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none yet... we are launching in september | Hide | | |
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Lui Antinous: Lui Antinous
Age: 26
Bag Born: 2006
Website: www.luiantinous.com View DetailsHandbag by me, "Lui Antinous", Style:"Diodora" shoulder bagDescription: Chocolate pebbled calfskin leather piped in chocolate patent leather with forest green semi precious stone accent.lining: cream taffeta linling trimed in chocolate calfskin. Retail price: $750
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I've been creating ever since I can remember and its not until I realized the power of expression that I began to truly understand the why of my being. I embrace change and non-conformity and am very aware that I am here to encourage others to do so as well. I'm a hopeless anachronistic romantic that bows in the presence of esthetic and beauty from past worlds yet I see myself traveling 186,000 miles per second enamored with modern design and future dimensions.The one thing that stands out about my bags is the structured silhouette, which embodies power and beauty, femininity and masculinity, the classic and the modern. Creating a wonderful sense of ambiguity, which most people are afraid yet fascinated by. The audience I target is a strong one, a confident and grounded one who knows what to wear and how to wear it. |
| What are the retail price-points of your line?: |
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lower end collection-$140 to $550, higher/lux collection - $550 to $1500 |
| Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: |
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Although I have a very particular style and esthetic I do love to evolve and am not afraid of change |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Lanvin, mcqueen,Armani, Cartier |
| Which stores currently stock your handbags?: |
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Legato boutique on 42nd street and 5th ave, Parker on Madison and 79th st, and Patricia Field NY | Hide | | |
Category: Best Handmade Handbag: Sewn, crocheted, knitted or any other material where the designer themselves is making their bag by hand or machine |
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Renee Parrill: Flamestitch
Age: 32
Bag Born: 2006
Website: www.flamestitch.com View DetailsBag Measures 14"x12.5"x3". 24" straps. Made from red sparkly Naugahyde, flesh-toned Naugahyde with contrast stitching. Sparkly welt. Cotton Ticking lining with internal zippered pocket. Red sparkly straps.
When I designed this bag, I wanted it to suggest a feminine shape. I wanted the bag to straddle the line of acceptable versus shocking without transgressing into novelty.
| How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.): |
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Sewn |
| What is the primary material used?: |
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Naugahyde |
| Do you make all of your own bags?: |
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Yes |
| If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.: |
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I work with my twin sister, Randi Channel. Together, we hand make all our bags. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I am interested in the pairing of opposites. I feel that opposition in concept and construction moves the design forward. I feel strongly that a concept must be excuted from start to finish by its designer. I strive to execute my designs with craftsmanship that exceeds expectations. | Hide | | |
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Dawn Kelly: Dawn Kelly
Age: 36
Bag Born: 2008
Website: n/a View DetailsDawn Kelly, clutch, grey patent leather, price tbd
| How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.): |
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sewn |
| What is the primary material used?: |
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leather |
| Do you make all of your own bags?: |
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yes |
| If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.: |
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I make my own bags |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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keep it simple, stick to clean lines, less is more | Hide | | |
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Laura Nelli: Nelle
Age: 28
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.nellehandbags.com View Details10 strips of pleated petersham ribbon come together to create a darling envelops style clutch. Lined with Nelle's signature black duct ticking fabric this little bundle works for either day or night. Available in black, cream, lawn, royal purple, and coral. Measurements: 9 3/4 X 4 3/4
| How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.): |
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Sewn |
| What is the primary material used?: |
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Petersham Ribbon and hemp canvas |
| Do you make all of your own bags?: |
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Yes |
| If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.: |
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I make all of my own bags |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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Couture you can clutch | Hide | | |
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Shara N. Brown: Accessory Niche
Age: 34
Bag Born: 2003
Website: accessoryniche.com View DetailsAccessory Niche, "The Nubuck Hobo" in sand nubuck with white faux croc trim, $190
| How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.): |
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Sewn with commercial sewing machine |
| What is the primary material used?: |
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Upholstery fabrics including synthetics, nubuck, and calfskins |
| Do you make all of your own bags?: |
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Yes |
| If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.: |
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N/A |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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To recreate classic handbag styles using modern detail for the modern woman | Hide | | |
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Darren Wallace: Darren Wallace
Age: 34
Bag Born: 2008
Website: N/A View DetailsDarren Wallace, Sabrina, Clutch, Cayman Crocodile/Silk, Chocolate, $2600
| How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.): |
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hand sewn, wired |
| What is the primary material used?: |
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Cayman Crocodile |
| Do you make all of your own bags?: |
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Yes |
| If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.: |
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self-made |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I believe in utilizing the most of the leathers and skins to create a unique pieces of wearable art. | Hide | | |
Category: Best Student-Made Handbag: Students who have successfully started their lines while still in school |
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Rebecca Allen: Rebecca
Age: 22
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.rebeccaanneallen.com View DetailsBrand Name: Rebecca, Style Name: Overgrown, Silhouette: Circle Tote, Material: Sea Moss green lambskin leather, wooden handle, Price: $800
| School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.): |
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AI Miami International University of Art and Design |
| Is this a Fashion Design School?: |
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Yes |
| What is your major?: |
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Accessory Design |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Prada, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Dior |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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To create a piece that inspires the person emotionally and offers a sense of whimsy and couture to each item. | Hide | | |
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Lissa Kooijman: hydralis
Age: 24
Bag Born: 2008
Website: none yet View DetailsHandbag by Lissa Kooijman, "Hydralis", aluminum with closing magnets, $20
| School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.): |
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University |
| Is this a Fashion Design School?: |
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No, Industrial Design |
| What is your major?: |
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Interaction design |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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water drop |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I aim to design little revolutions in people's lives | Hide | | |
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Dana Van Daele: Grey Sunshine
Age: 27
Bag Born: 2007
Website: N/A View DetailsGrey Sunshine
"Turquoise" Envelope Clutch
Brown Washed Cowhide
$450
| School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.): |
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Fashion Institute of Technology - college/university |
| Is this a Fashion Design School?: |
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Yes |
| What is your major?: |
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Accessories Design |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Shelly Litvak, Maya Baroque, Erva |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I do not follow trends. I shop for leather, and hardware, and those become the inspirtation for my designs. | Hide | | |
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Clara Yoo: C L A R A Y O O
Age: 25
Bag Born: 2008
Website: N/A View DetailsCLARA YOO, oversize canvas bag,Ombre burnt brown canvas bag with black radiator screen on black leather at base. Red and black rubber tube detailing on radiator screen, handles with shiny black rubber detailing, front pocket with black leather trim and zipper, black interior with zipper pocket, $595
| School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.): |
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Parsons The New School for Design |
| Is this a Fashion Design School?: |
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Yes. |
| What is your major?: |
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Fashion Design |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Prada, Marni. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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To show the value of overlooked artifacts of city life in my designs. | Hide | | |
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Lina Motoki: Lina Motoki
Age: 22
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.lmportfolio.blogspot.com View DetailsLina Motoki
Sally bag
large swing(hobo) bag
red PVC
$890
| School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.): |
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Parsons the New School for Design |
| Is this a Fashion Design School?: |
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yes |
| What is your major?: |
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fashion design |
| What other handbag designers have inspired you?: |
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Martin Margiela |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I design shapes of handbags according to what I consider beautiful on a human body. I see bags as an extension of our natural curves of the body. By draping on a form, I create bags that fit well to the body. More over, I pay attention to utilitarian aspects of the handbag, such as secure closures, convertible straps and pockets. | Hide | | |
Category: Most Socially Responsible Handbag: Bags that meet certain ethical and moral standards in regards to production, employment and philanthropy and have impacted the local culture of the country of manufacturing |
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Cristiane Valdez: La Chica Chic
Age: 31
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.lachicachic.com View DetailsLa Chica Chic, pink patent leather with hand-crafted crocheted handle, $260
| What country are your bags manufactured?: |
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Brazil |
| Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?: |
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Our Bags are socially responsible because they are made in shops, which are owned by La Chica Chic in Brazil. Furthermore, they are handmade by people who receive fair wages and work in good working conditions. Our employees not only learn a trade but they are also given an opportunity to receive an education and better their lives. They go to technical schools to learn how to do shoes and manufacturing all paid by La Chica Chic. |
| Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?: |
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We chose Brazil because our designer/owner is from Brazil. La Chica Chic’s fabulous style is only matched by its passion for giving back. La Chica Chic works closely with TodosPelaeducacao, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the children of Brazil. Furthermore, because Brazil is a beautiful country full of talented people who deserve the opportunity and exposure to do their work. |
| How have your bags impacted this community?: |
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A proceed of sales from the Sophie bag, and other La Chica Chic handbags and accessories goes to TodosPelaeducacao, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the children of Brazil. Furthermore, our bags have impacted the community by not only providing secure jobs, but also by providing education through art and work skills. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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Design things with a purpose and give back to the community. Fashion fades, style is forever. | Hide | | |
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Jamila Hubbard: Mad Imports
Age: 32
Bag Born: 2007
Website: www.madimports.net View DetailsMad Imports, "Opal" style, Clutch, handwoven raffia with carved wood button, $75
| What country are your bags manufactured?: |
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Madagascar |
| Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?: |
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Currently, Mad Imports funds the education of the children of our weaver partners, provides educational materials for orphans, offers product design and market readiness workshops. We are also a member of the Fair Trade Federation and are working on 100% sustainability for our raw materials. |
| Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?: |
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Mad Imports was started as and outgrowth of a Madagascar-based development project. In the past I have struggled with my love of fashion and my socially conscious philosophies. Through Mad Imports I am able to combine them. |
| How have your bags impacted this community?: |
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Many families and individuals have benefited from our workshops and the educational materials we provide for the orphanage. We have also provided work, in a time and place where work is scarce, for hundreds of farmers, dyers, weavers, and sewers. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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I want women to embrace our power and beauty. Looking our best and feeling great about where and how our clothes and accessories were produced is a big step. | Hide | | |
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Nyasha Manyonda: Afrobag
Age: 31
Bag Born: November 2007
Website: www.tashanda.com or afrobag.flyingcart.com View DetailsBag Brand Name - AfrobagStyle name - 100% cotton Barkweave batik and re-cycled leatherColor - Brown & YellowRetail price - $75
| What country are your bags manufactured?: |
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Zimbabwe, Africa |
| Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?: |
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We create employment for low income individuals and their families. Our materials are also sourced from a cross-section of artisans who make the handbag accessories eg hand-carved wooden handles, wire accessories and buttons with African symbols and natural beads. We have a lot more planned for the future. |
| Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?: |
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I am Zimbabwean and it has been so hard to read the news about my country. I am not afraid to go there to make a difference because it is my homeland. |
| How have your bags impacted this community?: |
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We have planted seeds of hope. This comes with an enormous sense of responsibility for us because there are individuals just waiting for us to place an order. This is a new venture but there is a lot of pressure on use because we see the hunger in the eyes of the artisans for foreign business and we are their only hope. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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Casual | Hide | | |
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qY (Caroline Swarbrick and Marie De Ryck): Hatti Trading
Age: 23/25
Bag Born: 2007/2008
Website: www.hattitrading.co.uk View DetailsThe Primrose Doctors bag, Designed by Caroline Swarbrick and Marie De Ryck. This bag is produced in Nepal, by Hatti Productions, a production facility that employs victims of human trafficking in order to integrate them back into society.
Not only is this bag Fair Trade, it is also designed with an ecological conscious. Apart from the essentials such as the zip, there is no hardware and the leather is as natural as possible. Nepal does not produce its own hardware; everything has to be imported from India or china. To reduce air miles we decided to design a collection (including this bag) without hardware. The leather is finished with a minimal polymer finish to reduce damage to the environment and limit the amount of waste because of defaults. The bag is retailed by Hatti Trading
| What country are your bags manufactured?: |
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Nepal |
| Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?: |
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Made by victims of human trafficking in order to integrate them back into society |
| Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?: |
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The severe poverty leads to problems with trafficking. We designed bags, though them new skills, helped them start a new life. |
| How have your bags impacted this community?: |
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Some of the girls now got married and have their families back whereas before no-one would even look at them or give them a job before |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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ethical. Do everything you can to make things better. | Hide | | |
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Bridget Reid: PFYH
Age: 42
Bag Born: 2008
Website: www.pfyhalpaca.com View DetailsPFYH, "Manhattan Tote", Top grain cowhide red leather with red baby alpaca fleece and Italian hardware, $695
| What country are your bags manufactured?: |
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Canada |
| Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?: |
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The baby alpaca fleece in each PFYH handbag comes from shepherd families in the remote Andes of Peru. PFYH returns a percentage of every sale to the education of these local Peruvian children. |
| Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?: |
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I chose to work with Peru because of the Mirasol Project initiative, which funds the building of schools and programs for the children of the shepherd families. Schools where these children can reach their potential (www.mirasolperu.com/themirasolproject.htm) |
| How have your bags impacted this community?: |
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PFYH monetary contributions have helped to fund the Mirasol Project. All of the children in this remote, rural community previously stopped going to school due to the long travel distance by foot in harsh weather conditions. Now, with the completion of the first boarding school, these children can attend school on a regular basis. I have seen firsthand the positive impact this project has had on the children of this community. |
| What is your design philosophy?: |
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PFYH embodies classic style with a modern flair. My philosophy is to create handbags that are appreciated for their physical as well as emotional beauty. | Hide | | |
Audience Fan Favorite
To be announced the night of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards...
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