Well, HBD101 has been around now for over a year and due to last year's success of the IHDA, we felt inclined to make it an annual event.  We received over 400 applicants from the U.S. and around the world and this year, we are expecting double.  We realized that with all of the design competitions in existence, there was not one that would give recognition, respect and credibility to the overwhelming talent pool of handbag designers - especially when one would be typically competing against, shoes, belts, hats and jewelry.  (And after 6 years of my own line, trust me I know...)

With all of the sameness, department store consolidation and the out-of-control prices of labels, the real innovation and creativity can't be found in the IT bag that some celebrity is carrying - it is from an independent designer who came with an idea, did everything she (typically a woman) could do in her power to create something beautiful, useful and attempt to make it affordable on some level.  (This is the reason why we ask all designers what year was their bag born since making a handbag is the equivalent to giving birth to a child since the same time, effort, energy, money and love goes into every last stitch of their line.) Last year's winners proved that fact and we must confess, we know the real talent right here.

This is truly a special event for us and we certainly hope you can join us in what we consider a genuine celebration of what handbags are really about. To apply or to purchase tickets click here.

Author: Emily Blumenthal (Want to become a Handbag Correspondent?)