8th Annual Indepdendent Handbag Designer Awards

With less than a week away, the preliminary judging panel will be meeting here in New York this coming Sunday to determine finalists for the 8th Annual IHDA (Independent Handbag Designer Awards).  I’m happy to report that I will be on the panel this year, yet again.  I can not wait to see what designers have in-store for us. Along with discovering new names, what tends to really excite me are those who create beautifully crafted bags that bring originality to the market.  If you haven’t entered, there’s still time to apply.  Curious to see which bags standout?  Follow the #HandbagAwards, myself and the others via Instagram & Twitter to stay up-to-date.

6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards

Last week, I attended the VIP cocktail party and ceremony for the 6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards at the Time & Life building here in New York.  I really enjoy being apart of this particular project and what Emily Blumenthal, the creator behind these awards has created.  She’s not only a fairy god mother to the handbag world, but has created a platform for designers to really be seen in an industry that can sometimes be tough. Fashion for good!  Congratulations to the stunning duo behind ita Collection for taking home overall best design. Can’t wait to see you in the September issue of Instyle Magazine!  Shout out to Kenneth Cole as well for his Iconoclast award.  It was great to meet another friendly face in the world of fashion.  Check out some great shots my friend Stefano Castri took of the evening for Stylesource!

Thank you J.Hilburn and Hadleigh for dressing me for the evening.  Also, thank you to Anthony Manfredonia and Clara Kasavina (Last years winner!) for dressing my date.  BTW-Those Flowers were literally hand painted onto the dress!

It was great to catch up and chat with two women I admire most for their sense of style-Miss Emma Grady and Dawn Del Russo.

A great shot of some of Kenneth Cole’s latest creations!

MR. KC himself in the flesh!

The god father of the handbag world, Mr. Carlos Falchi! From what I hear he designed the blazer he was wearing that evening.

Emily Blumenthal and Kenneth Cole having a laugh.  I love these candid shots!

The Votes have been Tallied

This past Sunday, judging got underway for the 6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards at the Hyatt 48 Lex hotel here in Manhattan.  I was surrounded by some of the next biggest trendsetters in both fashion and entertainment.  Having looked at over one thousand handbags,  I can confidently say we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best.  For a complete list of judges-Click here.

It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  Three women especially caught my eye when it came to style, and were at the top of MY best dressed list for the day.

Emma Grady , who I met last year at the judging table nailed one of this seasons hottest trends color-blocking with a simple yet elegant yellow overcoat and green cropped jacket.

Dawn Del Russo, I met at this year’s table had a fierce Erin Fetherston look which I loved.  She edged up her feminine dress with just the right amount of metal.  I especially adored her Christian Louboutin studded heels.   I’m obsessed with anything studded!

Pamela Pekerman, I also met at this years table took classic chic to a whole new level.  I loved how she took a classic white button-down and styled it in such a way that every women would want to buy.  I also noticed her love for Prada via her handbag!

It was such an honor to be apart of such an exciting process, but what was even more exciting was the enormous gift bag that we got to take home.  It’s filled with a variety of amazing products by big names like Kipling, Vitamin Water, POP chips, and Handbags.com.  The most amazing part is I’m giving it ALL away to YOU!  I will pick one lucky person on Friday.  In order for you to be considered you need to write your name in the comment box.  Good luck!