So I just found out that this contest was by handbagdesigner101
Here are the winners:
Winner of the Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design
Lui Antinous: Lui Antinous
Website:
Lui Antinous
Bag Born: 2006
Handbag 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
q: What is your design philosophy?:
a: 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.
q: What are the retail price-points of your line?:
a: lower end collection-$140 to $550, higher/lux collection - $550 to $1500
q: Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?:
a: Although I have a very particular style and esthetic I do love to evolve and am not afraid of change
q: What other handbag designers have inspired you?:
a: Lanvin, mcqueen,Armani, Cartier
q: Which stores currently stock your handbags?:
a: Legato boutique on 42nd street and 5th ave, Parker on Madison and 79th st, and Patricia Field NY
Winner of the Best Handmade Handbag
Darren Wallace: Darren Wallace
Bag Born: 2008
Darren Wallace, Sabrina, Clutch, Cayman Crocodile/Silk, Chocolate, $2600
q: How are your bags made? (e.g. sewn, knit, crocheted, etc.):
a: hand sewn, wired
q: What is the primary material used?:
a: Cayman Crocodile
q: Do you make all of your own bags?:
a: Yes
q: If not, please explain who helps you make your bags.:
a: self-made
q: What is your design philosophy?:
a: I believe in utilizing the most of the leathers and skins to create a unique pieces of wearable art.
Winner of the Best Student-Made Handbag
Clara Yoo: C L A R A Y O O
Bag Born: 2008
CLARA 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
q: School of Attendance: (Please preface if this is a high school or college/university.):
a: Parsons The New School for Design
q: Is this a Fashion Design School?:
a: Yes.
q: What is your major?:
a: Fashion Design
q: What other handbag designers have inspired you?:
a: Prada, Marni.
q: What is your design philosophy?:
a: To show the value of overlooked artifacts of city life in my designs.
Winner of the Most Socially Responsible Handbag
Bridget Reid: PFYH
Website:
PFYH Alpaca .com | Home
Bag Born: 2008
PFYH, "Manhattan Tote", Top grain cowhide red leather with red baby alpaca fleece and Italian hardware, $695
q: What country are your bags manufactured?:
a: Canada
q: Please explain how your bags are socially responsible?:
a: 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.
q: Why did you choose this country to have your bags made and what made you decided to give back?:
a: 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 (
The Mirasol Project - The Mirasol Yarn Collection - High Quality Knitting Yarns)
q: How have your bags impacted this community?:
a: 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.
q: What is your design philosophy?:
a: 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.
Winner of the Best Green Handbag
Helen Marcoschamer: Ecoist
Website:
Ecoist - Eco Friendly Gifts, Eco Friendly Handbags, Eco Fashion Accessories
Bag Born: 2004
Ecoist Handbags, "Slim Portfolio" style, Structured Bag, repurposed candy wrappers, $128
q: What is your bag made out of?:
a: Recycled and Repurposed Candy Wrappers
q: What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?:
a: 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.
q: Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?:
a: 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.
q: Where are bags sold?:
a: Throughout the US, UK, Japan, Latin America, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.
Winner of the Audience Fan Favorite
Suzanna Scarola: Bellabags
Website:
Coming Soon...
Bag Born: 2007
Hand-knitted recycled plastic pouchette w/bow & vintage applique $100
q: What is your bag made out of?:
a: plastic bags & re-used chain & button
q: What made you decide to create a "Green Bag"?:
a: I think we need beautiful evening bags that are socially responsible too!
q: Where are you bags made? Are they made by hand or manufactured?:
a: My bags are hand-made by me in my studio
q: Where are bags sold?:
a: I am working on this- I think these could be the next-best thing!