M&J Blog

The 2nd annual indepedent hangbag designer award was held last night at the New York Historial Society located on 170 Central Park West.  As soon as the door opened at 7pm, lines of fashionistas with trendy bags entered the room. 

The event was filled with designers from Judith Leiber to Debbie Stroller.  When first entering the room, besides the luring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Judith Leiber’s display of handbags was standing as the center of attention during the event.  The bags were encrusted with hundreds of rhinestones including the bag with the rhinestone handle as seen in the photo.

After an hour or so of socializing and networking, it was finally time for the awards.  Everyone hurried to their sits in excitement for the results as well as the goody-bags which included M&J’s measuring tape, gift certificates from Borrow Bag or Steal, lip balms from Smart Water and much more. 

Here is the result for the winners.

Best Student-Made Handbag – Clara Yoo: C L A R A Y O O 

Best Handmade Handbag - Darren Wallace: Darren Wallace

Most Socially Responsible Handbag – Bridget Reid: PFYH

Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design - Lui Antinous: Lui Antinous

Best Green Handbag – Helen Marcoschamer: Ecoist

 Audience Fan Favorite – Suzanna Scarola: Bellabags

Besides the finalist and and the winner’s handbags at the event, there was another special handbag that made it to the award.  Timmy Wood’s Eiffel Tower handbag which was featured in “Sex and the City”, the movie.  The bag was signed at the bottom and is going to be given away by Borrow Bag or Steal at the end of the month.