C: Is for Clutches that Carry!

My friend Lui Antinous was being honored at Bendel's for "Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design." Yes there is an award show for purses. Lui's clutches and purses are an art that reflect the amazing person who creates them. The "Independent Handbag Designer Award", is the only handbag competition of its kind in the world and gives young designers a chance to present their handbags at a high profile New York event and compete for one of six Award of excellence, thus giving international recognition. Lui Antinous who hails from San Diego, California now lives in New York. He began designing clothing and leather goods at the age of fifteen. At 22 he started his own company “Antinous Couture” with high end, well crafted purses ranging from $350 - $1200 and now at 26 modern designs have caught the attention of those who can further his career. In Lui's own words, "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." His dreams but are to not be afraid or intimidated to pursue my passions. The thing I love about Lui is he knows who he is and is not afraid to express it which makes him not only a remarkable person but one hell of a designer. www.antinouscouture.com/

There were two other designers whose bags impressed me. The first is up for best student design and her name is Dana Van Daele. Her "Turquoise" Envelope Clutch hand made in brown washed cowhide is called "Grey Sunshine" and sells for $450. Representing the Fashion Institute of Technology, her philosophy is not to follow trends and to let the material be the inspirtation for her designs. At 27 this is a designer to watch. For best bag in the "Green" category Tracy Penwell and her company "Dressed Up Cat Fashion Re-fashioned" is the one to watch. "Summertime" is a one-of-a-kind wearable art straw & white leather clutch embellished with 3 watched with white leather bands. All components vintage or recycled. $295. Her goal is to make a lower impact on the earth and to make a humorous fashion statement. Currently located in Scottsdale, Arizona, as the demand for her bags grow, she plans to employ local women's shelter residents for assembly. To see and learn more about Tracy log onto www.dressedupcat.com

Last but not least are the celebs trying to save on advertising by carrying their own designs or being paid to model. The following are my top three who I would carry. Jessica Simpson's Delfina Leather Hobo is priced at $98 and thank-God her name is not plastered all over it. Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B bags are wel designed with a large variety of styles and shapes which of course affect the price. A L.A.M.B Siena Tote runs $825. My favorite by far is Fergie's, Kipling "Swell Duffel" at $128 and makes a great plane carry on.

Purses, clutches and bags are all extensions of our personality and it is great to know there is a wide varity in prices and designs and that is a F.A.C.T. that you can carry with you!