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HANDBAG AWARDS
TODAY'S DESIGNER SPOTTED ON BAG TRENDS CELEBRITY BAG WATCH JOBS & SERVICES HANDBAG AWARDS 2012 TIPS VIDEOS

1. What are the IHDA Category Qualifications?

Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design:
Best executed handbag overall in style and design
- Bags must be under designer's own label

The Handbags.com Best Student Made Handbag
Students who have successfully started their lines while still in school
-Students must have started their lines while still in school
- Currently attending high school, college or university on any level
- Bags must be under student's own label
- Major in design is optional

The Singer Simplicity Best Handmade Handbag:
Sewn, crocheted, knit or made with any other material where the designer is still making their bag by hand or sewing machine
- Bags must be made by the designer using a sewing machine or by hand
- Must be under designer's own label
- Manufactured or factory made bags are not allowed

Best Green Handbag:
Bags that are made out of sustainable, recycled or organic materials
- Bags can be made from:
• Raw materials: 100% organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, cork
• Recycled materials: fabric, soda bottles, vinyl, etc.
• Sustainable fibers: corn based, cotton, linen, ramie, seaweed, silk, soy, etc.
- All components (e.g. metal zippers, buttons, clasps should be made from recycled metal or reused pieces
- Handbag should be completely recyclable at the end of its life
- Any dyed fabric should be done with a non-toxic dye that does not use fixing agents

Most Socially Responsible Handbag:
Bags that are made in a country where the proceeds are given back to the country of manufacturing or people that are employed to manufacture handbags to better their lives and/or conditions
- Bags must be under designer's own label
- Bags must be made in country where portion of the proceeds are given back to that country of manufacturing
- Bags must be made by country that employs local communities to create jobs and work in third world countries or poverty-stricken regions

Creating with Nylon by Kipling
The best innovative use of crinkle nylon, in a playful and imaginative way by embracing the personality of the brand.
- Must use crinkly nylon
- Make it intuitively organized
- Must have multiple compartments
- Needs to be lightweight
- Must utilize Kipling's recognizable features such as zippers, trims, webbed straps, round logo
- Make sure it is playful & imaginative in terms of design
- Assume the retail price point retail range is $69 - $129
Audience Fan Favorite Handbag:
One of the forty finalists' handbags will be selected by InStyle.com readers poll


2. Can anyone apply?

Yes. No matter where you are at in your business, you are welcome to apply. However, note that if you are designing or a licensee of another brand, you are submission will not be accepted since you are no longer an independent handbag designer.

3. How do I apply?

Upload 1 "product shot" of one bag only in jpeg format and be sure to save the image with no hyphens, spaces or symbols.  Make sure the image is a jpeg and not a bitmap, pdf or any other format, or else your application will be disqualified.

Correct: Handbags_By_Me
Incorrect: Handbags-By-Me

4. What is the best way to show my bag?

Please make sure that the image is of the highest resolution and quality.  Try to avoid distracting backgrounds like people or hangers and do not have any text or watermarks on the uploaded images. Try to avoid using people so it does not take away from the details of your bag.  If you need more information, go to Saks Fifth Avenue to see how they display their handbags to understand what a proper handbag product shot looks like.

5. Can I upload an image with my logo on it just in case for branding?

No. It is distracting to your bag image and will take away from the details of the bag. We will know it is your bag, don't worry.

6. What information must you have of mine?

We will need your name, email address and correct telephone numbers.  We will also need a bag detailed description. Make sure to also include below the image a description and keep it simple; Bag Brand Name, Style name (if there is one), silhouette type, material, color and retail price.

Example: Handbags By Me, "Hanna" style, Tote, red lambskin leather, $200

Photos that are too blurry or dark will be not be accepted. Please note that applications submitted without a full product description or not in jpeg format will also be disqualified.

7. What is a silhouette?

Silhouette is a the shape of your bag. Click here for a full list silhouettes.

8. What if I submit a pdf, gif, a word document, my linesheets or anything but a jpeg?

Your photo will not upload and will not be accepted.

9. Will I be informed if my bag is not uploaded correctly?

Yes. We review the applications and will alert you as a courtesy if your image does not go through. That will be the only reason why you will be contacted prior to the application closing deadline of April 28, 2012 at 11:59pm.

10. When I hit the Proceed button, my computer freezes.

You need to make sure you are working with at least Windows 97. Any version older will not be able to transmit images.

11. Can I apply with 2 different bags to the same category?

No, if you do, the first bag applied will be the bag that is used for that category submission.

12. How many categories can I apply to?

You can apply to every category but not the same category twice. This means for example, if you are a student - you can apply to Best Student Made, Best Handmade, Best Green Handbag but not Best Student Made twice.

13. Can I use the same bag for every category?

Yes you can.

14. English is not my first language. Will that work against me when I apply?

No, but we strongly recommend proof-reading or having someone review your application regardless.

15. Can I review my application after I apply?

No. Once you apply and submit, your application is complete. We strongly suggest proof-reading and review your application before you submit to avoid any spelling or grammar errors. Please write in full sentences. Remember you are representing your brand.

16. How long does it take to apply?

Only 5-10 minutes but we strongly advise proof-reading your application before you submit.

17. Which categories require a sketch submission and not a finished bag?

Creating with Nylon by Kipling. You must submit a detailed sketche and are to be submitted in jpeg format. Once informed you are a finalist, you will be required to make the bags from your sketches within the time allotted. Any submission for these categories that is of a finished bag will not be accepted.

18. Can I use a sketch of a bag I already made?

No. If used, it will be disqualified.

19. How long will I get to actually make my bag if I become a finalist for either of those 2 categories?

You will be informed if you are a Finalist on Monday, April 30th.

20. When is the application deadline?

April 28, 2012 at 11:59pm with no exception.

21. Will the deadline be extended?

No.

22. My bags won't be ready to shoot until after April 28th, is that ok?

No. Your application will not be accepted.

23. What is the IHDA Process?

The industry's top fashion and accessories' bloggers will review submissions at a pre-screening event on April 29th. Five finalists will be selected in each category based on the merits of their designs. Once selected, designers must send their handbag to IHDA headquarters within one week of being notified. From here, a fashion panel of esteemed industry professional will judge the finalists' designs. The designer that receives the most votes in each category will be announced as the winner on June 13th, 2012.

24. If I am a finalist, when will I be informed?

You will be informed if you are a Finalist on Monday, April 30th.

25. If I am a finalist, what are my responsibilities?

Once informed, you will need to send the bag you submitted to IHDA Headquarters by no later than Saturday, May 5th since they will be collected on Monday, May 7th for InStyle to shoot. Any bags received after May 7th will not be accepted and will be disqualified.

26. What if my bag is not available on April 30th?

Finalists my provide the exact bag that was submitted in order to compete in the design competition. We will not accept a bag in a different color, material or shape. Any other bags will not be accepted and will be disqualified.

27. What if I am disqualified?

With over 1000 applicants, the designer that was last chosen will take your place. It is very important that all rules are followed so this does not happen.

28. Do I need to come to New York City for the IHDA on June 13th, 2012?

Yes. You or a representative must come to attend on your behalf.

29. Can the IHDA provide accommodation, help finance my trip or organize my itinerary to NYC?

No. It is your responsibility to pay for your own trip. If you cannot afford trip then please make sure you have a representative attend on your behalf.

30. What if I cannot find a representative?

It is in your best interest as a brand and designer to make sure you have someone attend on your behalf. You are doing a disservice otherwise. We strongly advise having someone come.

31. How can I become part of the Audience Fan Favorite Award?

The InStyle Audience Fan Favorite is based on the IHDA Finalists selected. Those Finalists are guaranteed a spot on InStyle.com for voting. Please note that only applies to the categories with finished bags, not sketch submissions.

32. Can I contact InStyle to ask them to feature my bags?

No. If it is related to the IHDA. IHDA Finalists are guranteed spots on InStyle.com (except for the 2 categories listed above) and IHDA Winners are guaranteed an editorial feature in InStyle magazine. Any other contact with InStyle must not be related to IHDA.

33. I only have 1 sample of my bag, will that be a problem?

No but you should be organized and make sure you are aware how to produce your bag just in case you are a Winner and need samples ready for sale or press.

34. I am a Finalist, will I get my bag back?

After June 13th, all Finalists will get their bags returned unless needed for press or further editorial coverage.

35. What are the IHDA Prizes?

Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design: Winner will receive a booth at WWDMAGIC, the opportunity to develop a capsule collection for Saks Fifth Avenue, a collaboration with 2012 ICONOCLAST Recipient, Kenneth Cole and a feature in the September issue of InStyle. *The top 3 North American Finalists will also receive free roundtrip tickets to Bogotá, Colombia to visit the International Footwear and Leather Show with discounted rates in selected hotels and a special itinerary to show the benefits of manufacturing in Colombia.

Handbags.com Best Student Made Handbag: Handbags.com will offer this winner the opportunity to design a collection for their successful private label leather handbag line, Piazza Handbags and a feature in the September issue of InStyle

The Singer Simplicity Best Handmade Handbag: Winner will receive a designer feature on Singer Sewing Company's website and Facebook (http://www.singerco.com) as well as a full Singer Sewing Studio with all the items a designer needs to be successful as well as a pattern collaboration with the Simplicity Creative Group and a feature in the September issue of InStyle.

Best Green Handbag: Winner will receive the chance to collaborate with Timberland & Amorim Cork
Composites to develop a product for sale made of cork in its stores and a feature in the September issue of InStyle

Most Socially Responsible Handbag: Winner will receive a marketing feature with The Patron Spirits Company and a feature in the September issue of InStyle

Creating with Nylon by Kipling: Winner will create a limited edition collection for Kipling and receive a feature in the September issue of InStyle.


36. Will more categories be added after January 1st? I want to know if I should keep checking in just in case.

Yes! Stay tuned as we are confirming more great categories and prizes so definitely stay tuned.

37. I am a Winner, how do I get my prize?

It is the Winner's responsibility to follow up with their Sponsor's prize. The Winner should make sure they speak to their sponsor immediately the night of the Awards and make arrangements to meet the day after to discuss details to execute the collaboration.

38. Can I contact the IHDA regarding my prize after I win?

No. It is your responsibility to follow up with your Sponsor for your prize.

39. I would like to send out a press release about my win, is that ok?

Absolutely but you must send all releases to the IHDA for approval.

40. How can I be Designer of the Day?

Make sure you are signed up for the Handbag Designer Registry and we will contact you for further information.

41. How can I follow you on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Meetup?

Absolutely! Twitter: @HandbagDesigner; Facebook: Handbag Designer 101: The Independent Handbag Designer Awards; Linkedin: Handbag Designer 101; Meetup: Handbag Designer 101.

42. I have a question that isn't answered, can I contact you?

Yes, at info@handbagdesigner101.com.
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