Net-a-Porter has the exclusive interview with Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the design duo behind Proenza Schouler! The designers explain the inspiration and design process behind their timeless PS1 satchels that have become one of the must-have bags for the season.

Browse the latest Proenza Schouler bags!

There’s an event on the horizon! On July 22nd, fresh new handbag designer, Chez by Cheryl, is hosting a trunk show at one of NYC’s top accessories boutiques, Marmi on Madison Avenue. And that’s not all. One of her most loyal fans and Housewives favorite, Teresa Giudice, will be signing copies of her new book, Skinny Italian as well!

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If you’re in the New York area, you must make it by Henri Bendel’s 5th Avenue window sometime from tomorrow November 3rd until November 9th. As well as check out the new limited time only Kara Ross pop-up shop in the store and meet the designer!

For the spectacular window display at Bendel’s, Kara created a one-of-a-kind vintage inspired studded “Purse dress,” which all handbag addicts must find amusing. The dress (modeled below by Kara’s daughter Avery) is adorned with the hit bag of the season, the Swarovski crystallized Nox bag sewn into the side.

We have also received word, that there’s going to be a larger than life 5ft by 8ft Nox bag made completely out of broken glass pieces in the display. You can’t miss it!

Also featured in the window will be two original bejeweled python purses made with Crystallized Swarovski Elements. Produced in a pink metallic glazed python in Kara’s classic Nox & Dea styles.

Enjoy the display!

This Wednesday, July 15th there’s going to be a live chat event with the founders of MZ Wallace handbags, Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice.

Mark your calendars, the live chat will take place over at LunaBoston from 2: to 3:30 pm PST / 5: to 6:30 pm EST

Additionally, shoppers who make a purchase from their collection will receive a free MZ Wallace Cosmetic Case (a $40 value), while supplies last. Plus don’t forget to take advantage of their 25% off promotion, which goes until Friday – code “people25″.

Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando, a designer everyone should get familiar with. Her designs are fresh and totally fabulous. Classic styles with a modern twist.

From an early age, Danielle had a great passion for designing. At first her focus was designing custom neckties, then later went on to handbag design.

She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and later went on to study in Europe, amongst design houses like Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi and Prada. Danielle eventually went on to apprentice at companies such as Bergdorf Goodman, BE&D and Gucci.

Then in 2006, the young designer launched Danielle Nicole Handbags. Today, you can find the full collection of beautiful pieces, crafted in the finest materials such as Italian lambskin, crushed patent leather, and French embroidery fabric, by the 22-year old designer at danielle-nicole.com

And I recently got the opportunity to exchange a Q + A with this fabulous designer…

Jennifer: What was your very first handbag that you created?
Danielle Nicole: The Samantha Bag was the first bag I ever created. I made it while I was still a student at FIT. It took me over 20 hrs to make it by hand!

Jennifer: What’s your design philosophy?
Danielle Nicole: Function is key! Whenever my team or I are designing a bag we always think, “How is the customer going wear and use this bag”. All of my bags are lined with washable ultra-suede in anticipation of make-up spills. The make-up stains on the interior of the bag will come out with soap and water! Also, I love designing bags with adjustable straps. Many of our bags have straps that convert from a shoulder bag into a messenger. I try to incorporate outside pockets as much as I can so customers can have easy access to their keys, cell phones, and wallets. Another important decision I made a long time ago was to use light weight leather. Lambskin is soft and lightweight. With all of the things women throw into their bags, the bag itself shouldn’t weigh the customer down.

Jennifer: Tell us about your current Spring 2009 collection. And what was your inspiration behind this season?
Danielle Nicole: Spring is about waking up from winter. I used bright, bold colors so that my customers could stand out and feel good! It’s always fun to add a bright, fun handbag to your everyday wardrobe!

Jennifer: Any hints as what to expect for next season?
Danielle Nicole: Next season is a berry inspired collection; red and purple are going to be popular! I wanted to incorporate the signature earth tones of fall. The Lindsay Clutch is one of the new styles that I am introducing for fall. It was featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily this past April. I’m very excited to see the collection in stores!

Jennifer: If you were to pick one bag out of all the collections that you’ve created, which is your number one favorite bag of all time?
Danielle Nicole: I would have to say the Kristi Mini. It’s the perfect size. It’s not too big where you can’t find your things, but big enough to fit everything I need, and it is so light weight that it matches my lifestyle perfectly.

Jennifer: Who are some other designers that you admire?
Danielle Nicole: I love Bottega Veneta! Their quality is impeccable and their craftsmanship is beautiful.

Jennifer: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
Danielle Nicole: I would be working at my father’s company, Boardwalk Fries. They’re delicious!

Jennifer: Which handbag are you carrying at this moment?
Danielle Nicole: The Melanie. It’s ideal for New York women! It has the adjustable strap so I can wear the bag over my shoulder or as a messenger. The Melanie has a large extior pocket so I have easy access to my Metro pass, cell phone, and keys. The interior pockets help me find my wallet and other essentials, and the large main compartment allows me to throw in my extra shoes, book, and umbrella.

Jennifer: And what are some items that you can’t leave the house without?
Danielle Nicole: I always have antibacterial and tissues in my bag. I’m a bit of a germaphobe!

Jennifer: What’s next for the Danielle Nicole brand?
Danielle Nicole: We’re currently working on a vegan line called Elle Nicole. The collection will be made out of leather alternative.

Danielle Nicole’s Random Fav
Movies: Annie Hall, The Hangover
Animals: Dogs
TV shows: The Tudors, The Real Housewives of New York, True Blood
Vacation Destination: Amalfi Coast in Italy

Over at online shopping destination for the coolest selection of amazing designers, Luna Boston, they are throwing a Minkoff event for all you Minkettes out there.

The fabulous designer will be chatting live on LunaBoston.com from her design studio in NYC from 5-6:30pm EST.

Tune in and while there, get an exclusive first look at some of her amazing fall bags, including some pouches made only for LB!

See you there. x

American handbag designer Mary Norton started making handbags on her kitchen table in Charleston, South Carolina, 11 years later her glamorous little evening necessities are the most sought-after Red Carpet accessories.

Mary Norton is considered one of the most original accessory designers with evening clutches and handbags that have garnered an impressive A-List celebrity following including Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Tina Fey, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez.

Pictured above is Mary Norton while attending the Costume Designers Guild Awards Dinner wearing a Teri Jon dress, jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels and finished off with her gorgeous crimson red satin Roseanna clutch. (The Roseanna was also worn by Taraji P. Henson and Miley Cyrus at the 2009 Academy Awards)

For her latest spring collection, if you love fun vibrant colors, checkout the delicious Candy Collection. There are so many gorgeous bags in this bunch, definitely my favorite selection. Each bag features layers of custom dyed ostrich feathers – turquoise, purple and green & raspberry, yellow, orange and white. The Roberta with Swarovski crystals and Ginny are worth taking a look at. Price range is $795 to $995 for the clutches and $495 for the shoes.

Also featured for Spring 2009 is the flashy Disco Fever, and as the name suggests, this collection is filled with disco patterns and metallic shades. The yellow Rhianna is my favorite, it’s the perfect clutch day-to-night clutch. Price range is $595 to $695 for the clutches and $445 to $595 for the shoes.

Also don’t forget to check out the new for Fall 2009 Peace on Earth clutch. As featured on E! the hard box clutch features laser cut calf hair, adorned with Swarovski stones. Available for pre-order.

And I recently got the opportunity to exchange a Q + A with this fabulous designer.

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Monica Botkier’s career started off as a fashion photographer, shooting for several top international magazines. Destined to create the perfect stylish work bag, that could fit all of her necessities, Monica set out to create the ultimate bag — The Botkier Trigger Bag was born.

It was an instant hit among fashion editors and friends, and in 2003 her handbag collection kicked off. Since then her collection has continued to grow and in Spring 2008, for the Botkier 5 year anniversary she added shoes to her collection.

Today, Botkier is more popular than ever. Monica designs the most fabulous handbags for thousands of devoted purse obsessed fans around the globe — which includes her long list of celebrity fans, such as Heidi Klum, Joy Bryant, Rhianna, Leelee Sobieski, Angelina Jolie, Michelle Trachtenberg, Vanessa Hudgens, Lake Bell, the list can go on..

What’s so special about her bags is that season after season, since the birth of the Trigger bag in 2003, Monica Botkier combines creativity, wearability at a reasonable price tag.

You can find her marvelous creations at many online boutiques. Here are my favorites with the best deals: shop goldyn (oh my gosh, 40% off! code: ADD40) Luna Boston (all Botkiers on sale!), Revolve Clothing (handbags, shoes and accessories), ShopBop (a Ziggy for only $250! use code: 20OFF), Saks Fifth Avenue, PiperLime (bags and shoes on sale), My-Wardrobe (new styles just in), Nordstrom,  coming soon to net-a-porter, and finally the Botkier home site.

And I recently got the chance to exchange some Q+A’s with this designer!

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December 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Designer Interview: CHia New York by June Chang
Are you gal’s fans of hardware, braidings, and various types of European leathers on handbags? I definitely am, and if you are too, listen up as I’ve got a couple of stuff to share. For the past couple of days, I’ve been pretty psyched out at the fact that I was given the privilege of conducting an interview with June Chang, designer and founder of CHîa New York. Pretty cool, huh? Miss. June Chang is a Taiwanese native who gained her inspiration off her families fine jewelry business. Collaborating bold hues with fine materials was taught to her, and in her works these artistic designs are still present. If you prefer deerskin, cowhide, buffalo or the delicate and smooth texture of lambskin, among her collection, you can find a variety of leathers to fit your taste. So you’re either a big bag type of girl, or you prefer the appeal of a feminine clutch, June Chang fulfills the wants of her customers by presenting various designs by CHîa for the consumer needs.

***June Chang Interview***
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Share with us some exciting details of what to expect from CHîa New York for the upcoming season?
June Chang: For CHîa New York’s Fall09 collection, it’s a balance between sparkle and particle. You can expect more tailored, medium size and light-weight handbags For me, light-weight is the key.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: All of your bags are unique in their own way, but which design from your personal collection is your favorite?
June Chang: There are a couple of details that I’m obsessed with on each style of handbag I design. I tried to reach a balance and not overly design my collection. So, each style is unique yet simple. Blair is my favorite for Spring09.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: I read that your grandmother was a great inspiration to you, tell us about her style.
June Chang: My grandmother always taught me to observe things from different angles and to reach a balance in my life. Her style is modern, simple but extravagant. She loved to keep her outfits simple to showcase her own-designed jewelry.

She always mixed eastern and western elements into her daily life. She would mix a tailored & modified laced Chinese Qi-Pao (very much like a shift dress * down to the ankles) with a shawl and a pair of peep-toe heels. A simple but vivid color stone ring would be worn on her index finger to
contrast her laced shift dress.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: What are three of your favorite trends at the moment?
June Chang:
A) Convertible – Satchel/ messenger bag / Shoulder bag * all in one
B) Contemporary Clutches – less formal but with attitude
C) Turned locks or buckle as closure details

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Name some designers that you admire.
June Chang: Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo, Valextra, Judith Leiber, and Lyell by
Emma Fletcher.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Which handbag are you carrying at the moment, and who is it by?
June Chang: CHîa New York * believe it or not; ever since my first bag was born, I’m always carrying my own handbags.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: List some stuff that we can find inside June Chang’s handbag, right now.
June Chang: Agenda, cell phone, lip gloss, sun glasses, hand sanitizer, small sketch pad, pens and my leather swatch book.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
June Chang: Hmmm. very interesting. I switched from financial banking to fashion. I don’t know if I still would pick that route again at this timing. I would
definitely like to be a teacher in the future.

CHîa New York by June Chang:

The Moca- Who said petite handbags had to have petite straps? The fact that this satchel is essential for times of small needs and that its straps aren’t thin and fragile, is a plus in my book. Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather.

The Ima- We are kicking the size up a notch with this beauty. It’s striking, elegant, and one of my favorite CHîa pieces. Foiled metallic Italian lambskin gives this shoulder bag a luscious appeal, making this a great evening piece, as well as a day clutch. I love the extra elegance of the metal chains and a detachable shoulder strap can be found on this piece as well. …and of course, how cute is that bow?

The Asianna- Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather, the Asianna is my favorite big bag by CHîa. Its details are beyond amazing. First of all, that rich and glossy hue is striking. I’m a fan of braided handles and the thick braids found on this piece are just perfect. A front pocket with the turn lock hardware and the shape of the satchel itself is excellent! If you love the Asianna, you can find it in grey and black as well.

The Nora- For the tote lovers, CHîa presents the Nora. Made of Italian embossed deerskin leather and measuring 14” x 16” x 3”, it’s big but not bulky. Double detachable shoulder straps can be found on this bag and it retails for $488.

You can purchase CHîa goods via the internet at: Chiainc.net

Chat Now: June Chang Interview: CHîa New York