Each year, hundreds of independent designers from around the world submit their creative designs for the Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. These year we are proud to share that 2 of our designers made the cut! 

Jess Rizzuti (seen to the left above) is nominated for her third year in a row for the prestigious award for Best Green Handbag at the Independent Handbag Designer Awards sponsored by InStyle. Jess's cork design incorporates Eco-friendly materials and production methods. The brand reflects a deep appreciation not only for creativity and fashion, but for ethical practices and our planet as a whole. 

Mary Lai is nominated for her designs inspired by the graphic elements found in New York City’s architecture. "Shapes from buildings, streets, and even a chessboard in Union Square inspired me to try a gridlock pattern for this bag.” 

In addition to being finalists, the design also earns each designer a place in the Fan Favorite category which is open to the public to vote. Congrats and we wish our designers the best!

 

Wednesday reading at the Lion'esque Style offices - our founder's new column in Latin Trends magazine. 

First up - Style is Never Just Black & White, the in's to playing with shape, contrast and pops of color. 

The article features some of our favorite pieces: The Zoe Zipper Tote by Jess Rizzuti, the saddle shoes inspired cross body by LiiLii Zhao, the ever-chic Essex clutch by Mary Lai, the Triple Druzy earrings by KTCollection, the Ink Blue Tear Drop earrings by Shameless Jewelry and the Painted Eye necklace by Susan Hanover.

Wear the trend with your own original twist!

 

As dedicated hunters and champions for the best of emerging brands, we love seeing Lion'esque curated designers in the press.

This week we launch Brooklyn based designer Kelly Brett of the Vivienne Kelly collection and we aren't the only ones coveting!

WWD highlights her "out of the box" thinking with hand-painted treatments as seen here and deem her a new brand to watch.

Lucky magazine called upon her accessories to create Cute Outfit of the Day featuring the line's Luna necklace, aka gold harware essentials, and we spy (and love) seeing her paired with another Lion'esque Style favorite, Jess Rizzuti handbags.

We are changing the world, one closet at a time!

 

From NYC to the UK, media eyes are on NYC designer Amber Patton. 

Vogue UK February 2013 says: "expect fine fabrics and craftsmanship with an emphasis on value"

Glamour UK February 2013 says: "Amber Patton combines luxury and value as she recalls the classic styles of the world's most iconic woman"

NYC based Uptown Magazine states: "give your style a pick-me up by shopping the seasons hottest trends" and pairs Amber Patton with our NYC based handbag designer Jess Rizzuti.

And Hollywood's Paula Patton is also a fan as seen on Chelsea Lately:

 

We are thrilled to share that our Oivia Top Handle handbag, by NYC emerging designer Jess Rizzuti, has been spotted and coveted by the ever-stylish author and blogger Aidan Donnelley Rowley. "Sleek and roomy".. we hear it's her new chic mini laptop bag!

See the full post here