HBD101

HBD101 Handbag Designer 101 is the source for sketch to sample to sale for everything handbag.

Handbag Designer 101 is a handbag-media property founded by Emily Blumenthal that includes the Independent Handbag Designer Awards, Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, and Handbag Designer Masterclass, and celebrates handbag design and talent from the United States and across the globe.

By popular demand, The Yazzy Bag is available for sale. Sold in set of 2, pink and blue for $29.99 on emilyblumenthal.co...
04/11/2026

By popular demand, The Yazzy Bag is available for sale. Sold in set of 2, pink and blue for $29.99 on emilyblumenthal.com
- Water-Resistant Nylon ‘Single’ with Nylon Covered Elastic Handles & Velcro Closure
- Top zip compartment with additional mesh zip pocket on one side
- Reflective tape stripes for style and security
- Adjustable Velcro handles for maximum comfort
- Perfect for cash, id, credit cards, keys, or cell phone
- Measurements are: 5 1/8” long x 4 1/8” wide
- Great for working out, running or just walking around town. Replaces putting essentials in sock or shoe and f***y pack. Can replace standard Velcro wallet.
U.S. Patent D459,072
U.S. Patent D458,446

The retail landscape is shifting, and independent handbag designers are leading the charge. In my latest Substack, I dis...
04/09/2026

The retail landscape is shifting, and independent handbag designers are leading the charge. In my latest Substack, I discuss how we are breaking the old trade show mold with the IT BAG x NOW, to create a warmer, high-energy environment for designers and buyers alike. We aren’t just setting up displays; we’re building a destination for “newness” that buyers from luxury gift shops, museums, and resorts are flocking to, which is the real focus of business.
✨ Moving from “invisible” to “in-demand.”
✨ Building sustainable business through high-end boutiques.
✨ A seamless, headache-free exhibition experience.
If you’re ready to move from “project” to “brand,” this is your room, and don’t stay on the sidelines while the industry finds its new favorites.

Link in bio to read.

Big thanks to for revitalizing the origin story of the Yasmena bag. Read on my on how 7 seconds of handbag hustle can...
04/05/2026

Big thanks to for revitalizing the origin story of the Yasmena bag. Read on my on how 7 seconds of handbag hustle can change your life. It did for mine.

Excited to share the x It Bag designer series of Handbag Designer 101 Podcast with .leather - link in bio to listen ...
03/19/2026

Excited to share the x It Bag designer series of Handbag Designer 101 Podcast with .leather - link in bio to listen and prepare to be inspired.

Excited to share these episodes of Handbag Designer 101 Podcast with our incredible x It Bag Designers .leather and ...
03/19/2026

Excited to share these episodes of Handbag Designer 101 Podcast with our incredible x It Bag Designers .leather and Link in bio to listen.

Everyone is obsessed with the .0 popcorn bag (Slide 1), but let’s look at the bigger picture. As a handbag industry vet...
03/15/2026

Everyone is obsessed with the .0 popcorn bag (Slide 1), but let’s look at the bigger picture. As a handbag industry vet and host of the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, I’ve been saying this for years: the more “outlandish” the bag, the stickier the brand.

Swipe through the Handbag Economy:
💊 Tums as a metallic evening bag?
🥒 B&G pickles for the Pickleball court?
🥔 Balenciaga x Lay’s for $1,500?
🥯 Zabar’s but make it high-fashion?

Despite tariffs and economic shifts, the “conversation piece” bag is invincible. We aren’t just buying accessories anymore; we’re buying wearable entertainment.The “underdog” is great, but a handbag is better.

Which one are you actually carrying? Let me know in the comments! 👇

03/11/2026

Back to our regularly scheduled handbag podcast programming. Luxury doesn’t have to mean gatekeeping. On the latest Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, I sit down with of .for.breakfast to talk about why the best bags aren’t just status symbols—they’re tools for real life. From spotting the difference between patina and wear, to understanding the stories behind iconic houses, Shay shares how knowledge turns casual shoppers into thoughtful collectors. Because the best bag in your closet? It’s the one that actually works for your life. 🎧 Tune in for a smarter conversation about vintage, craftsmanship, and collecting with intention.

Last night was a fever dream. Going on the Jumbotron of at a Game, being selected from hundreds of small businesses to...
03/05/2026

Last night was a fever dream. Going on the Jumbotron of at a Game, being selected from hundreds of small businesses to be highlighted by and then to receive a giant check for $10000 by none other than was all a wild surprise. was founded on the principles of supporting entrepreneurship for young girls through the lens of handbags, and I am more than honored that others have taken notice to that cause.

x for tonight. Thank you to for selecting me as a featured small business. If you are at the game tonight, come find ...
03/04/2026

x for tonight. Thank you to for selecting me as a featured small business. If you are at the game tonight, come find me!

03/03/2026

What turns a love of making into a handbag brand that strangers stop you on the street to ask about? On the latest Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, I sit down with Anyah Sealy, founder of A by Anyah, to unpack how global craft, tough critiques, and real market feedback shaped a brand that’s both beautiful and built to last — from early beading classes in Ghana to design school in Paris and inside major fashion houses. The takeaways every designer needs:
• Detach your ego — the customer makes the final call.
• Craft + commerce must work together.
• Build hero styles. Cut the rest.
This is about designing bags that photograph beautifully, function in real life, and actually sell. If you’re serious about building staying power — not just a collection — don’t miss this one.
🎙️ Link in bio to listen now, and tag a designer who needs to hear it.

02/24/2026

When a dream job vanished, designer Ana Laverde built something better. On this episode of the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, hear how a Milan-trained industrial designer turned a setback into a disciplined, Colombian-made handbag brand rooted in smart systems, tight edits, and real margins. From sourcing leather in Bogotá’s Restrepo district to cutting slow sellers, refining color palettes, testing through pop-ups, and scaling wholesale with proven best sellers—Ana shares how to turn creativity into repeatable success without losing your brand DNA. If you’re building a bag brand (or thinking about it), this one is required listening. Link in bio. .leather

When your favorite and influential editor becomes mom, and has 2 beautiful kids, and then you find out your book is the...
02/20/2026

When your favorite and influential editor becomes mom, and has 2 beautiful kids, and then you find out your book is their favorite book - you know you did something right. Hearing Murray’s sweet little voice say “Savvy Suzanna” and the Savvy Suzanna Build-a-Bag kit is a mommy and me project they have enjoyed - well - my, target customers have been found. 👛💕

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New York, NY

Telephone

+16462091418

Website

http://Thehandbagawards.com/

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