Our Trip to New York – Independent Handbag Designer Awards Ceremony

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accessories, anyasushko, anyasushkoforhandbagawards, anyasushkohandbags, decodamebag, fashionawards, finalistofhandbagawards, handbagawards, handbagawards2014, handmadebags, luxuryhandbags, newyork, newyorkhandbagawards

As one of the finalists in the Independent Handbag Designer Awards, we were kindly invited to attend the awards ceremony in New York City, USA in June. We didn’t need to be asked twice – we packed our bags, full of excitement, hopes and dreams and jumped on a flight from Heathrow to the Big Apple!

View from Rockefeller Plaza which we enjoyed during our free time in New York

NYC, one of the fashion capitals of the world, did not disappoint! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every second – and we wanted to share some of our experience with you. The night before the ceremony, the finalists, from around the world, put their biggest smiles on and flocked to a rooftop party in the buzzy East Village – one of the hottest parts of town.

The stunning view from the roof top garden hotel in East Village

Anya and two of the other short listed designers

The view over the New York skyline was breathtaking and the evening gave us the opportunity to meet and get to know most of the other designers as well as to fully enjoy the air of NYC! Anya chose the Severina in Camelot python leather to complement her casual chic outfit on the night.

Our founder and head designer Anya was well heeled and ready to go!

The next day, it was time to get down to work – the Awards Ceremony followed. Held in the SVA theater, it attracted a range of high profile media, guests as well as sponsors. Here, Anya looks suitably chuffed on her way into the event.

Anya at the entrance to SVA Theatre where ceremony was held, wearing the Severina clutch in diamond python

We were short listed in the Best Handbag category for the Deco Dame Bag, which was exhibited along with all the finalist bags – beautiful and of such a great quality, we were totally blown away by the talent of the designers.

Anya Sushko proudly showcasing the short listed Deco Dame bag, which has been especially handcrafted for the IHD Awards earlier this year

Showcasing the crème of the crop – the nominated creations

Anya Sushko and Emily Blumental, the founder of the IHD Awards, before the ceremony

Anya cannot contain her excitement during the introduction of the nominees at the awards ceremony

We didn’t walk away with the prize, but received lots of accolades and applause from the organisers, media and fellow designers which meant the world to us. Even though we didn’t come home with a trophy, we were indeed very content with the opportunity to be there.  The party and the ceremony were five star, bringing exciting emotions and lovely memories. Plus, there is always next year – next time, we hope to win! Our Anya Sushko bags are always ready to be packed for NYC – we celebrate the beauty of the Big Apple with a few more snaps from our time away.

One of the most iconic streets in NYC

The skyscrapers over Central Park

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