Handbag Designer 101 presents the third annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, with the addition of shoes this year. There are eight categories for handbag and shoe design excellence. Winners will receive international recognition and a marketing press tour. Prizes include a Singer sewing machine and the opportunity to be featured on the Singer website, plus a booth at the WWD Magic trade show (a $10,000 value).

Five finalists in each category will be selected in late April. The awards will be presented June 17 at the New York Historical Society in New York City. A panel of handbag design professors, experts, editors, stylists and buyers will judge the finalists' designs and select a winner from each category who will receive the Best in each respective category and determine who truly stands out as an Independent Handbag and Shoe Designer.

To participate, upload one digital jpeg image in any one or more of the following categories:

• Best Student-Made Handbag
• Most Socially Responsible Handbag
• Audience-Selected Handbag (based on finalists selected)
• Best use of Crystallized Swarovski Elements (New)
• Best Handmade Handbag
• Best Green Handbag
• Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design
• Best Shoe in Overall Style and Design (New)

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. April 15, 2009. To learn more or to register: click here.