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When Larissa Stefani, creator/designer of Lloyd & Wolf Couture, found out that one of her handbags was one of five finalists for the 2013 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA), her immediate response was to call her friends, family and finally her PR rep to get the necessary preparations in order for the big awards ceremony in New York City on June 19.

Stefani is the sole Canadian nominee in this prestigious competition. When asked how she feels to be our nation’s representative, she says she can’t help but find the experience to be rather surreal.

Although she has a background in fine art and fashion design and over 10 years of experience, it was only three years ago that Stefani started designing belts as a hobby for a means to be creative and learn something new. Once she tired of belts, she decided to use her knowledge of pattern-making and construction – not to mention her self taught slipcover-making skills – to produce her first bag.

When discussing her inspirations for her line, Stefani explains, “I mostly draw upon what I need to fit into my life and style. I don’t like things that are overly fussy or difficult to access. Bags need to be functional, easy to wear and look great. I love leather and like to let that be the main focus of my bags.”

The IHDA was founded by the HBD network and over its six years of hosting the awards ceremony has become a very coveted prize in the handbag industry.

Stefani’s “Abi” bag was nominated in the Overall Style and Design category. It’s a no-fuss tote with edgy details and plenty of storage. Lloyd & Wolf’s tag line “Fiercely Individual, Limited-Run, Handcrafted Leather Goods” sums up its products and target audience pretty well. It’s certainly geared toward those who lean toward fashion with an edgier style. And the combination of quality leather and careful thought of design speaks volumes about Stefani’s talent. One of the big fans of the Abi tote is actress Morena Baccarin, star of shows like Homeland, Firefly and Serenity. The actress is expecting her first child and plans to use the tote as a baby bag — she likes that the Abi bag isn’t “too precious.”

The winner of the category will not only receive the title but will have the opportunity to have his or her line carried at Bloomingdale’s and a booth at WWDMAGIC, a fashion trade show. In addition, the winner will have the chance to collaborate with the 2013 IHDA Iconoclast recipient, Rafé, as well as being featured in the September issue of Instyle Magazine.

In response to questions about her future aspirations for the company, Stefani says, “I certainly have more styles to add, a lot of travel in the near future for sourcing, but in general, it is my goal to remain true to my brand philosophy which is to stay with limited runs. My family comes first. When I started this whole thing, I wanted it to be something I could have fun with, but manage to maintain with the same integrity.”

But for now Stefani is putting her focus on the excitement of making her debut in the international fashion scene. To quote from her blog, “I am thrilled to have been recognized by esteemed members of my industry, and also to get the opportunity to go and have a complete blast with them in New York City. There’s nothing better than that!... Well, it’d be great if I could swing some Jimmy Fallon tickets.Save on Christian Louboutin Pump! All the Sales, All in One Place.”

Guillon told Vogue that 60 per cent of Mulberry's business was in Britain. As 'the UK is only 4 per cent of the luxury market worldwide', he believed that this left the brand vulnerable.

'Sometimes in your own market you can do things you can't do internationally. Here they love you, you are iconic, but in Paris you are just one of many brands.'

An Italian fashion editor told me that while the British all know Mulberry, it has barely any profile in France or Italy.Find the Latest Michael Kors Kingsbury Here. Shop Today! 'Italian women don't crave Mulberry bags.Shop this season's new prada bags now.'

Intense, quirky Britishness could make the label seem provincial abroad.Shop cheap christian louboutin shoes,pumps,wedding shoes,sandals with low price in our discount christian louboutin sandals Store online. And coming from extremely expensive, deliberately exclusive Hermes, where the product - not the designer, let alone the customer - is the star, Guillon was unlikely to embrace Mulberry's ambassadors pottering round Glastonbury.

Guillon wanted Mulberry to compete with Dior, Prada and Vuitton. Put simply, he and Ong wanted to make more money.

So the prices went up. But bags that were a hit at under $700 - silly money,Discover the largest collection of gucci handbags for women. of course, but a price many British women would save up for - stopped selling when they went over $1,000.

A series of profit warnings followed. As one fashion editor said: 'Funnily enough, women who buy Mulberry don't want to be thought of as women who spend crazy amounts on bags. So even those who could afford them were put off by the snootier pricing.'

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