an elegant understated designer, Prada is many women’s go-to. My college school bag was a Prada Nylon Messenger but I always lusted after the supple deerskin they offered. Now that I have two of them, I can not get enough. A stunning bag for fall, the Prada Cervo Lux Tote showcases lush deerskin with a chain handle. The shape is simple, the idea is simple, but the wow factor is huge. I am lusting for the white version, but the black is a gorgeous option also.

Hundreds of up-and-comers from around the globe submitted designs for the 4th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, but only 30 made the cut. Winners will be announced on June 16th at a star-studded ceremony hosted by InStyle, Handbag Designer 101 and the Parsons School of Design. Some of the prizes include an opportunity to develop a capsule collection for Saks Fifth Avenue, to produce a limited-edition bag for Swarovski and to apprentice with luxury leather goods designer Carlos Falchi.  One lucky designer will also be honored as InStyle’s Fan Favorite—and that’s where you come in. Browse through the incredible bags from the top five finalists in each category—including Most Innovative Bag, Best Handmade, Most Socially Responsible, Best Green, Best Student Made and Best Overall in Style and Design