IMAGE: MANSUR GAVRIEL

The CFDA Fashion Awards, an annual awards ceremony that started way back in 1985, has announced their nominees for 2017’s Accessory Designer of the Year. And because this blog is familiar with 3 of the 5 nominated (Stuart Vevers for Coach, Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel and of course, the Olsen sisters for The Row), here’s more about the nominated designers and a bag from each label that you should know and most definitely get, because, #anyexcusetoshop, right?

First up, Mansur Gavriel. The two girls behind the label are creative powerhouses, creating hit bag after hit bag since they first established the brand back in 2012. The brand has since gone on to launch a diverse range of bags and more recently, shoes, and considering its initial foray into the market was with a single bag (the Bucket), it’s certainly no mean feat.

A new addition to their bag line-up, the Mini Saddle Bag (from USD595) is a tiny wonder worth a second look. Available in vegetable tanned leather and calfskin, this is one chic and affordably-priced bag, especially if you compare it to the other half-moon shaped bags from luxury designers in the market today. Simplicity is key when it comes to this little number, with the interior opening up via a turn lock closure to reveal two compartments of almost equal width.

IMAGE: LANE CRAWFORD

From two friends to two sisters, next we’ve got the Olsen sisters. Established in 2006, The Row already has 3 CFDA awards under their belts. With their upscale minimalist designs, you’ll miss the logo on some of the bags unless you look hard enough; yes, it is that minimal.

A crowd favourite, the Hunting can be considered the minimal Evelyn, which has been launched in everything from fine calfskin leather to most lately, suede. Available in a variety of sizes (there’s the Hunting7, the Hunting9, the Hunting11 and so on), you’ll find them all on sites like Barneys, Lane Crawford and Net-A-Porter where they start from GBP2210.

IMAGE: COACH

Last but not least, Coach’s man-of-the-moment, Stuart Vevers, who has transformed the tired American leather goods maker into the commercial powerhouse it is today, what with Americana-inspired designs, cute Disney collabs and working with sweethearts like Drew Barrymore, Selena Gomez and Chloë Moretz.

And from Coach’s Spring-Summer 2017 collection, there’s this, the Tea Rose Dinky (from SGD1200). Covered with lots of studs (very Stuart), rose appliqués (also very Stuart) for a look that’s biker-chic (yes, still Stuart), it’s a great number for wearing over the shoulder or across the body. Want something bigger? Then check out the Double Dinky, which is basically two Dinky bags joined back to back. Priced from SGD1595, Coach’s bags are also massively affordable, something which also contributes to their continuing success.

So, who will be pronounced the winner come 5 June? Will it be Stuart? Friends Mansur and Gavriel or the Olsens? Honestly, does it really matter since all of their bags will appeal to most anyone out there looking for the affordable, the fun, the chic and the impossibly sleek?

Images: Coach, Lane Crawford & Mansur Gavriel