The 2017 Independent Handbag Designer Awards are right around the corner, later this week in NYC, on June 14th 2017. This awards ceremony is an industry staple, since 2007, boasting the largest database of independent designers worldwide. The team actively scours the globe to find the next “it bag” designer.

Here are this year’s categories and list of nominees!

AHQ BEST STUDENT MADE HANDBAG — Design made while in school (high school, college, or any university level) Sponsored by Accessory Headquarters

Nominees: Mihoko Matsumoto for MMAT; Vicky Mo for VYM; Tara Plummer; Yiming Lin for Iridescence NY; McCall Morrow for MM Accessories

BERNINA BEST HANDMADE HANDBAG — Any material, made by sewing machine or hand

Nominees: Alexis Spaide Designs; Tien Duong – Jonquille for J&Q Leather; Christopher Belt; Aditi Dhar for Vitasta; Ana Karina Serfaty for AKS

BASIC ADHESIVES BEST GREEN HANDBAG — Made out of sustainable, recycled or organic materials

Nominees: Taeseok Kang EH London; Neli Strukelj for Nelizabeta; Kate Chan Design; Jamie Bolton-Debbage & Lucy Housmann for Wilby Clutch; Linda Baumane for Scavenger

YOUNG & ADVENTUROUS LIFESTYLE BACKPACK BY GUESS — to create a unique and sexy interpretation incorporating the Guess brand with an on trend backpack

Nominees: Ana Hegeman for Van Der Borne; Valeria Zingaretti for LEA; Olga Kholodenko for OKO Handbags; Essi Peuhkuri; Shuang Lin for Serena Bags

CUTTING EDGE BAG BY NASTY GAL — a bag that best represents the DNA of Nasty Gal & is a #GIRLBOSS

Nominees: Amy Steele; Jennifer Hamley; India Rae Cohen; Kristina Moneyhun for Money Bags; Heather Yang for Far Far Away

BEST FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 70 CAMERA BAG — the camera bag should reflect the unique, playful, and creative characteristics of the camera and brand

Nominees: Becky Moy for becvoy; Andres Vivas Design; Vicky Mo for VYM; Danielle Gumina for GRIP Handbags; Nahrin Yousif for SMILY Bag

PERFECT EVERYDAY WORK TOTE BAB BY AIMEE KESTENBERG — Design the perfect everyday work tote which is reflective of the brand’s on the go, cool, and casual DNA

Nominees: Maria Gabriela Duque Albornoz for Marigaby Designs; Alyssa Fishenen for AlyssaChantal; Christopher Belt; Catalina Gomez; Etienne Class for EC Label

TRICKLE UP MOST SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE HANDBAG — Bags made in a country where proceeds are given back to the country of manufacturing or people are employed to manufacture handbags to better their lives and/or conditions

Nominees: Andrea Abury & Adam French for Abury Collection; Gabriela Lopez for ME Accessories; Elif Akaydin for Patent of Heart; Gbemsola Johnson for O’Eclat Designs; Paula Herrera & Melissa Moriarty for Mariya

UBM BEST HANDBAG IN OVERALL STYLE & DESIGN — best executed handbag overall in style & design

Nominees: Juhree Jung of Juhree Erba; Layla Chougri for LYA LYA; Elena Longhi for Ninael; Shivani Suhag for Avocadoe; Isabelle Ugochukwu for Isabella Queen

BEST RETAIL HANDBAG, PRESENTED BY NEIMAN MARCUS — winning bag will be selected from the 45 IHDA finalists