# Amateur Bag Designers Marie Claire & Glam.com Expose Emerging Talent By korti | Published 2007-08-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finalist-and-winner-handbags-by-marie-claire-and-glamcom References: [designophy](http://www.designophy.com/article.php?id=833) Amateur designers are being exposed in all areas of the fashion industry. Made popular by TV shows like Project Runway, entrepreneurs and designer-wannabes are gaining the confidence to be discovered. The Be Discovered: [Handbag Design Competition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furla-debuts) by Marie Claire and Glam.com ended with a winner from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Among 8 finalists, Orean Collier, a self-taught artist and single mother, became the winner with [her handbag](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galleria-handbag) "Lillian" by getting more than 50.000 Glam.com votes. According to Ms. Collier, Lillian is designed to honor memories of her grandmother. In the days to come, she will be "Accessories Editor for a day" with Marie Claire magazine. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/jewelry) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Rise of Amateur Designers:** The increasing popularity of TV shows and access to resources is allowing aspiring designers to confidently showcase their talent and become discovered. - **Crowdsourced Design Competitions:** Online competitions that allow for public voting and engagement are providing a platform for amateurs to showcase their skills and gain recognition. - **Nostalgic Design:** Designs that evoke personal memories or emotions are resonating with consumers and providing unique selling points for products. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Retail:** Retailers can collaborate with emerging designers to offer unique products and tap into the trend of supporting small businesses and relatable designs. - **Crowdsourcing Platforms:** Platforms that offer design competitions and voting features can continue to improve their user experience by offering tailored resources and mentorship for designers. - **Personalized Accessories:** Companies can provide customized accessories that evoke personal memories or bring joy, appealing to consumers' emotional attachment to products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intricately Jeweled Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/larallan-mary-bag.md) - [Educational Fashion Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-graduates-initiative.md) - [Avant-Garde Handbag Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanifa.md) - [Collaborative Luggage Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylish-suitcases.md) - [French Vineyard-Inspired Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maison-marrain.md) - [Glamorous Party-Ready Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/statement-bags.md) - [Opulent Designer Laptop Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designer-laptop-bag.md) - [Versatile Warped Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mschf-3.md) - [Credit Card-Inspired Golden Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ana-bag.md)