NEW YORK (WLNY) – Have you ever dreamed of creating the next must-have handbag?

Now is your chance.

More: NYC’s 5 Best Stores For Discounted Designer Handbags

The seventh annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards is taking submissions.

Emily Blumenthal, founder of the Handbag Awards, visited The Couch to tell us how you can get involved.

To apply for the 2013 Independent Handbag Designer Awards, designers are invited to visit HBD101.com and click on the Handbag Awards icon to submit their entry and make sure to put their best bag forward in order to stand out from the 2000+ expected applicants.

Independent Handbag Awards Categories and The Prizes:

Out of thousands of entries finalists are selected in 6 categories.  Each winner will be featured in the September Issue of InStyle Magazine.  Other category prizes really help winners take their designs to the next level including:

Best in Overall Style and Design – Winner gets the chance to sell at Bloomingdales.

Best Green Handbag – Winner gets to collaborate with Timberland

Best Handbag Handbag – Winner will receive a designer profile and guest blogging opportunity on the BrotherSews Facebook page as well as a feature-packed computerized sewing machine from the Simplicity by Brother line.

Audience Fan Favorite – For all those whoa arent designers out there – they can participate too by voting for finalists online in the Audience Favorite category this April.