Home Base: New York
The History: Carlos Falchi, a veteran of the luxury-handbag industry for 37 years, was first known for his unusual collages designed with an extraordinary range of exotic skins. In 1979, he made his first unconstructed, unlined buffalo satchel, breaking from traditional rigid European construction and, thereby, starting a revolution in handbag-making.
Awards: This accessories icon has been recognized time and time again, most notably with a Coty award in 1983 and CFDA award nominations in 2004 and 2006.
Hooray for Hollywood: Falchi has designed bags and/or gloves for many films, including The Way We Were, As Good as It Gets, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Devil Wears Prada and the upcoming Sex and the City movie.
Did You Know: Falchi created the first designer diaper bag in 1988.
Signature: Use of exotic skins and fine leathers.
Green Day: Developed and increased the use of farm-bred exotic skins, thereby protecting the species and providing environmental controls. Works with tanneries to develop new techniques that are more protective of the world's eco-systems. For spring, designed the superbly lightweight microfibre bag, comprised entirely of recycled paper.
Spring '08: Skins are not overtreated; their natural markings are maintained, creating a transparent effect.
By Robin Payne
