If you’re anything like me, without question, I despise spending half of my paycheck on a handbag that everyone ends up sporting on their arm. I don’t do monograms, I don’t do ordinary, and I surely wouldn’t invest in a handbag made from anything less than the finest of leathers (Duh). There are, however, a handful of designers who’s arm candy resides in my closest season after season; Alexander McQueen, Michelle Vale, Kara Ross, and Be & D (to name my top four go- to’s).

If I’m looking to throw on a simple understated chill outfit (i.e. Genetic Denim Shane Jeans, Blue Life U- neck, Loeffler Randall oversized blazer paired with my Pour La Vic’s Angelique platts) I’m going to reach for a bag that’s vibrant, chic, playful and classy… I’m going with one of my Be & D bags.

Known for starting their incredible handbag line on a kitchen table in Brooklyn, New York, Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain are the dynamic duo who’s contending artistic individuality allow them to create their lavish, innovative, bold handbag collection; Be & D.

Since purchasing the Turquoise and Cognac Gold Studded Garbo Bag back in '04, I’ve been a loyal contributor to the economics of Be & D. I’m not the only one involved in a fervid love affair with these bags. Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, Penelope Cruz, Liv Tyler, Blake Lively, Eva Longoria and dare I say it, Katy Perry, have all been spotted numerous times carrying these stunning pieces.

Although studs may be all the rage this season, Steve and Be were the first to set the bar with bold studding almost six years ago. All throughout Be & D’s color pallet, you can find vivacious fuchsias, scintillating greens, jewel-toned blues, radiant metallics, along with your staples- black, taupes and creamy whites. Each bag is handcrafted using ONLY the finest buttery leathers and elaborate, opulent exotics... even the hardware looks and feels swanky.

Their prices range from the high 5’s to about $1500 and worth every cent! These bags are made to withstand years, even decades, of wear. They are the bags that women keep in pristine condition, then subsequently pass down to their daughters. Any one of Be & D’s pieces will look just as incredible “vintage”, as they do brand new.

You’ll see me rocking my Cossette satchel in green python for years to come.

You can view the entire collection at Be & D, where you can purchase them directly on their site or at Shop Bop, Nordstom, and Saks.

Industry Background*:

Designers Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain started Be & D in 2004, at the kitchen table of a Greenpoint, Brooklyn loft. It was here that the duo created their very first design, the Garbo, modeled after a vintage bag found on holiday in a Beirut market. The bag quickly became an international phenomenon, catapulting Be & D onto the scene as a new force in the luxury market. Inthavong and Dumain believe strongly in the hands-on tradition of storied European luxury houses and have re-created this same practice in their Garment District design studio.

They personally train their sewers, teaching them the intricacies that define Be & D and work alongside them to ensure that every piece is created with the strictest attention to detail and quality.

In 2007, Be & D debuted its first shoe collection. The designers acknowledged that Italy was still the best place to make small quantities of expertly crafted shoes, and traveled to Tuscany to work side-by-side with skilled artisans to help realize their vision, continuing the same approach they use in their New York factory. With its signature gold soles and variety of heel heights, the line was created to compliment and merchandise with each main season’s core offerings.

In addition to their seasonal collections, Be & D has collaborated with ready-to-wear designers, including Ruffian and most recently Doo.Ri (A/W 09), in developing accessories for their New York Fashion Week runway presentations. In the pipeline for 2009 are additional strategic partnership opportunities with like-minded luxury companies both within and outside of the fashion industry.

Be & D Co-Founders/Designers:

Be Inthavong is a native of Laos, where his family has owned a silk mill for over 200 years. After immigrating to the United States at age eight, Be began sketching, and the influence of his legacy was apparent from the first drawing. After graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Biology, Be was drawn back into the world of fashion. With no formal training, Be spent the next 10 years honing his innate skills in accessories design and production as co-designer and owner of a hair accessories company. Longing to further explore and experiment with textiles, his first love, Be channeled his parents entrepreneurial spirit and set out on his own. A chance meeting with fellow creative force Steve Dumain would ignite the spark that led to the establishment of Be & D.

Steve Dumain was raised on a horse farm in upstate New York. Growing up, his unique sense of style was born out of his obsession with rummaging through local thrift stores, where he also accumulated a collection of antique luggage. After graduating from the University of Vermont, with a degree in International Business, Spanish and Art, Steve lived and traveled in Europe and South America. It was there he explored his fascination with fine art and sculpture - and the idea that an artist’s hands could create infinite possibilities. He returned to New York and became established in the film industry as a gifted writer, producer and talent manager. After meeting Be, he realized his lifelong passions were too great to ignore.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be&D

-Article by Sam Jones for Scene B Seen

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha