best known as Project Runway’s “fan favorite” on season three. He didn’t win, but he moved on to partner with premier diamond jeweler Louis Glick (www.louis glick.com) to present his own jewelry line. His unique bold diamond creations set in platinum start at $100,000. www.mychaelknight.com
Best Emerging Handbag Line: Sukari: Undiscovered luxury line Sukari-the Swahili word for “sweet” or “sugar”-boasts buttery lambskin and exotic ostrich with suede interiors. And you can customize each piece with hardware cast in smooth or hammered 24-karat gold or rhodium. The premiere collection, priced from $860 to $3,800 and available by special order, was inspired by designer Alicia Ferriabough’s travels. www.sukaridesigns.com
Best Classic Handbag Designers
Lana Marks: Alligator, ostrich, crocodile, and lizard skin LANA MARKS handbags are favorites of Angela Bassett and Oprah Winfrey. The highly popular Diamond Cleopatra Clutch is loaned to one actress a year on the Academy Awards red carpet. www.lanamarks.com
Judith Leiber: Judith Leiber’s signature designs include the rectangular Goddess bag decorated with Austrian crystals. Leiber’s products are all made in the U.S. by hand and sought after by Hollywood’s hippest fashionistas. www.judithleiber.com
Best Executive Shoes: Samant‡ Shoes: Style with comfort equals luxury, says the designer of Samant‡ Shoes, whose unique hybrid of a high instep, flat foot mold, and moratorium on heels higher than three inches provide for easy, elegant stepping. Tyra Banks, Sanaa Lathan, Geena Davis, and Sophia Bush all agree. www.samantashoes.com
Best High-Fashion Shoe Designer: Courtney Crawford: His collection is not for the fashionably timid. His clients are women who want to make a statement. Courtney Crawford designs sleek, sexy stilettos featuring fine leathers and skins often accented with a variety of furs-including chinchilla. www.courtneycrawford.com
Best Luxury Retailer: Asprey: Located in the United Kingdom, U.S., Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, this 226-year-old British luxury retailer offers an array of unique items ideal for client gifts or personal treats. Its extensive corporate gift collection features 18-karat white-gold-and-diamond cufflinks ($3,383), a travel alarm clock made from alligator skin and stainless steel ($1,293), and a sterling sliver ice bucket ($4,379). www.asprey.com
Best Trendy Boutique: The Red Lemon Store: Raised in Japan, Phnewfula Frederiksen has attracted celebrity regulars including rapper Ludacris and actress Gabrielle Union to her trendy boutique in Los Angeles. From its selection of $600 jeans to candles that dissolve into moisturizing cream, it’s a one-stop feel good shop. www.theredlemonstore.com
Best Bridal Designer: Amsale: Strong, feminine, and simply classic, Amsale is not your typical bridal designer. Her uniquely elegant gowns suit a variety of bridal celebrations. Her flagship salon is on Madison Avenue, but her creations can be found in fine boutiques nationwide. www.amsale.com
Best Fragrance: Clive Christian: The fragrance formula dates back to 1872 and has been a favorite of royalty for years. Today enjoyed by many, Clive Christian Perfumes bottles alluringly exotic and rare scents to create the world’s most expensive perfumes. www.clive.com
Best Diamond Buying Experience: Tiffany: Known for fine jewelry and the best selection in stones, Tiffany & Co. also provides private consultations as well as workshops on how to select