Timberland Selects 'Best Green Handbag' Designer at Fourth Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards

STRATHAM, N.H., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Timberland Company announced designer Andrew Krumholz of Escama Studio as the winner of the "Best Green Handbag" at the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA) at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City last night.  As an outdoor company long known for its commitment to environmental stewardship, Timberland was excited to sponsor the "Best Green Handbag" category and select the winning design.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100617/NY22523 )

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100617/NY22523 )

Krumholz's winning Leda Cut-out Clutch stood out for its unique design approach: replicating crocheted patterns through the use of post-consumer recycled aluminum pop tops, merging modern, eco-conscious design with traditional handwork.  Krumholz's bags are hand-made in Brazil by fair trade artist cooperatives and available for purchase at www.escamastudio.com and museums around the world, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

"Andrew's vision and beautifully crafted designs are right in step with Timberland's values," said Jackie LaLime, senior director of licensing & accessories for Timberland.  "Throughout the creation process he successfully addressed the challenge of being both green and stylish, and in the end put forth a handbag that allows women to look good while also doing good for the environment and the community.  Delivering on style and sustainability is something we strive to do every day here at Timberland."

Beginning June 24, 2010, Krumholz's winning design will be on display for a limited time at the Timberland® store at 474 Broadway in New York City.  In addition, a selection of handbags from Escama Studio, including the Leda Cut-out Clutch, will be available for purchase at the Timberland® 474 Broadway store later this summer.

Timberland is committed to finding new ways to reduce its environmental footprint without compromising the style or durability for which its products are famous.  The Earthkeepers™ collection represents the company's best efforts to put its environmental values into action.  What started as one boot designed with the environment in mind has struck a chord with consumers and resulted in the growth of  the Earthkeepers™ collection to more than 100 men's, women's and kids' styles for the upcoming Fall 2010 season.

IHDA was presented by InStyle and Handbag Designer 101, an international handbag designer resource.  Fashion guru and co-host of Lifetime's "Project Runway" Tim Gunn presented Deborah Lloyd, Creative Director of kate spade new york with the ICONOCLAST Recipient award for her graceful approach to style and passion for design.  A panel of esteemed and influential handbag design professors, experts, editors, stylists, buyers and brands, including Timberland, judged the finalists' designs and selected winners from each of seven categories who truly stood out as Independent Handbag Designers.

About Timberland

Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland markets products under the Timberland®, Timberland PRO®, Mountain Athletics®, SmartWool®, Timberland Boot Company®, howies® and IPATH® brands, all of which offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature.  The company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland® retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa and the Middle East.  Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work.  To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com.

About Timberland® Earthkeepers™

The Timberland® Earthkeepers™ product collection is an extension of the company's legacy of "doing well and doing good."  The Earthkeepers™ product line, which is rapidly becoming the company's top selling line of boots, is the pinnacle expression of the company's environmental commitment.  To learn more, visit www.earthkeeper.com.

About The Independent Handbag Designer Awards

The Independent Handbag Designer Awards was created to celebrate handbag design and creativity from the United States and around the world.  Founded by Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource, the IHDA is now in its fourth year and is an industry staple.  Currently, it is the only international design competition to discover, recognize and create brand awareness for independent handbag designers.  www.handbagdesigner101.com

SOURCE The Timberland Company