By: Brynn Nygren
Events Director

This year’s Power of Your Purse was by far the best Women’s Philanthropic Network event to date! Much of the success of this event can be attributed to the keynote speaker Carlos Falchi. Carlos is an internationally acclaimed designer of modern, cutting-edge handbags and accessories. Carlos immigrated to the US in 1964 and soon his creative hand-sewn outfits and accessories began turning heads. His beautiful designs have captured the hearts of many of Hollywood’s finest including Madonna, Tina Turner, Cher, and the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. But that evening, he captured the hearts of the 350 women that attended the event. With his sparkling smile and heart warming sense of humor, Carlos told his story of how he came to the US and unintentionally got his start as a designer.

Carlos Falchi’s message was one of hope and inspiration to all. He shared that with hard work, and a positive attitude, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Not only did he share his life story with us, but he shared his work as well. He very graciously provided every person in attendance with one of his signature microfiber totes! What a gentleman, always looking out for the ladies, and oh how he loves the ladies in his life! For those of you that were not in attendance at the event, you can find his handbags at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Henri Bendel. Also if you would like to know more about the Women’s Philanthropic Network and see how they are making a difference in our community go to the United Way of Salt Lake website (www.uw.org).