By Marie Bargas
Special to The Courier

Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills, a 90210-based accessory designer, known for her expertise in whimsical haute couture, CNN’s “female Andy Warhol of bags,” and known as the “Beverly Hills Bag Lady” took a moment out of her busy schedule to reminisce about Awards seasons past just before the 62nd Prime Time Emmy Awards kicks off the new season.

A favorite of Emmy-winner Christina Applegate, who was nominated twice for Samantha Who, but took home the gold for Friends, Baumann girls include Desperate Housewives’ Eva Langoria Parker, Alfre Woodard and Marcia Cross, Jennifer Aniston from Friends and Jane Leeves who now stars in It’s Hot In Cleveland, but is best remembered for her often-nominated role in Frasier.

This year Baumann is tickled that Kim Cattrall has returned to the big screen in a reprise of her role as the vampy Samantha from Sex And The City. But her most recent coup is definitely the bejeweled Swarovski crystal short-shorts Katy Perry rocked in her #1 video California Gurls video with Snoop Dog which garnered two Teen Choice Awards for Perry who also served as a delightfully sexy host.

“This is the first time one of my crystal creations has ever been ‘topped’ by a pair of cupcakes!” Baumann laughed.

Baumann also styled past nominees and winners: Brook Shields Lipstick Jungle and Suddenly Susan, Susan Lucci All My Children, Alison Janney The West Wing and Marg Helgenberger CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

What began for Baumann as a labor of love in the living room of her Beverly Hills apartment, blossomed into an international phenomenon spanning more than 20 years.

Actresses carry Baumann bags for her chic and sleek designs. Baumann began her career in Hollywood as an actress herself, so she understands what an actress is looking for in terms of style, impact and convenience. “When I began making minaudieres my main concern was that my bags were beautiful, but incredibly petite,” Baumann confessed. “Cell phones are a necessary accessory for the actress who’s waiting the get the call for her next starring role, so it is essential that they fit.

“Stylist creates a look,” Baumann intimated, “it’s not just the dress, but the jewelry, the shoes and of course the handbag, which complete the look. Sometimes stylists come to us with a swatch of fabric and need a matching bag in 24 hours. We’re one of the only designers who can deliver.”

Sharon Gless from Burn Notice tops Baumann’s wish list because they both starred on Switch and have continued to be friends throughout the years.

For Baumann fashion and fun go hand in hand. “I would love to see more whimsy and playfulness on the carpet this year,” Baumann sighed. “I love Glee and would be delighted if Lea Michelle or Jane Lynch had the sass to carry something light-hearted and playful like my musical minaudieres: the Guitar, Baby Grand Piano or Piano Keys.”

Baumann will will host her first sale in five years with 50 to 75 percent off on select accessories through Aug. 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The sale, which includes Swarovski crystal-adorned evening bags and purses will be held at 9040 Sunset Blvd., near Doheny Drive.

For information, call 310-274-7441.