Some of Versace's up-and-coming handbag designers met recently at the Whitney Art Museum in New York City. The designing brainstorm session wasn't quite the scene that you might be picturing right now, though.

With markers and papers in hand, Donatella Versace joined several kids from the Starlight Children's Foundation for the first Art Unites event, a program sponsored by the fashion label and the Whitney that will provide art supplies to hundreds of children from Starlight as well as the One Foundation in China.

The lucky teens involved in the art project at the Whitney the other night will have the honor of seeing their hand-drawn pictures on Versace handbags. The public can support Art Unites by purchasing the designs at the label's boutiques and Gilt Groupe in the near future. All proceeds from the $200 totes will benefit Starlight and One Foundation.

"We have to give back when we're successful," Donatella told The Huffington Post. She noted that every time she's with children, "they're smiling and so happy just to see me. They don't expect anything from me ... and I chose art for the project because art is, for me, an expression of emotion."

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image: NEW IMAGES/Flickr]

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Similar to the Big Buddha purse bearing her name, reality star Heidi Montag stands a bit apart from the other gals on The Hills. Similar, yes, but just a little different.

The Big Buddha Heidi bag offers the same color options as the other Big Buddha handbags inspired by the MTV show. However, this hobo purse has a slightly different shape. The Heidi is more structured than the other bags, but a single shoulder strap gives it a tote-like silhouette. A zip top entry opens to the deep interior of the bag. It's definitely functional for everyday use. With this bag, you could stash some important papers from the office and work-out clothes for going to the gym.

Like the other Hills-inspired purses from Big Buddha, the Heidi bag is embossed with a python-like snakeskin texture keeping consistent with the line and adding visual interest. You can get the Heidi bag for a little less than the Lauren or Whitney; it retails around $85. She might be one of the lesser-loved characters on The Hills, but her Big Buddha handbag is no less stylish!

More Features of the Big Buddha Heidi Bag

• Shoulder strap with 10 inch drop
• Zip top
• Fabric lining
• Measures 14.5 x 15.5 x 1 inches

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Also See

• Get the Heidi handbag on Amazon
• See other Big Buddha bags on eBay

If you like the Big Buddha Lauren bag, you're going to love the Whitney! This red python handbag, also inspired by MTV's The Hills, is named after reality star and fashionista Whitney Port.

Whitney is known on the show for her impeccable taste, runway-like fashion, and overall classiness. The Big Buddha handbag named for her captures this perfectly! The roomy snakeskin-printed bag is reminiscent of the Lauren bag but definitely has a style of its own.

Gold chains loop through the top of the bag and attach to comfortable shoulder straps. This adds some sparkle that complements the shiny, textured material of the purse. You'll be able to accessorize often with the Whitney whether dressing up to go out or keeping it casual with friends. The Big Buddha satchel-shaped handbag is substantial in size and contains several pockets for storing small items.

The printed python Whitney bag is also available in green, brown, turquoise, black, and pink. You can get this Big Buddha purse for around $95, similar to the Lauren handbag. Keep reading for other bags inspired by the stylish girls from The Hills!

Other Features of the Big Buddha Whitney Bag

• Open top
• Double handles with 6.5 inch drop
• Fabric lining
• Snakeskin embossed print
• Measures 16 x 10 x 5.5 inches

Find the Whitney Handbag on eBay

• Get the Big Buddha Whitney on Amazon
• See more Big Buddha purses on eBay