Accessories Council

The Accessories Council is a United States-based not-for-profit trade association that was established in 1994 with the mission of increasing consumer use and awareness of accessories. Karen Giberson has been the group’s president since 2005. Its previous president, Sheila Block, led the group from 1996 to 2005.

The organization sponsors educational seminars, networking events, seasonal trend reports, marketing and advertising co-op initiatives, design and marketing awards for area fashion students, an annual silent auction, and the esteemed black tie ACE Awards Gala, an annual tribute to the leaders of the accessory industry.[1]

Membership

Over the past twelve years, membership has grown to include more than 250 companies and organizations representing the world's leading brand names, designers, publications, retailers and associated providers for the accessories, eyewear and footwear industries. Membership rates are determined by the annual sales volume of a company.[1]

Next Generation Awards

Each year, the Accessories Council hosts student competitions for the graduating classes of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)[2] and the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), designed to celebrate the work of young talent and provide internship opportunities for the graduates.

The Next Generation Awards: FIT features an accessories exhibition that includes designs from students enrolled in the institute’s accessory and jewelry design programs. Students compete for design awards in handbag, footwear, belts/small leather goods, hat and glove, and jewelry categories.

The Next Generation Awards: LIM is a special program focusing on encouraging the marketing skills of tomorrow’s business leaders. The event features an exhibition by the graduates of LIM’s marketing program, who competed for awards in the categories of retail store, accessory product and publication development.

Hall of Fame Tribute Series

The Accessories Council Hall of Fame Tribute Series celebrates the accomplishments and careers of industry leaders.

Hall of Fame Awards have been given to Elaine Gold, president of Elaine Gold Enterprises and founder of Collection XIIX; Mary Belle, president of licensing for the Jones Apparel Group; Marge Axelrad, senior vice president & editorial director of the Jobson Optical Group’s Vision Monday and 20/20 magazines.; Ruth Finley, founder of the Fashion Calendar; and Abbey Doneger, President of The Doneger Group.

Shopping Soiree

Each March, the Accessories Council holds its annual cocktail reception and silent auction event, Shopping Soiree, during New York Accessory Market week. The silent auction is known for offering luxury accessories and beauty, home and lifestyle items.

Round Table Discussions

The Accessories Council is committed to initiatives that grow the accessories industry and hosts accessories driven educational opportunities and round table discussions throughout the year. The Council has hosted discussions with Marshall Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst at The NPD Group, Francis Cole Jones, Media Trainer and author of “How To Wow: Proven Strategies for Presenting your Ideas”, and trends reports with David Wolfe, Creative Director of the forecasting company, The Doneger Group.

ACE Awards

The ACE Awards was created in 1996 to pay homage to individuals and groups who have helped raise awareness of the accessories industry. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those who have had a positive impact on accessory consumption during the prior year. Nominees are voted on by accessory-industry insiders, retailers, the Accessories Council Board of Directors and the fashion press. Winners are announced in advance of the annual event, which usually takes place at the beginning of November.

Past winners

This is a selected list of past winners. Winners in other categories, winners in past years, and nominees can be found at the Accessories Council website.[3]

Year 2011 Brand Launch Marchesa Influencer Nicole Richie Breakthrough Award Rebecca Minkoff

Year 2010 Stylemaker Kanye West Hall of Fame Tiffany & Co Designer of the Year Alber Elbaz for Lanvin

Year 2009 Designer of the Year Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta Retailer of the Year Zappos.com Stylemaker Lady Gaga

Year 2008 Designer of the Year Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga Brand of the Year Jimmy Choo Hall of Fame Emilio Pucci Innovator of the Year Lorraine Schwartz

Year 2007 ACE Award N/A Designer of the Year Marc Jacobs Retailer of the Year Macy’s

Year 2006 ACE Award Jennifer Lopez Designer of the Year Michael Kors Retailer of the Year Bergdorf Goodman

Year 2005 ACE Award Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen Designer of the Year Oscar de la Renta Retailer of the Year NeimanMarcus.com

Year 2004 ACE Award Kim Cattrall Designer of the Year Gordon Thompson III for Cole Haan Retailer of the Year Bloomingdale’s

Year 2003 ACE Award The Women of Broadway Designer of the Year Reed Krakoff for Coach Retailer of the Year Henri Bendel

Year 2002 ACE Award Debra Messing Designer of the Year Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Retailer of the Year Lord & Taylor/Neiman Marcus (tie)

Year 2001 ACE Award Tina Knowles

Year 2000 ACE Award Patricia Field & Rebecca Weinberg

Year 1999 ACE Award Linda Dano

Year 1998 ACE Award Kathie Lee Gifford

Year 1997 ACE Award Joan Rivers

References

  1. 1 2 "Accessories Council Website". Accessories Council. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  2. ↑ "FIT Website". Fashion Institute of Technology. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  3. ↑ "Accessories Council". Accessoriescouncil.org. Retrieved 2015-03-11.

External links

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