Accessories Council

The Accessories Council is a not-for-profit, national trade association that was established in 1994 with the mission of increasing consumer use and awareness of accessories. As of 2005, Karen Giberson is the group’s president. 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, the ultimate designer accessories sample sale with LIM called “Sale into Summer”, and the esteemed black tie ACE Award Gala, an annual tribute to the leaders of the accessory industry.

Membership

Over the past twelve years, membership has grown to include more than 150 corporations 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) [http://www.fitnyc.edu/] 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. [http://www.http://www.visionmonday.com/ViewContent/tabid/211/content_id/8861/catId/89/Default.aspx.com Vision Monday talks about Next Generation Awards] [ [2] ]

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; and Marge Axelrad, senior vice president & editorial director of the Jobson Optical Group’s Vision Monday and 20/20 magazines.

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.

Career Day

In 2006, the Accessories Council organized its first Career Day initiative with leading fashion colleges the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, to offer member companies an early chance to hire talented entry-level employees and interns.

Participating companies have included Cole Haan, Steve Madden, Isabella Fiore, Kenneth Cole and Jones Apparel Group.

Sale Into Summer: The Ultimate Designer Accessories Sample Sale

The Accessories Council and hosts a charity consumer-shopping event called Sale Into Summer: The Ultimate Designer Accessories Sample Sale.

The two-day event offers designer accessories from dozens of brands that are deeply discounted. A silent auction, featuring many items donated by celebrities, is also held.

Proceeds from Sale Into Summer benefit The Children’s Action Network, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the needs of children, with a focus on adoption and foster care programs.

Round Table Discussions

The Accessories Council is committed to initiatives that growth 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 authors 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 [1]

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 Web site (http://www.accessoriescouncil.com).

Year2007ACE AwardN/ADesigner of the Year
Marc Jacobs [ [3] ] Retailer of the Year
Macy’s

Year2006ACE Award
Jennifer Lopez [ [4] ] Designer of the Year
Michael KorsRetailer of the Year
Bergdorf Goodman

Year2005ACE Award
Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen [ [5] ] Designer of the Year
Oscar de la RentaRetailer of the YearNeimanMarcus.com

Year2004ACE Award
Kim CattrallDesigner of the YearGordon Thompson III for Cole HaanRetailer of the YearBloomingdale’s [ [6] ]

Year2003ACE AwardThe Women of BroadwayDesigner of the YearReed Krakoff for CoachRetailer of the Year
Henri Bendel

Year2002ACE Award
Debra MessingDesigner of the Year
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheRetailer of the Year
Lord & Taylor/Neiman Marcus (tie)

Year2001ACE Award
Tina Knowles

Year2000ACE Award
Patricia Field & Rebecca Weinberg

Year1999ACE Award
Linda Dano

Year1998ACE Award
Kathie Lee Gifford

Year1997ACE Award
Joan Rivers

References

* ^Accessories Council Website (http://www.accessoriescouncil.com)
* ^Vision Monday Article (http://www.visionmonday.com/ViewContent/tabid/211/content_id/8861/catId/89/Default.aspx)
* ^Style Article (http://www.instyle.com/instyle/parties/party/0,,20158510_20363602,00.html)
* ^Style.com Article (http://www.style.com/peopleparties/parties/scoop/110106GOLD)
* ^Fashion Week Daily Article (http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/parties/fullstory.sps?inewsid=269785&itype=8488)
* ^Vogue.com Article (http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/2004-11/041102-accessories-all-areas.aspx)

External links

* [http://www.accessoriescouncil.com Accessories Council Web site]
* [http://www.http://www.limcollege.edu/html/prospevents_12.htm.com LIM]
* [http://www.http://www.wwd.com/notavailable/dotcom?target=/accessories/article/126430&articleId=126430&articleType=A&industryKw=accessories&industryKw2=accessoriesarticle.com WWD Article]

Miscellaneous

Tom Ford

Linda Dano