NEW YORK—On Wednesday night, May 3, 2023, the Accessories Council hosted its 27th annual ACE Awards in New York City, honoring individuals and companies who have furthered the awareness and use of accessories. The ACE Awards were first created in 1997 to celebrate the accomplishments of the industry and bring consumer attention to the categories before important shopping periods. Over the course of these past 27 years, the Accessories Council has honored and recognized global brands and pioneers, positioning them at the forefront of the fashion industry. Several eyewear Accessories Council members took part at this year's ACE event.
 
This year’ ACE honorees were:

Alexis Bittar: Brand Innovation
Dee Ocleppo: Emerging Designer
Echo New York: Legacy
Fashionphile: Retail Innovation
House of LR&C: Sustainability (Russell Wilson, Ciara and Christine Day)
Judith Leiber Couture: Couturiere
Julianne Hough: Style Ambassador
Mickey Drexler: Visionary
Von Maur: Retailer of the Year
Wolverine: Brand of the Year


Attendees celebrated the Accessories Council’s 27th Annual ACE Awards. (L to R) Kris Jenner poses with friend and honoree Dee Ocleppo; honorees Julianne Hough and Ciara; and presenter Jamie Salter with Tommy Hilfiger.

(L to R) Accessories Council president and CEO Karen Giberson celebrated with Tura’s Jennifer Coppel and Kristen McLaughlin; EssilorLuxottica’s Sherianne James, Accessories Council board member Alessandro Mariani, Vision Monday's Marge Axelrad, EssilorLuxottica's Anja Shirke and Sheila Senhouse; the Safilo team with Tommy Hilfiger.


(L to R) VSP’s Earnie Franklin and Marchon Eyewear's Thomas Burkhardt; ACE president and CEO Karen Giberson.

Presenters included Kris Jenner for Dee Ocleppo, Jamie Salter (founder, chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group), Charles Gross, Alex Drexler (co-founder, Alex Mill), Somsack Sikhounmuong (co-founder, Alex Mill), Peter Delgrosso (executive director of Metallica's "All Within My Hands" Foundation), Frank Zambrelli (chairman of the Accessories Council), Tony Drockton (founder of Hammitt), Alex White (fashion director of Elle Magazine), Emma Rosenblum (chief content officer of Bustle Digital Group), and Guillaume Tardy (president, chief lifestyle and licensing officer of Ralph Lauren).

Karen Giberson, CEO and president of the Accessories Council, said, “This year's honorees represented people who were able to embrace their roots and figure out ways to grow in a challenging environment. I’m amazed at the remarkable ability the industry has had to refocus, adjust and position themselves to thrive in today’s environment with a sustainable focus.”

This year’s event sponsors included Marchon Eyewear; Brosway Italia; FashionGo; Hammitt; Caleres; EssilorLuxottica; Informa - Magic, Project, Coterie; Judith Leiber Couture; Safilo Group; Signal Brands; Steve Madden; The Jewelry Group and Wolverine.