The Accessories Council, a non-profit organization based in New York, is now accepting applications for its third annual Design Excellence Awards. This prestigious competition is designed to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional products in the fashion accessories industry.
The Design Excellence Awards span a wide range of categories, including footwear over $250, footwear under $250, handbags over $1,000, handbags under $1,000, fashion jewelry, and fine jewelry. Personal accessories are divided into two categories – one for soft accessories such as scarves, SLGs (small leather goods), gloves, belts, hats, and umbrellas, and the other for travel accessories and luggage. The competition also includes categories for personal protective equipment (PPE), optical eyewear, and sun eyewear. Additionally, there are special awards for social impact, sustainability, and tech and innovation.
Submissions for the Design Excellence Awards opened on June 4, 2021, and will continue to be accepted until July 16. After the submission period concludes, the finalists and the Hall of Fame Winner will be announced on August 2. At this stage, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite products. The winners will be revealed and honored during a virtual awards ceremony on September 8. Awardees will receive the prestigious “AC Seal,” which signifies the product’s excellence and can be displayed at various events, trade shows, annual reports, and social media platforms. Furthermore, the winners will be featured in the Fall edition of AC Magazine, providing them with significant exposure.
The Design Excellence Awards were launched by the Accessories Council in 2019 and have since gained popularity. Last year, the competition received an impressive 110,000 votes for the entries. The 2020 winners included the Jimmy Choo JC228 glasses in the optical eyewear category, the Vera Bradley Iconic Lay Flat Duffel in the travel and luggage category, and Deepa Gurnani’s Catarina Earrings in the fashion jewelry category. These outstanding products truly exemplify the creativity and innovation that the Design Excellence Awards aim to recognize.
Esteemed sponsors, including Blackglama Exclusively by Saga Furs, Joor, and Marchon Eyewear, have shown their support for the 2021 Design Excellence Awards. Once the finalists are announced, voting will take place on the JOOR website, ensuring that the public can conveniently participate.
The Accessories Council is dedicated to promoting the accessories industry and supporting its growth. Since its establishment in 1994, the organization has provided valuable resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs to its members. The Design Excellence Awards serve as a testament to the Accessories Council’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating outstanding achievements in the fashion accessories sector.
This year’s Design Excellence Awards promise to be an exciting showcase of unparalleled talent and creativity. As the accessories industry continues to flourish and evolve, these awards provide a platform to honor the remarkable individuals and brands that contribute to its success. By shining a spotlight on exceptional products and innovative designs, the Accessories Council inspires and encourages the industry to strive for excellence.
Useful links:
– Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards
– JOOR
