What's Happening?
The Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a black-tie gala on May 5 at The Pierre hotel in New York City. The event will honor individuals and brands that have significantly contributed to the accessories
industry. Notable honorees include Todd Kahn, CEO and brand president of Coach, who will receive the visionary award, and Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, who will be recognized for innovation. Other awardees include Tamron Hall as a style influencer and Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms and Enough, for social impact. The event will also honor Monica Rich Kosann for brand innovation and Macy's chief merchandising officer Nata Dvir as merchant of the year. The legacy honorees for 2026 are Marcolin Group and Nanis, celebrating their 65th and 35th anniversaries, respectively.
Why It's Important?
The ACE Awards highlight the significant contributions of individuals and brands to the accessories industry, which is a vital segment of the fashion sector. Recognizing leaders like Todd Kahn and Sara Blakely underscores the importance of innovation and visionary leadership in driving industry growth and awareness. These awards not only celebrate past achievements but also set a benchmark for future contributions, encouraging continued excellence and creativity. The event also brings together key industry players, fostering networking and collaboration opportunities that can lead to new partnerships and initiatives.
What's Next?
The ACE Awards will continue to announce additional honorees, including the recipient of the Betsey Johnson Iconoclast Award, which was last awarded in 2025. The event is expected to draw significant attention from the fashion and accessories industry, with sponsors such as Caleres, Centric Brands, and Michael Kors supporting the gala. The recognition of these industry leaders may inspire other brands and individuals to innovate and contribute to the sector's growth, potentially leading to new trends and developments in the accessories market.
