The 2013 Accessories Council Excellence Awards was held this
past Monday night. It was the 17th annual event and almost everyone
who is prominent in the fashion and accessories industry was in attendance.
Here are some of the winners of the night’s celebration:
The Legacy Award: The Frye Company
This is the first time the Accessories Council is presenting
this award for the longevity of a company, and it is only right that Frye would
be the first to receive it because they are now celebrating 150 years in the
industry.
Breakthrough Award: Rag & Bone
The team of Davide Neville and Marcus Wainwright did not
have plans to expand into women’s accessories. That is until they received a
note from Anna Wintour saying, “Rag & Bone better have a handbag”- a
suggestion that cannot be ignored. When speaking of the success of their shoes
and handbags Wainright said, ““When we put the Newbury boot out there, it took
a couple of seasons to really take off, but now we can’t make them fast enough.
It’s the same with the bags. It keeps building up steam. I think we’re off to a
good start.”
Designer of the Year Award: Phillip Lim
“When we started the ready-to-wear business, it was about
dressing the woman. Now, it’s about the accoutrements, what she holds, how she
accessorizes,” Phillip Lim said. As an accessory designer, Lim is focused on
the functionality and accessibility of his products for the customer. On
mention of his recent collaboration with Target including men’s and women’s
apparel, bags and shoes, Lim also said that he is interested in expanding his
line of accessories, maybe in the near future, being quoted as saying, “I love
jewelry.”
Brand of the Year Award: Alexis Bittar
The designer recently sold 50% equity stake in his company
to start a fine jewelry line in addition to the existing bridge and costume
lines. Bittar said, ““I design to a broad demographic, of consumer and age. In
doing so, price determines the complexity of designs. The goal is to design the
perfect piece, where the consumer feels that they are always underspending and
buying into value and a high-design aesthetic. I believe that luxury is in the
details, not in the price point.”
Retail Innovation Award: Warby Parker
The co-CEO and cofounder of the brand, Neil Blumenthal, said
that the company focuses on the idea that the customers “value quality and want
to be treated fairly” Warby Parker gives the customers exactly what they want
in terms of choice and price point: a set of five pairs of frames are given to
customers for five days, for free, so that they can try them on.
Digital Influencer Award: Leandra Medine
Blogger and fashion personality, Leandra Medine of The Man
Repeller, has achieved what WWD refers to as a “cult following.” Her new book, “Man
Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls,” continues to show her outgoing and
individual outlook on style. The Accessories Council President, Karen Giberson,
said, “I think [Leandra] is an excellent example. I like that she’s irreverent.
She does what she feels good about and doesn’t speak for anybody else. She’s
bold and has a strong point of view.”
Read the full WWD article here to see all of the ACE winners: http://www.wwd.com/accessories-news/footwear/the-ace-award-winners-7261432
