While most of the fashion and accessories industry is either still in a phase of the summer holidays, the ACE Awards took place for the 26th annual awards honoring individuals and companies that led the market segment. The ceremony took place at Cipriani 42nd Street where the awards ceremony has been held for at least two decades.
A new Global Style Icon award was presented to J Balvin, the Colombian singer aka “Prince of Reggaeton” who is one of the best-selling Latin American music artists having sold more than 35 million records worldwide. He was presented with his honor by Reggie Saunders, global vice president of entertainment marketing for the Jordan brand, who commemorated their Nike footwear partnership. Balvin has become a menswear staple, wearing Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Givenchy, among others.
Mario Cantone made the audience laugh as he presented Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, costume designer, along with his Style Influencers Award And just like that Co-stars Sarita Choudhury and Karen Pittman. Like its predecessor sex and the city, The show places a heavy emphasis on accessorized fashion.
Josie Natori, who is most associated with her lingerie line, has been honored with the Hall of Fame award presented by longtime retail partner Ron Frasch. The veteran retail consultant was among the first to embrace Natori’s line when it debuted 45 years ago while he worked at Saks Fifth Avenue. The evening’s final award, Natori, who noted she had recently turned 75, said she would be brief but offer some sage advice. “You shouldn’t get into fashion unless you really love it; there are easier ways to make money,” she told the audience, clearly stating that this was her passion.
British retailer Kurt Geiger London won Brand of the Year for its on-trend, unabashedly bold accessory lines that pack style and quality into moderately priced merchandise. British model Abwoa Aboah and Kurt Geiger’s current campaign star flew to New York to introduce creative team Rebecca Farrar-Hockley and Steven Sousa.
Other poignant moments included Victor Glemaud’s being recognized as a breakthrough designer. His mother presented the award, which was presented to him for his recent eyewear collection featuring Tura, which references his colorful knitwear designs. Glemaud thanked the women who made his career possible. Wearing a Planned Parenthood T-shirt under his black suit, Glemaud suggested that he and other men should also support and join the fight for women’s suffrage.
Veronica Swanson and Veronica Miele Beard, the sister-in-law duo behind the launch award given to Veronica Beard for adding footwear to her lifestyle brand, gushed over Legacy Brand winner Vera Bradley
Other winners included Rimowa for Brand Excellence presented by frequent traveler Brian Kelly The Points Guy; Moda Operandi was awarded Retailer of the Year; Author Gary Shteyngart presented Ben Clymer, CEO of Hodinkee, with the Visionary Award; while model Coco Rocha presented LensCrafters with the Retail Innovation Award.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our industry than I have been over the past few years. They have gracefully met so many challenges,” said Karen Giberson, President and CEO of the Accessories Council. “It’s so nice to be able to return to face-to-face networking and, in particular, to be able to celebrate this year’s exciting list of honorees at the ACE Awards.”