The Accessories Council has announced the recipients of the 2025 Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards, set to take place May 6 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. The annual event recognizes individuals and companies for their contributions to the accessories industry.
Here are the 2025 ACE Award recipients:
- Brand Collaboration: Stuart Weitzman
- Brand Innovation: New Balance
- Brand of the Year: Movado
- Emerging Designer: Staud
- Hall of Fame: Bethann Hardison
- Merchant of the Year: Debbi Hartley-Triesch/Nordstrom
Additionally, the council will present the inaugural “Iconoclast” honor to designer Betsey Johnson.
The event will also honor several brands that have reached major milestones. The 2025 ACE Awards Legacy honorees are Patricia Nash (15 years), Rebecca Minkoff (20 years), Tom Ford Eyewear (20 years), VSP Vision (70 years), Oakley (50 years), and Bulova (150 years).
“In recognizing these brands and individuals throughout varying stages of their careers, the ACE Awards celebrate their contributions to the industry, their ability to inspire others, and their dedication to shaping the future of retail,” says Accessories Council president and CEO Karen Giberson. “The Accessories Council could not be more excited to celebrate the 2025 class of honorees and legacy players who have not only endured the test of time but have excelled in today’s dynamic and demanding retail landscape.”