{"id":155,"date":"2026-11-02T22:25:17","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T19:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wom.beauty\/?p=155"},"modified":"2026-11-02T22:25:17","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T19:25:17","slug":"accessories-council-announces-2026-design-excellence-awards-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wom.beauty\/?p=155","title":{"rendered":"Accessories Council Announces 2026 Design Excellence Awards Winners"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\tWithin the Gilded Age walls of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, the Accessories Council revealed the winners of its Design Excellence Awards Monday morning. The eighth annual celebration recognized individuals, brands, companies and products that are modernizing and elevating standards across the accessories industry.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThe Design Excellence Awards continue to gain momentum each year, reflecting the extraordinary talent, creativity and innovation across our industry,\u201d said Karen Giberson, president and chief executive officer of the council. \u201cFrom emerging designers to established global brands, this year\u2019s winners demonstrate how thoughtful design, craftsmanship and innovation continue to inspire consumers and shape the future of accessories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe 2026 Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes a brand that has created a lasting legacy, was presented to Hearts on Fire, which is celebrating its 30th year anniversary. Owned by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, the Boston-based brand has homed in on offering a fresh perspective to the natural diamond industry.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Hearts<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of the Accessories Council.<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tSince its founding in 1994, the not-for-profit Accessories Council has worked to support and increase exposure within the accessory industry. One way it does this is through introducing new categories that spotlight overlooked areas of accessories.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn a time when 97 percent of the U.S. purchased garments are produced offshore, according to historical data from the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the council is focusing on what is Made in the USA, adding the category to its awards this year. The winner was Armando Allende, a U.S. Army veteran who designs luxury handbags in New Jersey. The product that won is his Nexus drawstring handbag made of Premium Vachetta leather, goatskin leather and suede, featuring intricate, sculptural weaving.<\/p>\n

\n\tAnother honoree was New Balance, which received the 2026 Circana Top Item Award for its 9060 sneaker, recognizing the product for its performance and consumer resonance. Reinterpreting 99X elements, the 9060 is futuristic with its wavy lines and scaled up proportions, while maintaining present-day wearability.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of the Accessories Council.<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tA combination of industry expertise and public voting helped determine the winners this year. The finalists were selected by Accessories Council\u2019s board of directors and members of the press, with consideration given to everything from design and innovation to consumer appeal and sustainability.<\/p>\n

\n\tFashionphile, Marchon, Caleres and Perfect sponsored this year\u2019s awards, with Marchon Eyewear designing the custom-made trophies presented to the winners.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe Accessories Council\u2019s 2026 Design Excellence Awards winners are:<\/p>\n

\n\tBrand Collaborations<\/strong>
Winner:<\/strong> Jane Win x GIADZY
Product: <\/strong>Gratitude Citrus Tile Original Pendant Coin<\/p>\n

\n\tEyewear, Optical \u2013 Independent (1-2 Brands)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Blake Kuwahara Eyewear
Product:<\/strong> Rhodes<\/p>\n

\n\tEyewear, Optical \u2013 Multi-Brand (3 or More Brands)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Kendra Scott
Product: <\/strong>KE2625<\/p>\n

\n\tEyewear, Sun \u2013 Independent (1-2 Brands)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> House of Modo
Product: <\/strong>Lowercase Broadway<\/p>\n

\n\tEyewear, Sun \u2013 Multi-Brand (3 or More Brands)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Miu Miu
Product: <\/strong>Mu C07SU<\/p>\n

\n\tFashion Jewelry (Under $100)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Ramy Brook
Product: <\/strong>Evil Eye Malachite Charm<\/p>\n

\n\tFashion Jewelry (Over $100) \u2013 Tie
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Armine & Ambrose
Product: <\/strong>The A-Chain Necklace<\/p>\n

\n\tWinner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Christina Greene
Product: <\/strong>Canyon Creek Turquoise Lariat Necklace<\/p>\n

\n\tFine Jewelry (Under $10,000)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Rachel Katz Jewelry
Product: <\/strong>Luxe Bird Bam Mahjong Tile Necklace<\/p>\n

\n\tFine Jewelry (Over $10,000)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Lagos
Product: <\/strong>Fizz Cluster Diamond Tennis Bracelet<\/p>\n

\n\tFootwear (Under $250)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Rothy\u2019s
Product: <\/strong>The Ivy Sneaker<\/p>\n

\n\tFootwear (Over $250)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Allen Edmonds
Product: <\/strong>Miller Reserve Penny Loafer<\/p>\n

\n\tGeneral Accessories (Soft Accessories, Scarves, SLGs, Gloves, Belts, Hats and Umbrellas)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Vera Bradley
Product:<\/strong> Brush Up Cosmetic Case<\/p>\n

\n\tHandbags (Under $1,000)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Michael Kors
Product: <\/strong>Nolita Medium Hand-Woven Leather Chain Pochette<\/p>\n

\n\tHandbags (Over $1,000)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Sahra Atelier
Product:<\/strong> La Luna Rose<\/p>\n

\n\tMade in the USA
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Armando Allende
Product: <\/strong>Nexus<\/p>\n

\n\tMillinery and Hair Accessories
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Colette Malouf
Product: <\/strong>Pearl Wave Mini Comb<\/p>\n

\n\tSocial Impact and Sustainability
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Jenny Bird
Product: <\/strong>The Possibilities Fund Pendant<\/p>\n

\n\tTech and Innovation (Smart and Tech Accessories, Including Luxury and Fashion Watches)
Winner<\/strong>:<\/strong> Simon G. Jewelry
Product: <\/strong>Trellis Diamond Smart Ring Jacket in 14-karat Gold<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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