NEW YORK—Submissions are now underway for the Accessories Council (Ac) 8th annual Design Excellence Awards, recognizing the most innovative, creative, and commercially impactful products across the accessories industry. Brands of all sizes are invited to submit entries through September 2, 2026, with winners to be honored during an awards celebration on November 2, 2026, at The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City. Now in its eighth year, the Design Excellence Awards celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation driving the marketplace. As in past years, the 2026 Design Excellence Awards will include four categories specifically for eyewear: two for independent brands and two for multi-brand companies, the Accessories Council said.
Since launching the Design Excellence Awards in 2019, the Ac has celebrated excellence in product design while shining a spotlight on the brands, designers, and teams shaping the future of the accessories industry.
“The Design Excellence Awards continue to celebrate the remarkable creativity and innovation that define our industry,” said Karen Giberson, president and CEO of the Accessories Council. “Every year, we’re inspired by the caliber of submissions from both established brands and emerging designers. With submissions now underway, we encourage companies of every size to showcase the products that are shaping the future of accessories and participate in this year’s awards program.”
The Ac will recognize excellence across a wide range of categories spanning eyewear, handbags, footwear, jewelry, accessories, innovation, sustainability, and more. In addition, the prestigious Hall of Fame Award will once again honor an iconic product or brand that has made a lasting impact on the accessories industry. The Circana Growth Driver Award will also be presented at the winners’ breakfast.
Following the judging process, finalists will be announced during a special celebration hosted at Fashionphile on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, before advancing to public voting to determine this year’s winners.
Categories for the 2026 Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards include the following:
• Eyewear (Optical) – Independent (1–2 Brands)
• Eyewear (Optical) – Multi-Brand (3 or More Brands)
• Eyewear (Sun) – Independent (1–2 Brands)
• Eyewear (Sun) – Multi-Brand (3 or More Brands)
• Handbags – Under $1,000
• Handbags – Over $1,000
• Footwear – Under $250
• Footwear – Over $250
• Fashion Jewelry – Under $100
• Fashion Jewelry – Over $100
• Fine Jewelry – Under $10,000
• Fine Jewelry – Over $10,000
• General Accessories (Soft Accessories, Scarves, SLGs, Gloves, Belts, Hats & Umbrellas)
• Made in the USA
• Millinery & Hair Accessories
• Tech & Innovation (Smart & Tech Accessories, Including Luxury & Fashion Watches)
• Social Impact & Sustainability
• Brand Collaborations
The Ac’s Design Excellence Awards recognize products that reflect today’s consumer preferences while setting tomorrow’s trends. Winners are selected through a combination of expert industry judging and public voting. Entries are evaluated on excellence in design, innovation, craftsmanship, functionality, market positioning, consumer appeal, sustainability, and overall impact within the marketplace.
Beyond industry recognition, the Design Excellence Awards provide finalists and winners with exposure through Ac Magazine, digital marketing, social media, retailer outreach, and industry events. Participants also receive the prestigious Design Excellence Awards Seal, which can be incorporated into marketing materials, packaging, sales presentations, websites, and retail environments to distinguish award-winning products.
Finalists will be featured in the Fall 2026 issue of Ac Magazine, while winners will receive additional editorial recognition in the Holiday 2026 issue.
Sponsors of the 2026 Design Excellence Awards include Fashionphile, Caleres, Marchon Eyewear, and Perfect. Winners will receive custom-designed trophies created by Marchon Eyewear.
Submissions are currently being accepted through September 2, 2026. For complete category descriptions, submission requirements, finalist information, and additional details about the awards program, visit the Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards website.
