Karen Giberson, Laura Lendrum and Frank Zambrelli at the 2025 ACE Awards at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder, Getty Images for Accessories Council.
The Accessories Council (Ac) hosted its annual Accessories Council Excellence Awards (ACE Awards) at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
The GALA honored and celebrated global brands, designers, and trailblazers at the forefront of the fashion industry.
The 2025 ACE Awards were presented in nine categories to designers, brands, retailers, and pioneers who have helped to enhance growth and awareness of the accessories industry.
In addition, eight Legacy Honors paid tribute to businesses that have reached significant milestones, marking years of success through determination, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
The Accessories Council named Bethann Hardison as the 2025 Hall of Fame recipient, and it bestowed the inaugural Iconoclast ACE Award to Betsey Johnson.
Other notable guests and presenters in attendance at the black tie event included Michael Benavente, Thomas Burkhardt, Monica Elias, Paris Hilinski, Camille Kostek, Ashley Longshore, Caroline Vazzana, Mark Consuelos, as well as Frank Zambrelli, the Chairman of The Ac, among others.
Laverne Cox interview
Speaking of Betsey Johnson, actress Laverne Cox presented her with her “Iconoclast” ACE Award. “I am so honored to be presenting this away to Betsey; she is a legend,” Cox said.
“Betsey is an icon who has inspired me so much. I grew up studying ballet so I’ve always loved a tutu. The individuality is what you bring to the clothes, and she embodies this look,” Cox elaborated.
Karen Giberson interview
Ac President and CEO Karen Giberson remarked, “I am so excited. Every year, it’s the highlight of our year. This is a really significant night for the Accessories Council because we get to honor companies and people that have done something remarkable, and just take a moment to stop and celebrate.”
“The Ac has been around for over 30 years,” Giberson noted. “From the core of our beings, we exist to help our members survive, thrive, and help them with the businesses.”
“Tonight does a lot: it’s a networking event, it’s a fundraiser for the Ac and an amazing way to get press for our companies and the brands who are so much a part of our industry,” Giberson elaborated.
Ashley Longshore interview
Artist Ashley Longshore was is the AC Magazine Summer 2025 Cover Star. “It feels incredible to be celebrating artisans in the greatest city in the world,” Longshore exclaimed. “Also, accessories are my best friend so it’s exciting to celebrate them.”
On being the cover star, Longshore said, “It feels amazing. It always feels good. Also, we are celebrating beauty, feeling great, and amazing entrepreneurs. That’s what this event means to me.”
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Longshore revealed, “Strong, Undertow, and Clear Water.”
Regarding her definition of success, Longshore said with a sweet laugh, “Peace and quiet, and being on the sofa with my dog eating Chinese food.”
Please Note: This journalist was credentialed for the 2025 ACE Awards, and participated in the red carpet interviews prior to the event.
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