Accessories Council Hosts 26th Annual ACE Awards

Earlier this week, the Accessories Council celebrated its 26th annual ACE Awards at Cipriani in New York City. Committed to celebrating individuals and brands that expand the field of accessories, this year’s event honored J Balvin, Victor Glemaud, Ben Clymer and more.

As accessories serve as a major portion of the greater fashion industry, the ACE Awards take a specific look at who consistently brings new light to the field from celebrated musicians and actors to fashion designers. Leading the charge of this year’s honorees was J Balvin who received the Global Style Icon Award.

From eccentric dyed hairstyles to street-focused attire, J Balvin enjoys the identity-fueled comfort fashion provides. “I’m really happy with this award because I love fashion and expressing myself,” Balvin told Hypebeast. “Hip-Hop culture is my inspiration. It’s what inspired me since I was a kid from Jordan to Air Force Ones. I grew up looking at guys like Pharrell and Kanye and all these people opened my eyes. Going back to Wu-Tang Clan and Kris Kross and the way they expressed themselves made me want to do that.”

Another notable honoree of this year’s event was Queens-raised Haitian fashion designer, Victor Glemaud, who received the Breakthrough award. As a knitwear-focused designer, Glemaud has championed his work in showcasing the full capabilities of knitwear styles. ”I chose knitwear for two reasons. I felt like creatively I could do the most with the playing and tension of knitwear,” Glemaud told Hypebeast. “I thought we could give people real fashion that was memorable and joyful.”

Furthermore, other honorees included Ben Clymer who is the founder and executive chairman of Hodinkee, costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, Rimowa and more.

Check out the gallery above for a look at this year’s awards event.

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