From Crocs to Christian Siriano, The Accessories Council Honored Fashion’s Game Changers

On a chilly Tuesday evening in New York City, fashion lovers and—more specifically—accessories enthusiasts gathered at Cipriani’s charming midtown location to celebrate the Accessories Council’s 25th Annual ACE Awards. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with Ciprinani’s iconic bellinis and hor d’oeuvres before the ceremony commenced. The dress code called for black tie, but, of course, attendees spiced up their formal attire with unexpected accessories.

Whoopi Goldberg kicked off the evening in a joyous Christian Siriano coat dress and a coordinating top hat while presenting the designer with an award for his heroic COVID-relief efforts. Katie Sturino celebrated Crocs’ achievements over the past year in a bright red pair of the brand’s slides. “Never did I imagine wearing Crocs on the red carpet in front of fashion and accessories people,” she joked during her speech. But what better time to pull out a pair of rubbery, jewel-bedazzled clogs? Naturally, Iris Apfel, who was awarded the first superhero award, traded her usual oversized black glasses for delightfully wild green frames to match her suit. In her heartwarming speech, Apfel honored her mother, who understood the power of keeping a few great pieces in her wardrobe. “She knew how to worship at the altar of the accessory,” Apfel explained before being celebrated by the crowd with a standing ovation. The presenters and honorees weren’t the only ones having fun with their accessories. During dinner, I couldn’t help but notice attendees wearing the chic dinner napkin cuffs, which coincidentally looked a lot like Sidney Garber’s luxe bands, on their wrists too.

After dinner’s intermission, Hugh Sheridan serenaded the crowd with an original song that included cheeky lines like Shopbop won’t stop—the brand’s chief merchandising officer Stephanie Roberson was heralded by Jason Rembert for her inclusivity and diversity initiatives. The original ballad also included a cute shoutout to Wes Gordon, who was there to accept Carolina Herrera’s award for the brand’s Heart of Hope initiative.

Once the ceremony concluded, guests were treated to Nine West gift bags filled with—you guessed it—accessories, of course.