Inside the Accessories Council’s 26th Annual Ace Awards With J Balvin, Victor Glemaud, and More

On Monday evening, fashion enthusiasts gathered at Cipriani’s midtown location to fete the Accessories Council’s 26th Annual ACE Awards. Just beyond red carpeted steps, attendees in black-tie attire sauntered into the Renaissance-inspired room ready to honor the 2022 award recipients. 

President and CEO of the Council Karen Giberson welcomed the stylish set to their seats where there were hors d’oeuvres awaiting. “I am grateful to everyone in this room who has continued to show up, get their hands dirty to support us in the mission to help you thrive,” she said in her opening speech. 

“Everyone in this room has faced and overcome a challenge that this industry has never seen before,” added Anna Zuckerman, whose dazzling designs were on display along the dining room. “And you know what, if there’s a room full of people who deserve to sparkle the most, it is you!” If her joyous remarks were not energizing enough, the jewelry designer surprised attendees with a special takeaway: a sparkling sterling silver ring. “We hope that the rings I’m about to give you will sparkle your evening and remind you how deserving you are of sparkling every single day.” 

While dinner and drinks were served, presenters—including Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi; And Just Like That costars Karen Pittman, Sarita Choudhury, and Mario Cantone; and models Adwoa Aboah and Cocoa Rocha—took turns announcing the awards. Representatives from Rimowa, Kurt Geiger London, Vera Bradley, Moda Operandi, and LensCrafters made their way to the stage to accept awards for their accomplishments this year.

“I’m so honored, so grateful to be here; you know, I’m not supposed to be here,” said J Balvin. The Colombian-born musician, known for his statement-making fashion and eccentric hair, was being honored with the Council’s first global style icon award. “This is for the Latinos!” Then, after a tear-jerking speech from his mother Julie, Victor Glemaud accepted the breakthrough award—which he won for his recent eyewear collaboration with Tura—sporting a Planned Parenthood T-shirt under his suit. He ended his speech with a reminder to support women’s freedom of choice. 

With variations of smooth jazz and pop singles playing in the background, the crowd cheered as others were recognized. Josie Natori accepted her hall of fame award, Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard accepted their launch award, founder and executive chairman of Hodinkee won the visionary award, and costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago accepted their style influencers awards for their work on And Just Like That. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were treated to a tote filled with more covetable accessories to sport. See all the moments from the inspiring evening below.