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The 9th annual Accessories Council Next Generation Awards design competition was held at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology on Tuesday, May 11th. The Next Generation Awards recognize creativity and talent of future accessory designers.

Sponsored by Luxottica Group, the event featured awards recognizing excellence in design in the categories of handbags, belts & small leather goods, optical and sunglass frames, jewelry and footwear.

Award benefactors were Cipriani Accessories, Leifsdottir, Luxottica, Nine West and Miriam Haskell. Leather supplier Leather, Suede, Skins, Inc. also supported the event.

Noted accessory designer Frank Zambrelli of shoe line Banfi Zambrelli was also on hand to share a few words of wisdom. Zambrelli, Chairman of the Accessories Council and himself an FIT Alum, spoke from the heart about his experience as a designer and hopes to inspire the graduates to continue on their path in accessories.

 
Winning Jewelry design by student Hyangmi Kim

Winning Jewelry design by student Tara Golden

Winning Footwear design by student Daniel Nieto

Winning Eyewear design from student Adrianna Quesada

Winning Eyewear design from student Kahrianne Kerr