ACE 2025: The Legacy Honorees
The Accessories Council is proud to introduce an expanded legacy award category at the ace awards. While we have occasionally presented this honor in the past, it has traditionally gone to a single recipient. In 2025, however, we recognize that there is a remarkable group of brands and companies - spanning milestones from 15 to 150 years in business - who deserve the spotlight.
Patricia Nash
The Patricia Nash origin story is one of those legendary tales that gets told over and over at dinner parties, events, and lunches with the girls. Of course, it started with a bag. But not just any bag. While helping her mother pack for a move, Patricia Nash, founder and CEO of Patricia Nash Designs, stumbled upon a beautifully crafted vintage leather handbag — aged to perfection — in her mother’s closet. The discovery led to a question: would it be possible to create a modern collection of handbags with the same timeless quality and craftsmanship? Read more HERE.
Jennifer Fisher
Long before she launched her eponymous jewelry collection, Jennifer Fisher was simply Scooter, a nickname handed to her by her family when it became clear that she was constantly on the move. Growing up as a jazz dancer and a competitive figure skater, Fisher remembered that she was always doing something. “I couldn’t sit still. I still can’t.” Read more HERE.
Rebecca Minkoff
With nearly 900,000 Instagram followers, four children, a globally-recognized fashion brand, and a best-selling book to her name, Rebecca Minkoff is redefining what it means to be a modern mogul. Known for her mix of relaxed downtown style and business-savvy grit, Minkoff is equal parts designer, author, activist, and advocate for women — and her journey is far from over. Read more HERE.
Tom Ford Eyewear
Since its launch in 2005, the TOM FORD EYEWEAR brand has been recognized as a trendsetting collection with a style rooted in luxury. Its modern and refined personality has long reflected a glamorous allure, characterized by high-quality materials, exclusive design, and meticulous details. Alessio Puleo, Group Marketing Director at Marcolin, recently took time to share his insights on the collection, along with key moments in the history of the brand. Read more HERE.
Faryl Robin
For more than two decades, Faryl Robin Gilston has been a determined force in the fashion world — designing with passion, leading with empathy, and challenging industry norms. She launched her namesake company Faryl Robin from her studio apartment in New York City. Today, it stands as one of the most influential and largest female-founded private label footwear development companies in the U.S., designing and producing for many of the country’s most prominent retailers and brands. Read more HERE.
Oakley
This year marks a milestone few brands ever reach — Oakley celebrates its 50th anniversary. Honored with a Legacy ACE Award, Oakley stands as a symbol of fearless innovation, athlete-driven design, and cultural impact. From a modest start in 1975 to becoming a global icon, Oakley has never been content to follow. It was built to lead, disrupt, and redefine. Today, Oakley celebrates its past and ignites its future. Read more HERE.
VSP Vision
In 1955, a pioneering group of nine Bay Area optometrists launched a truly innovative healthcare solution called California Vision Services, the nation’s first not-for-profit vision benefits company. From day one, the company’s mission was clear: To provide a resource by which the people of California could access high quality affordable vision care. Read more HERE.
Bulova
For a century and a half, Bulova has defined the art of watchmaking, blending innovation with an unwavering commitment to precision. As the brand marks its 150th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, heritage, and technological advancement. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, the company has grown from a small jewelry shop in New York City to a global leader in horology, pioneering some of the most significant milestones in watchmaking history. Read more HERE.