THE DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Ac's Design Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in product design. This prestigious program offers an exciting platform for brands to gain recognition and connect with a broader audience.
2025 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

HALL OF FAME
Swarovski

CIRCANA GROWTH DRIVER
baggallini Soho Backpack

BRAND COLLABORATION
Cove Fine Jewelry Wequassett Centennial Ring

EYEWEAR, OPTICAL (INDEPENDENT)
MODO Eyewear 5002

EYEWEAR, OPTICAL (MULTI-BRAND)
State Optical Co. Vivian

EYEWEAR, SUN (INDEPENDENT)
SELIMA x NICO Le Matt

EYEWEAR, SUN (MULTI-BRAND)
Barton Perreira Auriol

FASHION JEWELRY UNDER $100
Melinda Maria Baby Love Letter Medallion Necklace

FASHION JEWELRY OVER $100 (TIE)
Donna Karan New York Jewelry Collection Cuff

FASHION JEWELRY OVER $100 (TIE)
FREIDA ROTHMAN Garden of Grit Hammered Statement Bracelet

FINE JEWELRY UNDER $1,000
CYNTHIA RYAN Astragal Stacking Band

FINE JEWELRY OVER $1,000
Jane Win Jewelry LOVE 14k Pink Tourmaline Quatrefoil Coin Pendant

FIRST NATIONS AWARD
Atikuss Coyote Trimmed Mittens

FOOTWEAR UNDER $250
Cole Haan Felicia Bow Pumps

FOOTWEAR OVER $250
Veronica Beard Tarian Boot

GENERAL ACCESSORIES
Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. Large Original Duffel Bag

HANDBAGS UNDER $1,000
8 Other Reasons Dixie Tote Bag

HANDBAGS OVER $1,000 (TIE)
Rafe New York Azura Minaudière

HANDBAGS OVER $1,000 (TIE)
Siena Wolf No.14 Shoulder Bag

IFF FURMARK AWARD
Saga Furs Creative Hub Mittens

MILLINERY & HAIR ACCESSORIES
Deepa Gurnani Halo Headband

SOCIAL IMPACT
ABLE x Leigh Ann Barnes The Revival Bag

SUSTAINABILITY
Mela Luna in Zest

TECH & INNOVATION
Hulken The Original Rolling Tote Bag
WHY ENTER?
Gain Recognition: Elevate your product and brand with the distinction of being an AC Awards finalist or winner.
Exclusive Ac Seal: Finalists and winners earn the prestigious AC Seal—a lasting symbol of product excellence that can be promoted for the life of your product.
Unmatched Visibility: The Awards generate millions of impressions across AC Magazine and our social platforms, delivering unparalleled exposure.
Editorial Feature: Finalists are spotlighted in the Fall issue of AC Magazine, with winners celebrated in the Winter issue—reaching buyers, retailers, and press across the industry.