Accessories Council launch emerging designers competition

America’s Accessories Council is teaming up with Lividini & Co to launch the Emerging

Designers Competition, a new initiative to find and mentor a “high-potential” up-and-coming accessories designer.

Open to accessories designers who have been in business for less three years that are looking to strengthen their brand identity, marketing outreach and distribution, the competition winner will receive a year-long mentoring and will be given two designer showcases, a year's membership to the Accessories Council, and inclusion in all Accessories Council press events for one year, free of charge.

Accessories designers will have to submit a portfolio, which may include lookbooks, product information, wholesale distribution, and a business plan by October 8 to be considered, with a shortlist of applicants being interviewed in New York later that month, before the winner is revealed at the Accessories Council's ACE Awards Dinner on November 3.

"We are delighted to partner with the Accessories Council to create the Emerging Designers Competition," said Jaqui Lividini, CEO of Lividini & Co. "Emerging designers are the lifeblood of our industry and we are very excited about the opportunity to help develop new talent. New designers face so many challenges, not the least of which is how to identify and communicate their unique brand proposition. We will not only help them to discover their brand essence, but also fine tune their collection in order to present it to retailers."

Karen Giberson, president of The Accessories Council, added: "Today's business climate makes it so challenging for young designers to get their businesses off the ground, and the mission of the Accessories Council is centred around supporting designers.

"The Emerging Designers Competition will provide exclusive access to invaluable industry resources, while showcasing new faces within the industry."