NEW YORK—The Accessories Council has announced its first round of honorees for the 2008 Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards Gala, highlighting those that have made a significant contribution to the accessories industry. The annual 2008 ACE Awards, attended by many execs and celebrities in the retail, fashion and media business, are scheduled to be held on Monday evening, Nov. 3 at Cipriani 42nd Street in midtown New York.

A partial list of 2008 ACE Awards Gala honorees are: Designer of the Year—Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga; ‘Green’ Designer of the Year—Stella McCartney; Retailer of the Year—Banana Republic; Brand of the Year—Jimmy Choo; Influencer of the Year—Cate Adair, Costumer of Desperate Housewives; Marylou Luther Award for Fashion Journalism—Sally Singer, Vogue; Magazine of the Year—Elle Magazine, and Hall of Fame—Emilio Pucci.

Tickets and tables to the 2008 ACE Awards Gala are currently available for $1,000 per person or $10,000 for a table of 10 for Accessories Council members ($1,200 per person and $12,000 per table for non-members). Tickets can be purchased by calling (212) 947-1135.

The ACE Awards were created in 1996 to celebrate those who have had a positive impact on accessory consumption during the prior year. Awards are given to designers, retailers, journalists, celebrities and emerging companies. Honorees are nominated and voted upon by their peers in the accessory industry, retailers, the Accessories Council Board of Directors and the fashion press.

“We are excited for this year’s upcoming awards as we have an amazing roster of talent and companies already scheduled to attend,” stated Accessories Council president Karen Giberson.

The Accessories Council  is a not-for-profit, national advocacy organization with a mission to stimulate consumer awareness and demand for fashion accessory products. Membership includes over 150 corporations representing the world's leading brand names, designers, publications, retailers and associated providers for the accessories, eyewear and footwear industries.