NEW YORK--The Accessories Council with Luxottica Group supported the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Seventh Annual Next Generation Awards last month. The Next Generation Awards are meant to recognize creativity and talent of future accessory designers.

 
On stage at FIT, Vittorio Verdun, VP marketing for Luxottica Group, center, and Karen Giberson, president of Accessories Council, second from right, with the students selected as Next Generation winners for sunglass design (from left) Jessica Dubon, Kerry Norton and Jee Min Lee.
The event featured awards recognizing excellence in design in the categories of handbags, hats and gloves, belts and small leathergoods, jewelry and footwear. This year’s event also gave awards in the eyewear categories for both optical frames and sunglasses. Initiated in 2007 by Luxottica Group, the FIT awards mark the first time any design school in the U.S. has required seniors to present eyewear as part their final accessory project. “The rapidly growing optical/sun category is important and is due to record consumer demand and the fact that eyewear has become the most profitable key accessory for major fashion houses,” noted Accessories Council president, Karen Giberson.

In the eyewear category, first place for optical frames went to graduating senior, Raine Anakanu while second place went to Hodaya Louis. In sunglasses, first place went to Apple & Eve (students Jessica Dubon and Kerry Norton) while second place went to Jenn Min Lee.

Other Award benefactors were Cipriani Accessories, LeSportsac, Nine West, Riviera Trading and Miriam Haskell who honored students’ work in handbags, belts/small leathers, footwear, hats/gloves and jewelry.

Noted accessory designer Rafe Totengco of Rafe New York was on hand to share a few words of wisdom. Rafe, himself an FIT alum, spoke about his experience as a designer and hopes to inspire the graduates to continue on their path in accessories.