Accessories Council Opens Submissions for 2026 Design Excellence Awards

The Accessories Council has opened submissions for its 2026 Design Excellence Awards, accepting entries until September 2, 2026. The annual program recognizes innovation in product design across multiple categories, including four specific eyewear divisions: Optical and Sun, each split into Independent (1-2 brands) and Multi-Brand (3 or more brands). Finalists will be featured in the Fall issue of Ac Magazine, while winners receive additional recognition in the holiday issue. Both groups gain access to a Design Excellence Awards seal for use in marketing and packaging. Sponsors for this edition include Fashionphile, Marchon and Caleres.