Our History

The Accessories Council (Ac) is a leading not-for-profit trade association founded in 1994 to represent the vibrant and ever-evolving fashion accessories industry. Our members include brands, designers, and retailers across jewelry, handbags, footwear, eyewear, and lifestyle accessories, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that define the category. Our mission is to elevate global awareness and demand for fashion accessory products, connecting and empowering businesses through advocacy, education, and visibility. Today, the Ac is recognized as a trusted voice and resource within the U.S. fashion market, representing an industry that generates over $137 billion annually (source: Circana).

In 2024, the Ac celebrated 30 years in business and will continue our mission to promote the growth and sustainability of the industry, while also providing support and resources to our members to help them increase sales. We are a team of passionate individuals whose lineage includes retail, wholesale, merchandising, marketing, publishing, and everything in-between.

We have owned the 115-year-old Ac Magazine for 5 years and since rebranding and launching in 2021, the magazine has had over 3,500,000 page views, over 130,000 unique readers, and is opened in over 130 countries.

Upcoming Events

Fashionably Wrong

November 12, 2025

Ac x WEERDO'S FA$HN CLUB: MASTERSLAY WITH BRIELLE

November 15th, 2025

HOW TO PREP FOR A TRADE SHOW WITH VANESSA URENDA

December 2nd, 2025

Ac Showcase + Curve New York

February 1st, 2026