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NEW YORK— The Accessories Council, the non-profit organization serving the accessories industry, and Lividini & Co (L&Co), a brand engagement company, have joined forces to launch the first Emerging Designers Competition.

The initiative, the first of its kind, will identify the country’s most high-potential and up-and-coming design and business talent in the fashion accessories industry. Executives from the retail, fashion and accessories industries, along with representatives from L&Co. and the Accessories Council, including its' members, will review all applications submitted. The judging panel will choose five finalists, but only one winner will be chosen to receive a full year of mentoring and full-service strategy and communications support from L&Co., the Accessories Council and other industry partners who have agreed to volunteer their services to cultivate young talent.

The program is taking entries through Oct. 8. The winner will be revealed at the Accessories Council’s ACE Awards Dinner on Nov. 3, which coincides with the group’s 20th anniversary.

The Emerging Designers Competition is open to accessories designers who have been in business for less than three years that are looking to strengthen their brand identity, marketing outreach, and/or distribution. To enter, applicants must submit a portfolio, which may include lookbooks, product information, wholesale distribution, and a business plan. In addition, applicants must be available for interviews in New York in the month of October. Entry rules and submission details are posted on and must be made through a special Emerging Designers Competition website.

“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.”

“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 centered around supporting designers, so we are thrilled to announce this program and our partnership with Lividini & Co.,” said Karen Giberson, The Accessories Council’s president. “The Emerging Designers Competition will provide exclusive access to invaluable industry resources, while showcasing new faces within the industry.”

The winner will become a client of Lividini & Co. for one year, and be provided with mentoring and networking opportunities in partnership with the Accessories Council, visibility for their brand, industry recognition, granted access to information. The winner will also 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.