HEAVEN HAS HEELS | Summer Issue 2015

MOVERS
& SHAKERS
This month, we chat with mover and
shaker Karen Giberson DiPietro,
President of The Accessories Council,
a not-for-profit, national trade
organization whose mission, is to
stimulate consumer awareness and
demand for fashion accessory products.
How did you get involved in the
accessory design industry? I started
working in retail at Macy’s, right out
of college and was lucky enough to
spend some of my early years working
in the sterling silver jewelry buying
department. I loved it! Accessories
have been in my life—in some way—
ever since that time.
What do you love most about the
accessory word? There is so much
variety in our world. From jewelry
to bags, scarves, hats, shoes, small
leather goods, sunglasses... What’s
not to love? I am very fortunate to
get to work with young designers
and existing brands. It’s exceptionally
gratifying when we can help our
members sell products or see them get
great press based on our assistance.
We love it when our brands grow and
flourish. There is also so much variety
in what our office does; we never get
bored. From educational events to
trade shows, press events, to our gala
awards—there is never a dull moment
at the AC office!
What are your prime
responsibilities? I run the strategy
for the entire office, do all planning,
oversee execution, budgets and daily
operations of the trade association.
What are the key ingredients to
creating a successful accessory
brand? Great product and design,
refreshing and unique point of view,
solid branding, perceived value (even
at luxury prices) smart business
management, dedication and, hard
work and determination. There are
very few overnight successes.
What advice would you give to
those wanting to get into the
accessory design world? It’s a
fun business! It will take drive and
commitment. The cost of entry for
many categories is reasonable, many
of our companies start from home.
One must be willing to get involved
in sales, supply chain and press. You
can do much of this yourself out of
the gate. Come visit the AC website,
AccessoriesCouncil.org, as we have
many programs and opportunities for
new brands and designers.
When it comes to the next-bigthing,
which designers are on
your radar for 2015? There are so
many to choose from! Kate Falchi’s
gorgeous handbags are a must, chic
hair wreaths by Ellen Hunter NYC;
MR Collective has the perfect leather
backpack, Luxchillas—the bags just
make us happy! Soxxy—technology
and fashion merge for a smart product,
Alana Bess—beautiful jewelry! Looking
forward to the launch of MCM
sunglasses, love Corinne McCormack’s
new optical frames for petite faces,
Hookedup Shapewear-smart design
for a smooth silhouette, not new, but
looking forward to pulling out my Jack
Rogers Sandals! Also buying a pair of
Sam Edelman animal print sandals.
Sardeira just launched a beautiful
new fine jewelry collection—I may
need an elephant, shall I go on? —
AccessoriesCouncil.org
HEAVEN HAS HEELS summer 2015 | @HHHEELS