For over the past 12 years, over 150 companies representing the world’s leading brand names, designers, publications, retailers and associated providers for the accessories, eyewear and footwear industries have participated and sponsored educational seminars, seasonal trend reports, design and marketing awards for area fashion students, and the esteemed black tie ACE Award Gala, an annual tribute to the leaders of the accessory industry.

This year’s honorees included Ralph Destino, who got the Lifetime Achievement award, Chanel Fine Jewelry for Corporate Communications, Editor-At-Large of Vogue.com Candy Pratts Price for Journalistic Excellence and the honorable Daphne Guinness for Jewelry Style.

Held at the Cipriani 42nd Street, the awards were attended by industry professionals and A-listers including designers Carolina Herrera (what a gorgeous sequined coat but then again, CH always looks elegant in anything she wears!), Alex Woo, Erica Courtney and Shaun Leane, Chanel Ambassador actress Anna Mouglalis and Olivier Stip, the Senior Vice President of Fine Jewelry & Watches at Chanel, and actress Padma Lakshmi.

Many people wonder who they’ll kiss at stroke of midnight at New Year’s Eve and prior to countdown  Jenny McCarthy was asked “Do you have an idea as to who will be your kiss after the countdown to the new year?”

I don’t know. I might just represent single women that love themselves and give myself a hug. I will squeeze, squeeze myself.

Fortunately, for one New York City police officer, he found himself locking lips with her when the ball dropped in Times Square.  Afterwards, she tweeted “Hope u guys enjoyed it! FYI. I was wearing fake fur & the cop was a G-rated kiss. (except for my hand squeezing his butt).  Happy new year!”

Alex Woo also hopes everyone’s night was filled with lots of sparkle and fun as we welcomed 2012.  Best wishes in the New Year! xoxo

Everyone looked great, especially Abigail Breslin who was rockin’ the Little Rock Star Double Note 2! Alex was able to catch up with her, since the last time they saw each other at Super Saturday 14, as they both smiled for the cameras on the red carpet. The event lasted three days and saw 7,000 people total from 40 different states! I think it’s safe to say that everyone shopped til’ they dropped at the 8^th annual Lucky Shops.

For those of you who are unaware of what FNO is – it was launched by Anna Wintour and Vogue just 3 years ago and was intended to increase consumer spending as well as a night to celebrate the fashion world. This amazing event has given designers, such as Alex Woo, the opportunity to showcase their work while giving their fans a chance to meet their favorite designers.

Alex was able to attend Henri Bendel as it was transformed into the Hester Street Fair with great people, food and of course, shopping. After her greet-and-meet, she headed to the Lincoln Motors VIP event/fashion show where some of her pieces were seen on the runway.

FNO was not only about fashion but it was also about charity and helping to raise money. Justin Bieber teamed up with Dolce and Gabbana for the Pencils for Promise event that helped to raise enough money to build a school – we’re always thrilled to see the fashion industry giving back!

Anna Wintour and Vogue seem to outdo themselves every year and this year was no different. Stores offered everything from complimentary drinks, celebrity and designer appearances as well as giveaways. All in all, it was a great night for all fashionistas across the globe!

This year, Kelly Ripa proved again how amazing she is, by hosting the event and helping promote it regularly both on and off camera.   As a mom of 3, she is a personal role model for the millions that watch her regularly on Live! with Regis & Kelly.  Today, she also wore Alex Woo’s Little Vegas Gold Cherries.

At the event were also many supporters of the event including the multi-talented and sweet Abigail Breslin.  Check out her band CABB!

In theaters on Earth Day, other attendees included Today Show host Natalie Morales, model and one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors to the African Wildlife Foundation Veronica Vařeková, actresses Brooke Shields and Keri Russell, and director Sofia Coppola to support the film.

The Disneynature film, African Cats, takes a journey into the grasslands of Africa, giving the viewer a real life look into what it’s like to be a part of the wildest place on Earth. One of the greatest stories told in the film is about the unbreakable relationship created between a mother and their young. Being a new mother herself, Alex felt a strong connection to this theme and therefore was motivated to design a piece reflecting this union.

Through sales of Alex Woo’s African Cat pendant, a portion of the proceeds with be graciously donated to the African Wildlife Foundation.  Please support the film and help save the Savanna.

About Disneynature’s True-Life Adventure: “African Cats”

Directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

About the African Wildlife Foundation

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa, and works together with the people of Africa, to ensure the wildlife and wild lands of Africa will endure forever.

What is LUCKY SHOPS 2010? LUCKY SHOPS is a shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine. Like the pages of the magazine, the event features a wide range of our favorite designers and shops selling at up to 70% off retail. While you’re there enjoy: complimentary cocktails,* giveaways, music and more.

Host Hilary Duff

Where is it? Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY
Click here for directions.

When is it? VIP 10th Anniversary Shopping Party: Thursday, November 4, 6PM -9PM
Friday PREVIEW Pass: Friday, November 5, 10AM – 8PM (2 bonus shopping hours)
Friday GENERAL Admission: Friday, November 5, 12PM – 8PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon:  Saturday, November 6, 11AM – 5PM

Background
The ACE Awards was created in 1996 to pay homage to those individuals and groups that have made great strides in raising the awareness of the accessories industry. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those who have had a positive impact on accessory consumption during the prior year. Awards are given to designers, retailers, journalists, celebrities and emerging companies. The ACE Awards also celebrates the contributions of designers and design houses that have made outstanding achievements in accessories design with Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement and Designer of the Year awards. Recognition is also given to honor the accomplishments of journalists and publications with the aptly named Marylou Luther Award for Fashion Journalism and Magazine of the Year awards. Additionally, ACE honors individuals from the entertainment arena for their personal style and influence on fashion with the illustrious Influencer of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards. Honorees are nominated and voted upon by their peers in the accessory industry, retailers, the Accessories Council Board of Directors and the fashion press. Honorees are announced in advance of the event which takes place annually.

For those of you who enjoyed last year’s Fashion’s Night Out parties, fashion and fun can rejoice—its back! The 2^nd annual Fashions Night Out is being held on Friday September 10^th, 2010 and no matter where you are; France, Australia, Italy or Austin, Texas, you can participate in all the festivities.

Fashion’s Night Out was launched in New York last year by Anna Wintour and Vogue as a ‘stimulus package’ for the fashion industry.  This year it’s bigger and better with even more wonderful sponsors who are joining together in this global attempt to increase consumer spending and celebrate fashion.  Tory Burch simply stated that it’s a way to “boost the economy”.  And that is exactly what this night is all about, with extravagant parties, stores staying open later, exclusive give-a-ways and promotions, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. 

This year’s Fashion’s Night Out is also about charity and helping to raise money for the New York City AIDS Fund.  On September 7th, during MBFW, the Fashion’s Night Out fashion show will feature over 150 models wearing all the Fall 2010 trends with 40% of all the proceeds going towards the charity. 

There are so many way to enjoy Fashion’s Night Out; stores are offering items such as tote-bags, complimentary drinks, and celebrity and designer appearances to bring the consumers out to shop around from store to store.  If you are wondering what some of those fun activities are, look no closer than Henri Bendel  where you will find makeover’s from the Frederic Fakkai Salon, The City’s Olivia Palermo, exclusive product launches, a chance to win an IPod Touch, and a meet-and-greet with several designers including Alex Woo!  So make sure you head to the 2^nd floor for a chance to meet the designer and to score these fabulous ways to give back to the economy and to the NYC AIDS Fund. 

Renowned style-maker Frédéric Fekkai

When: September 10, 2010
Where: Across the world and over 300 retailers in the five boroughs alone
Why: It’s a global initiative to boost the economy, celebrate the fashion industry and to support the New York City AIDS Fund.
Dresscode: You, a group of friends and your unique style.

For details, visit : fashionsnightout.com for a complete run-down on the year’s biggest shopping event!

This year was Alex Woo’s fifth time participating in the event and this time it was co-hosted by actress/model Ashley Greene, Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan and In Style magazine.  Created in 1998 by Donna Karan, the event since its founding has all net proceeds raised go directly to OCRF’s research programs.  Last year, Super Saturday raised over $3.7 million for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Ashley Greene, most famous for her recent roles in the Twilight series as Alice Cullen, stayed fashionably cool in a smart white dress and was a gracious host taking photos with her many younger fans.  Nominated by People Magazine as one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2010″ and “The Style Icon Award” at Hollywood Life’s Young Hollywood Awards this year, she is the “It girl” of the moment and we hope it lasts a long time.

In the inset photo, is InStyle’s Fashion Director, Hal Rubenstein.  He has been an integral part of InStyle since its launch and established the magazine as the authority on celebrity style.  Counted as an expert in countless TV shows, he is also the author of  Paisley Goes With Nothing: A Men’s Guide to Style, a sharp and witty resource for men who need look better, feel better and behave like a gentlemen and is currently working on his next book Killer Dresses: 100 Looks You Can’t Forget to be published in 2011.

The Jewelry Information Center tonight held its eighth annual GEM Awards gala and honored Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.  Dr. Albright made history in 1997, when she became the highest ranking woman in the U.S. government, as the first female Secretary of State.  However, what

After that incident, she decided it would be fun to speak through her pins and continued to seek different pins to commemorate a particular event or to signal how she felt.  Balloons, butterflies, and flowers signified optimism and when diplomatic talks were going slowly, crabs and turtles indicated frustration.  The book examines the expressive power of jewelry and its ability to communicate through a style and language of its own.

Each year, GEM Awards brings together powerful leaders in a the jewelry industry, politics and entertainment to recognize the individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry.  Notable guests that night also included Lindsay Price from the Lipstick Jungle and Eastwick and Russell Simmons the pioneer of hip-hop label Def Jam and the fashion line Phat Farm.

Featuring celeb supporters, trendsetters and special guests, “VH1 Big Shopping” gives the most coveted items inspired by music and today’s pop culture, in support of VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s work to jumpstart instrumental music education programs in U.S. public elementary and middle schools.

Alex Woo has participated in several VH1 Save The Music events and was delighted to be a part of this as well to raise awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.  At the event, Alex Woo met with American Idol star Katherine McPhee, singer Vanessa Carlton and Miss J from America’s Next Top Model and showcased her Little Notes.

Renowned Chef, David Guas, who’s also a bee enthusiast and the star of the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary Chefs A’ Field prepared all of the delicious “bee-friendly” hors d’eourves (yummy!) and created his signature basil-lemonhead cocktail.  Of course there was also plenty of ice cream, which is why Häagen-Dazs has been donating money to help figure out why this is happening.

At the event, Alex showcased a beautiful jewelry display which launched her newest addition to her Little Seasons collection, the Little Bee pendant.  Guests also had the privilege of viewing the designer’s most popular designs from her icon, fashion and fine jewelry collections.

Häagen-Dazs Help the Honey Bees

Imagine many of the world’s favorite flavors disappearing day by day. At Häagen-Dazs, more than 50 percent of our all-natural ice cream flavors are made with the help of honey bee pollination. The crisis facing honey bees is a crisis facing us all, and it’s time to help.

For more information about the plight of the honey bee and what you can do to help go to www.helpthehoneybees.com

Chefs A’ Field: Disappearing Act
Imagining a World Without Bees

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a term first coined in 2006 for a phenomenon in which worker bees mysteriously vanish from a beehive. CCD represents a looming crisis for agriculture. Pastry chef David Guas knows how important the little worker bee actually is. He joins beekeeper Dave Hackenberg in a picturesque Pennsylvania apple orchard in full bloom to work with the bees and to discuss how they, and our food supply, might be saved.

Henri Bendel

One of Manhattan’s chicest shopping environments, Henri Bendel is a girls’ playground, where Bendel girls go to find the new and the next in accessories, cosmetics, gifts and fashion.  A New York icon, as familiar as the Flatiron building or the Plaza Hotel, Bendel’s luxury heritage and eye for the new have made shopping at Henri Bendel a rite of passage for elite young women.  With their signature brown and white striped shopping bags spotted swinging from the arms of stylish young women from around the world visit the store and be tempted with irrestible indulgences at every turn.

In the United States, American Vogue has joined with NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City.

Next only to finance, fashion is the second-largest sector of industry in New York City—the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10 billion in total wages. At City Hall’s May 20 press conference to announce Fashion’s Night Out, Vera Wang said, “To put it bluntly, if people don’t shop, people lose their jobs.”

Gossip Girl Fashion Stylist Eric Daman

When : September 10, 2009
Where: Across the world and over 300 retailers in the five boroughs alone.
Why: It’s a once in a lifetime to meet and greet many big name designers including Alex Woo who will be at Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue.  On right, she is photographed with Gossip Girl’s Costume Designer Eric Daman.
Dresscode: Your unique style only

For details, visit fashionsnightout.com for a complete run-down on the year’s biggest shopping event!

Alex Woo with Rachel Zoe

This past Saturday, the Alex Woo team was at Super Saturday.  Dubbed the  “Rolls-Royce” of garage sales, Super Saturday is a fun filled day with family fun, gourmet dining and most of all super deals on designer duds that even stars can’t resist. Hosted by Donna Karan, Ariel Foxman,  InStyle, Kelly Ripa and Blake Lively this year, this once-a-year, star studded event has been raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) for 12 years. 

Alex Woo is excited and proud to have been involved in a charitable event for fourth year in a row, (the food is just an added bonus, we swear!) and managed to raise each year several thousand for this great charity.  Held at Nova’s Ark Project in the posh suburbs of the Hamptons, we were glad the weather was fantastic and we all got a great tan. 

In the photo, Alex Woo is with celebrity fashion stylist Rachel Zoe.  Congratulations for a second season on Bravo for her show The Rachel Zoe Project on August 25th @ 10/9c! Can you say, Am-ahh-zing BANANAS!?  The last time they met was in Las Vegas for Couture.

Gossip Girls

5th Annual Lucky Shops – VIP Shopping Party
Leighton Meester and Jessica Szohr

At the ultimate shopping event featuring Lucky’s favorite designers and shops, host and Gossip Girl Leighton Meester with fellow co-star hottie Jessica Szohr stopped by to chat with Alex Woo and check out her latest collections (see photo left). Leighton, described by Lucky as “TV’s best-dressed new star” wore a cute one-shoulder black and magenta ruffled floral print dress by Marc Jacobs along with a pair of black Roman gladiator-style heels. Jessica sported a stylish black v-neck top teamed with a pair of black loose-fitting trousers and matching black shoes. Alex Woo added that “in person Leighton looks even more beautiful and radiant than she does on TV!”

Last year, over 10,000 shoppers (from 35 different states!) flocked to NYC to attend. All event proceeds go to the Robin Hood charity to support innovative poverty-fighting organizations.

Every piece of Ms. Koury’s collection was designed to evoke the allure of the world’s most famous bombshells – from Grace Kelly to Marlene Dietrich. Accentuating feminine details and soft draping, her flirty fall line at fashion week included Alex Woo’s delicate Narissa Necklaces (Medium and Crescent) and Earrings.

Little Big Guys
Whether you’re into musical notes, numbers or card games, Alex Woo has an icon for you. The designer’s Icon Collection features pendants crafted in 14K white or yellow gold set with diamonds. The line consists of Little Big Vegas, Little Big Notes, and Little Big Numbers.

This was Alex Woo’s first year at Super Saturday, however, she looks forward to many more years supporting this amazing event.