Ever wonder why it’s so hard to break into the accessories world? Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council, pulls back the curtain on an industry made up of specialized silos that rarely connect. From Macy’s competitive executive training program to navigating the stigma of QVC, her path shaped a mission to create meaningful connections across accessory categories.

"I’d rather put my product in the trash than sell it to you." That early rejection in television retail revealed the uphill battle Karen faced—but also pushed her toward building the Council, where for over two decades she’s been breaking down barriers, championing collaboration, and proving that networking is non-negotiable.

Key Takeaways:

• Fragmented Industry: Accessories thrive in silos—footwear sizing, eyewear regulations, jewelry sourcing—but collaboration sparks breakthroughs.
  
  
  
• Networking Is Power: With 100+ opportunities annually, Karen believes success depends on showing up, asking for help, and making connections.
  
  
  
• Cross-Pollination Wins: Innovation often comes when designers look beyond their lane—like handbags borrowing from jewelry hardware or even automotive design.
  
  
  

🎧 Listen now for insider lessons on breaking into—and thriving in—the world of accessories.

Our Guest:
 Karen Giberson is President of the Accessories Council, a non-profit trade organization supporting designers and brands across categories from handbags to eyewear. With decades of experience spanning retail, TV, and advocacy, she’s dedicated to uniting a fragmented industry and creating opportunities for designers to connect, grow, and succeed.

Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.

Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com. 

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