Plot Synopsis

Twelve accessory specialists compete against each other in elimination challenges, by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, headpieces and other wares as they vie for the grand prize, which includes $100,000 from eBay Fashion to start their own line, a feature spread in InStyle, and a year of professional runway hair styling courtesy of John Frieda. Whether they are working out of a storage facility or visiting the Swarovski Store, these designers showcase their unique vision for accessories and demonstrate how the right "accoutrement" transform any outfit. Their mentor, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, single-handedly redefined the business of direct marketing to the affluent consumer with the first mailing of the Vivre catalog, which featured two European luxury brands. Judges include: Kenneth Cole, a renowned American designer and humanitarian known for being on the frontline of fashion trends; Ariel Foxman, the Editor of InStyle who oversees the monthly magazine, its 17 international editions, and brand extensions including InStyle.com, InStyle Hair, InStyle Makeover and InStyle books; and a celebrity judge that changes weekly. In the first season, the contestants included: Adrian Dana (Baltimore, MD/Lithonia, GA), who specializes in church hats; David Grieco (Watertown, NY/Los Angeles, CA), who specializes in belts; James Sommerfeldt (Chicago, IL), who specializes in footwear; Nicolina Royale (Minneapolis MN/Los Angeles, CA), who specializes in leather rock 'n' roll accessories; Kelly Horton (Philadelphia, PA/Edgewater, NJ) and Diego Rocha (Sao Paolo, Brazil/Chicago, IL), who specialize in handbags; and Cotrice (Milwaukee, WI/Atlanta, GA), Brian Burkhardt (Manchester, NH/Miami, FL), Christina Caruso (New York, NY), Nina Cortes (Miami, FL), Rich Sandomeno (Elmwood Park, NJ/Los Angeles, CA), and Shea Curry (Hattiesburg, MS/Los Angeles, CA), who specialize in jewelry.