Fashion Week Kicks Off with The Style Awards
Last night, Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week got off to a roaring start when the who's who in fashion gathered at The Stage at Lincoln Center for the Style Network's 9th Annual Style Awards, which recognizes the industry's top fashion designers, stylists, models, hairstylists, makeup artists and more. "It's the new Oscars of fashion," affirms Amy Fine Collins of Vanity Fair. "It's one of the only shows where people at home are going to get a sneak peek at the inside the world of fashion and see who the new movers and shakers are," says celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. The 2012 Style Awards will air on The Style Network on Friday, September 14th at 8pm ET/PT.
Think these fashionistas already have too many glitzy award shows? Not according to celebrity stylist Philip Bloch. "It may seem as though, oh, these people don't need another award, but why not? Being a designer, being a style icon is not easy. You have to have your own flavor," says Bloch in his own flavorful way. "I think recognition matters. Everybody loves an award," adds Hal Rubenstein, Editor-at-Large of InStyle. This rings especially true for models, who aren't often recognized with shiny statues. "Well, I think if we don't honor them, who else will honor them, right?" says supermodel and makeup maven Iman, who presented the "Model of the Year" award to Joan Smalls.
Even some of the country's top athletes attended the event. "I'm nominated for best dressed athlete. I think it's great for us to connect with fashion," says super hunk Henrik Lundqvist of the NY Rangers. "Tonight we're celebrating fashion. That seems to be the theme for this upcoming week," says NY Knicks player Amare Stoudemire.
The big winner of the night, Carolina Herrera, was presented the "Designer of the Year" award by the most buzzed about newcomer to New York Fashion Week, Katie Holmes, who is premiering her highly anticipated Holmes & Yang collection at the tents this coming Sunday. "I've been working in fashion for a long time and to be recognized by The Style Network is quite something," says Hererra.
Here's the complete list of winners and presenters:
Designer of the Year: Carolina Herrera, presented by Katie Holmes
Breakthrough Designer of the Year: Prabal Gurung, presented by Elettra Wiedemann
Celebrity Stylist of the Year: Cristina Ehrlich, presented by Amy Adams
One to Watch (Female): Katharine McPhee, presented by Joe Zee
One to Watch (Male): Ed Westwick, presented by Simon Spurr
Model of the Year: Joan Smalls, presented by Iman
Most Stylish Athlete: Henrik Lundqvist, presented by Jeff Gordon
Hairstylist of the Year: Andy Lecompte, presented by Nicole Richie
Makeup Artist of the Year: Virginia Young, presented by Elaine Irwin
TV Costume Designer of the Year: Jenn Rogien, presented by Allison Williams
Film Costume Designer of the Year: Sandy Powell, presented by Hal Rubenstein
Accessories Designer of the Year: Reed Krakoff, presented by Rachel Taylor
