Fashion + Social Media = Fashion 2.0

By Sarah Kleinhenz, Fashion Week Correspondent

I love that social media in fashion gets recognized and has its very own awards show. I love that men and women who work tirelessly for the love of fashion are recognized for their efforts in this business. I had the amazing opportunity to attend such an awards show presented by Style Coalition, Fashion 2.0 (which was started by Style Coalition founder/superstar blogger Yuli Ziv) and was thrilled to see such outstanding talent in one room. From twitter “celebrities” like @DKNY, @Oscarprgirl and @bergdorfs, to bloggers and stylists, these awards showcased fashion in social media. 

Yuli Ziv (She’s wearing Halston Heritage!); Norma Kamali and Robert Verdi

The ever-fabulous Robert Verdi was the host of the evening and let me tell you, he was hilarious. From throwing sunglasses from his new line with HSN into the crowd, to making fun of himself, he kept the crowd laughing and on their toes for most of the evening. Designer Norma Kamali also gave a riveting speech (psst…she launches an online-only collection called Kamali Kulture next week – with everything under $100!). 

Among some of the awards handed out this year? DKNY snagged Best Twitter and Best Blog, while Bergdorf’s won for Best Facebook. The Fashion 2.0 Visionary Award went to Gilt Groupe co-founders Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilson. The uber-popular iPhone app, Instagram, won for “Next Big Thing.” (Which I think we can all agree on! If you aren’t on Instagram, I suggest you download it now…it’s an amazing way to keep in touch and to photograph your life and daily obsessions!)

“It’s so exciting and gratifying for the brands that their fans voted and recognized their efforts in connecting with them via various social channels. The Awards capture the spirit of social media and the ceremony brought together all of the talented people who are driving the innovation.” — Yuli Ziv, Style Coalition Founder and CEO

Overall, the evening was about celebrating innovators and top men and women in their craft. It’s so great being around so many other fashion-obsessed bloggers and social media-lovers. I, for one, am keeping an eye out for all the nominees and winners from this year’s show. They definitely keep the fashion obsessed in the know. 

Check out all the fabulous winners here: http://stylecoalition.com/awards

Fashion 2.0 Award Winners from L to R: Natalie Klark and Melissa Klaxberger, Kate Spade; Chris Bauer, Daniel Plenge, Marc Jacobs; Yuli Ziv, Founder and CEO of Style Coalition; Felicia Walker Benson and Cannon Hodge, Bergdorf Goodman; Aliza Licht, Donna Karan/DKNY

[Photo Credits: Sarah Kleinhenz; Sunny Norton]