The world's most prestigious fashion event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, begins the first week of September each year in New York City and although the event is an industry-only invitation affair, this year marks the first time the Style Awards will be presented to the general public on television. Stars of the fashion world, TV, movies and theater will all come together to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the community's top fashion designers, stylists, models, photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists. The broadcast debut of the Style Awards will appear one week after the main event opens on The Style Network.
The 9th Annual Style Awards are jointly presented by Penske Media Corporation (PMC), Style Media and IMG Fashion. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, President and CEO of SWW Creative, who will appear at the 9th Annual Style Awards as Executive Producer said of the event "We are tremendously excited to bring the Style Awards to The Style Network viewers and to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the first time, we know this collaboration among three preeminent media and style brands will thrive for years to come."
This year's Honorees were chosen by the Style Awards' Nominating Committee and the coveted Style Award trophy created by the famous crystal brand, Lalique will be awarded to all 2012 Style Award winners.
The categories, honorees and presenters for this year’s star-studded event include:
Designer of the Year – Carolina Herrera, award presented by Katie Holmes
Breakthrough Designer of the Year – Prabal Gurung, award presented by Elettra Wiedemann
One to Watch (Female) – Katharine McPhee, award presented by Joe Zee
One to Watch (Male) – Ed Westwick, award presented by Simon Spurr
Celebrity Stylist of the Year – Cristina Ehrlich, award presented by Amy Adams
Model of the Year – Joan Smalls, award presented by Iman
Hair Stylist of the Year – Andy Lecompte, award presented by Nicole Richie
Most Stylish Athlete – Henrik Lundqvist, award presented by Jeff Gordon
TV Costume Designer of the Year – Jenn Rogien, award presented by Allison Williams
Makeup Artist of the Year – Virginia Young, award presented by Elaine Irwin
Accessories Designer of the Year – Reed Krakoff
Film Costume Designer of the Year - Sandy Powell