Social Media: The new front row in fashion

Excuse me Anna Wintour, but I think you're in my seat....

There is an increasing outreach by fashion houses to the blogging world. This group of critics that designers once barred from their shows are now not only embraced, but in some cases put in the front row.

“Bloggers are increasingly important to us and we invite a select group of 35 to 40 to the show,” said Eric Delph, vice president of public relations and marketing at Nicole Miller, which showed Friday. “Moving more bloggers into seats and putting some as far up as the first and second row was a priority.” About 10 percent of the press attendees at Miller’s show were bloggers.

Tory Burch’s guest list for her Wednesday morning presentation will consist of nearly 15 percent bloggers. “Bloggers are key influencers. They fuel the immediacy of information during fashion week,” said Burch.

“A-list bloggers with large audiences were seated in rows one and two, alongside newspaper editors,” said Tony Alcindor, vice president of marketing and public relations for Ports 1961. Their guest list boasted nearly 35 percent bloggers.