FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: zimbio.com, nymag.com

There is one night that unites fashionistas across the globe for shopping, ‘vogue’ and fun! September 8th which also just happens to be the opening day of ‘Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week’, became the date to mark on your calendar back in 2009. It became known as ‘Fashion’s Night Out’. The event proudly kicked off after dark in New York City and has been sponsored each year by Vogue and CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

This was a means to an end to encourage consumers to shop and support the fashion industry during tough economic times. Moving into the next year, 2010, the event was not just limited to New York City. It extended far and wide into countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, London, Paris, Berlin, Greece, India, Milan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. The unprecedented success of the evening took the world by storm and the festivities continued on for a few days.

Now it is 2011 and cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and even smaller cities are gearing up and getting ready. The anticipation is building. Not only do normal consumers like you and me participate, but celebrities, designers and models all take part in the merriment.

For all the shoppers that prefer online shopping from home, this year will also provide the ability to take part right from your laptop. Visit www.vogue.com to learn how to enter to win a trip to New York City, attend a Vogue photo shoot and take a tour of the Vogue fashion closet. Even QVC is participating. FNO 2011 online has an official collection of merchandise including fun tees and tote bags.

Stores in the New York metropolitan area will hold fashion shows while you sip on champagne and listen to upbeat music. Fashion attendees will receive makeup and accessory ideas at certain stores. ADAM by Adam Lippes will be giving out custom-made ADAM charm bracelets to their guests at their new Nolita store. Party with Zara in various locations across Manhattan and dance the night away to the sounds of a celebrity D.J.

Some of the cool happenings in other cities include a 70’s themed FNO soiree complete with disco ball and music at Tiffany & Co. in Chicago and mini-makeovers, massages and hair styling at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta. The brilliant costumes of Cirque du Soleil will be displayed at Tyson’s Corner Center in Virginia. The Galleria in Dallas, Texas will celebrate in style with a fashion extravaganza.


Jetting out of the United States, you are sure to find a fashion frenzy of activities in cities as large as London or Paris and as far away as Braga, Portugal.


Now the New York City hotels are capitalizing on the action. Hotels such as Affinia Manhattan, Algonquin Hotel Times Square, The Benjamin and more are offering Fashion’s Night Out packages and perks. The Intercontinental Times Square is offering an hour-long blow dry in your guest room. The W Hotel Chain in Manhattan is offering a personal portrait. At the Hyatt 48 Lex, receive a 30-minute, in-room Bordeaux and blueberry smoothie foot treatment. Loew’s Regency New York is treating its customers to an all-day 15% discount pass to Bloomingdale’s. The Setai Fifth Avenue will allow access to the hotel’s $150,000 Maserati and its driver.

Visit www.fashionsnightout.com to see what is going on in your city, plan for the evening by signing up for event notifications and follow Fashion’s Night Out on Twitter and Facebook. You just never know which celebrity or designer you might run into or catch reaching for the same dress as you.