Whether people were lining up for autographs from Glee’s Darren Criss and Lea Michele at Saks Fifth Avenue, waiting to be served ice cream from Vera Wang in an ice cream truck, or getting a makeover at one of Manhattan’s many Sephora stores, everyone in New York City on the night of September 8th, 2011 was there to celebrate the fashion world’s biggest party event of the year, Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). Vogue Magazine created FNO as a global initiative to give the slow economy a boost, by bringing fashion lovers together to show their support for the fashion world through buying retail. With more than fifteen countries, 250 cities nationwide, and 1000 retailers in NYC involved, the event has become a worldwide phenomenon.
That night, New York was like one big party with lines wrapping around store entrances; huge flashing signs promoting sponsored contests; blasting music; and free goodies and makeovers in every store. Celebrity appearances included Project Runway’s Tim Gunn at Lucky Brand Jeans, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rose Hemingway at Jeffrey, designer Alexander Wang at his flagship store, and Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio at the VS Soho location. Alice + Olivia offered snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and face painting while Dylan’s Candy Bar gave guests the chance to design their own “candy shoe.” MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden DJed at Curve while the band Best Coast performed at Helmut Lang. Worth by Worth threw a Great Gatsby-themed party, letting customers make their own customized hats and American Apparel held an open casting call for those who wished to appear in their ads. Besides all the appearances, the pampering, and the free giveaways, the best part was seeing all the fashionistas out and and about in New York City, dressed like they were ready to grace the next cover of Nylon Magazine, to walk down a runway, or to start the next big fashion trend.
NY Fashion’s Night Out was by all means a huge success. It was fantastic to see retailers and designers take the time to show their appreciation to the consumers, who are the driving financial force behind the fashion world. All in all, 2011’s Fashion’s Night Out was a fantastic event, and for 2012, it can only get bigger and better!
