By Jennifer Vazquez
Observer Contributor
Mark your calendars and prepare your most fashion forward outfit -the night of all (fashionable) nights is fast approaching! Fashion’s Night Out will take place on Thursday, Sept. 6. That day, thousands of stores, worldwide, including New York –will celebrate the largest event of the year.
FNO is the bash where us “commoners” can rub elbows with editors from the most elite couture publications. This includes designers, models, modern-day fashionistas and celebrities –think a la Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham and the shoe designer to the stars Alejandro Ingelmo (I can attest to these sightings!).
It is no surprise that New York is one of the sites for this momentous night –after all not only is it a fashion mecca and regarded as the “Capital of the World,” but it is also the place where FNO was founded in a collaboration between the Council of Fashion Designers and Vogue -the magazine considered by many as the respected, be-all-and-end-all publication in the fashion realm.
If this fact doesn’t entice you, perhaps the mere thought of giveaways, collection pre-views and amazing deals on anything and everything –whether it be clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses, and whatever else your little fashion-loving heart desires –will grab your attention.
FNO starts around 6 p.m. and should last until roughly 11 p.m. Deciding where to go and what to do with these five hours seems like an overwhelming task. With all the events going on –how can one decide which to choose?
The masterminds behind FNO have done a great job of helping us out with this dilemma. On their official website, they list all the events that are taking place and where they are occurring. This way, one can plan ahead in due time. After creating an itinerary of the events that you are interested in, you can share these plans with your friends –via Facebook, Twitter and other social media. The plans can also be emailed directly to your friends.
There is a wide range of events you can take part in. For example, according to Yahoo!, Bloomingdale’s, (located on 1000 Third Ave) will be having pop-rock band Matchbox Twenty celebrating their new album North, which features their hit-song “She’s So Mean” (currently No. 8 on the Billboard Adult Pop Chart).
FNO’s official Twitter account for their NYC events. The opportunity to customize one’s very own Stella McCartney handbag at the namesake’s SoHo flagship store, was announced.
A giveaway that should be noted is that of the luxury Scandinavian jewelry brand, Georg Jensen USA. Their event titled “Grapes and Great Danes” will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Madison Avenue and 62nd Street. There will be complimentary signature cocktails, a live DJ performance and, best of all, the chance to win Grape jewelry throughout the entire evening!
Though you will see many luxury name brands or high-priced department stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman, hosting events, there are plenty of inexpensive clothing and accessory stores that will also take part in this night.
Not only are special deals and giveaways a common and expected sight around NYC during this night–but free drinks and special, delicious treats will be circling around most stores and boutiques taking part in this night.
I remember my first time taking part in FNO. It was two years ago and they were celebrating their second year. I was taken aback by all the drinks –ranging from champagne to steaming, hot cappuccino courtesy of on-sight baristas –that were being made available, everytime you entered a store. Alongside your choice of drink, they provided scones, cupcakes, other delicious, fresh pastries and hors d’oeuvres.
Yes, the fashion was gorgeous, however the “freebies” are always everyone’s favorite part!
FNO is a fantastic night to get your hands on a great deal and exclusive items. However, it is also a night when you can take in the wonderfully social atmosphere and the many things NYC’s fashion elite have to offer!
If you would like more information on FNO, visit www.fashionsnightout.com.
