The first Fashion’s Night Out was a crazy, joyful, economy-stimulating success.
On September 10th, New York City was electric as retailers hosted the much anticipated Fashion's Night Out. The brainchild of Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, the evening was billed as THE night to shop—and it delivered. Retailers dressed their shops to the hilt. Madison Avenue was bopping, the Meatpacking District was buzzing. The East Village? As the kids would say, it was off the hook. From the whimsical window displays at Barney’s to the tennis umpire chair at Cole Haan, stores stopped at nothing to delight the public. Free drinks flowed. Hoards of people of all ages had their “shopping maps” out, eyes wide with excitement. The best part? I saw lots and LOTS of shopping bags on the arms of all those out in force, supporting this great event (and this great city … and the not-so-great economy).
As for me, I spent most of the night at the Coach flagship store on Madison and 57th Street, where shoppers who purchased canvas totes had them hand-painted by in-store artists. I enjoyed yummy appetizers, a glass of wine and a short respite on the comfy couches on the second level.
Twitter and Facebook updates kept everyone in the loop about celebrity appearances (Victoria Beckham and Isaac Mizrahi stopped by Bergdorf Goodman, Linda Carter rocked Talbots, and Oscar de la Renta sang for the crowds at his store). But even if you were just strolling in the major shopping areas of the city, there was no way you were going to miss the fashion buzz and happy mayhem. Here’s to more nights like this.
