Daily Front Row

2010 August 11

What to Expect at Fashion's Night Out

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Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Anna Wintour, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Mary-Kate Olsen, Marc Jacobs
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(NEW YORK) “The people standing here today are true fashion stars who certainly love New York,” Mayor Bloomberg declared as he motioned towards a sea of industry heavyweights including (take a deep breath): Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Prabal Gurung, Zac Posen, Tory Burch, Francisco Costa, Steven Kolb, George Fertitta, Steve Sadove, Linda Fargo, and even Mary-Kate Olsen, who was barely visible in the back row. Fashion’s most prominent New York lovers congregated at City Hall Wednesday afternoon as the mayor announced expanded plans for Fashion’s Night Out 2010.

Like last year, participating stores will keep their doors open until 11 p.m. on Friday, September 10th, and each will tout an array of special promotions and in-store celebrations. Close to 1,000 retailers will participate this year, and the most massive new undertaking will be “Fashion’s Night Out: The Fashion Show,” set to take place September 7th at Lincoln Center. This will mark the largest public runway show in New York City history, featuring upwards of 150 models in designs chosen by Vogue. The spectacle will seat 1,500 spectators, and tickets are available for $25 beginning Thursday, August 19th through the Lincoln Center Box Office.

During the conference, Bloomberg sang the praises of the fashion community. “If they say bootcut pants are back in style, then bootcut pants are back in style. If they say capes are en vogue, then capes are en vogue. If they say a simple navy suit is the epitome of high fashion, well then, who are we to argue?” Then Jacobs took to the podium, explaining, “Last year’s Fashion Night Out felt like one big block party. Fashion shopping is a social ritual, which people enjoy.” He continued, “Being the luddite that I am, it was really great to see people get off the computer, stop adding things to their ‘cart,’ and get outside for the real life shopping experience.”

Alexander Wang, Thakoon, Phillip Lim, and others filling the front row seats filed out after Bloomberg wrapped up. Post-conference, Herrera was especially optimistic. “In the beginning, people didn’t know all what was going on or what to expect. But it seems like everything is together now. It’s such a fabulous idea, and I hope we have masses and masses of people buying!” For even more FNO updates, you’ll have to tide yourself over until August 16th, when a list of events including celeb appearances, performances and the like can be viewed at www.nyc.gov. Unable to attend the colossal affair? No worries---CBS will air an hour-long special on the making of the event later this fall.
EMILY POPP