When the Great Recession hit in late 2007, the fashion industry was among one of its many victims. Every aspect of the industry, from luxury designers to department stores to retail salespeople, was affected.Legendary Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour wanted to do something. She launched Fashion's Night Out in New York City in 2009, inviting stores to hold events and encouraging hesitant fashionistas with any disposable income to start shopping again.
"People were feeling almost guilty to go out to stores, and this wreaked havoc on retail and had a domino effect all the way from the driver who delivers fabric to the sales people," said Susan Portnoy, a New York spokeswoman for Fashion's Night Out. "The event was a way to jumpstart enthusiasm in fashion, and support retail in your own economy."
The event was a huge hit and quickly spread to more than 250 cities and 12 countries. Last year, several Valley stores participated, and this year, even more are on board for the event Thursday, Sept. 8.Stores can plan any type of event they want, from offering complimentary drinks to bringing in a DJ. The most successful events, Portnoy said, feature interaction.
"If someone buys a dress, there might be an artist there to sketch them in it and the designer might ask them trivia questions," she said. "We want these events to break down the barriers and not have too formal of a feeling, so people don't feel uncomfortable walking into certain clothing stores."There is also a Fashion's Night Out clothing collection sold in select stores and online, and a portion of the proceeds will go to New York City AIDS Fund. Those who can't make it the events can shop online at the participating e-tailers, such as Shopbop.
The mall is the official Fashion's Night Out headquarters. There will be trunk shows, hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, special offers, door prizes and informal modeling. Stop by the Fashionista Stations in the Neiman Marcus Court and Barneys New York Wing to get your photo taken. All events run from 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.