Fashion's Night Out 2010

The evening of September 9^th, 2010 at 6 o’clock P.M. was the kick-off for the second annual shopping event called “Fashion’s Night Out.” The event was started last year in 2009 by designer Diane von Furstenberg and “Vogue” magazine Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour.

The event is where designers and other fashion industry leaders come together with customers to raise awareness of the fashion industry. Stores all around the world kept their doors open late for one night only. Some cut down prices to get customers to shop, and can even get the chance to meet their favorite designers. The event was only held in New York City last year, but this year it went global.

Due to the recent recession that the world has been through, the fashion industry has been hit hard. On a CBS news interview, Von Furstenberg told the reporter that Fashion’s Night Out was started due to the economic crisis within the world and in the industry.

"So, to create a real big event in stores is to have the designers go to the shops and meet with the people. To create the excitement of what you can buy now makes so much sense," she said.


Top leaders in the industry all joined together to make Fashion’s Night Out an exciting start to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Celebrities took place in events, made appearances, or just walked the streets as they celebrated this exciting event. Icons such as Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie made appearances at Bergdorf Goodman’s. Tim Gunn also promoted his new book “Gunn’s Golden Rules” at Kate Spade, and other celebrities hit the town.

I went over to Barney's at 5:45 PM and then was told that Mary-Kate and Ashley weren't going to arrive until around 9 PM. So then I headed over to Bloomingdale's to see Michael Kors, and thankfully I did, since he just arrived as I did. Michael is an amazing designer who has become even more famous through the show "Project Runway," which I watch religiously. He's such a nice person, and even complimented my bracelet. Here's the picture of him and I from that night:

designer Michael Kors and myself

After Bloomingdale's I headed down to SoHo to see if I could get a chance to meet Rachel Zoe at Piperlime, but that line was absolutely outrageous. I took a picture of the long line:

massive crowd waiting for Rachel Zoe

While waiting in this massive line, I met a boy named Peter who has a great love for Mary-Kate Olsen like I do. Him, myself, and my best friend here, Kathryn, all decided to head over to Barney's to see Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, since they were going to judge karaoke. Upon arriving, there was THE biggest crowd I have ever seen. I was caught in the middle of it, as well. Fights broke out, people were obnoxiously singing, lots of pushing, it was extremely hot, and it was becoming hard to breathe. It was practically an ant farm with everyone piled up on top of each other. The Olsen's came out about an hour after they were supposed to, so everyone was becoming frustrated. One by one, "celebrities" would come out, such as Jaslene from "America's Next Top Model" and another model, Karlie Kloss.

Jaslene Gonzalez, from "ANTM"

Karlie Kloss, model & ballet dancer

then, finally, came THE Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Everyone got excited, of course. Here are pictures I took of them throughout the night:

My night then concluded with walking around midtown with my favorite friends.

Fashion’s Night Out 2010 was a complete success, raking in sales for stores as expected, while customers had a great experience. I know I did. Cannot wait for next year's FNO!