Fashion's Night Out

Words - Julie Bobek

Photos - Allessandro Casagli/FutureClaw, Zinnia Mozumder/FutureClaw, Bobby Mozumder/FutureClaw

 

Manhattan was exciting and busier than usual Thursday night, September 10th as shoppers took full advantage of Anna Wintour's Fashion's Night Out promotion.  As a kick-off to New York's Fashion Week and designed to boost the struggling retail market which has been hit by the current economy, 700 stores across the city stayed open until 11 p.m. to entice shoppers with entertainment, refreshments, discounts, raffles and most evidently open arms.  
Anna Wintour with Mayor Bloomberg opened the event at the infamous Macy's on 34th street then ended the night at the DVF store with Diane Van Furstenberg.   The events were star-studded from Kate Hudson at Stella McCartney to Lucy Liu at Alexander McQueen.  Rachel Roy welcomed shoppers to her store opening in Soho.  Estelle made a guest appearance at her new store.  Justin Timberlake quickly stopped into Saks as the mob of fans waited at the William Rast instore boutique.  Hugo Boss gave a different twist to the shopping night by offering live music by jazz combo Brian Newman and Pontani Sisters.  Hugh Jackman created a buzz at the Jeffrey store in the meatpacking district.  At Bendel's, fashionista's lined up to have red lips drawn on by Gucci Westman,while a costume designer for "Gossip Girl," assisted shoppers and took personal photos of them.  At Bergdorf Goodman fashion designers were busy cooking their favorite dishes.  Oscar de la Renta was singing his classic tunes.  Maria Sharapova hosted the US open viewing party at Cole Haan.  Versace on 5th Avenue was busting with energy and featured live mannequins in their store front.  Customers were able to play table tennis while they waited for their shoe size at the Stewart Weitzman store on Madison Ave.  The DKNY on the upper east side offered diverse performances by a tap dancing group from Vancover BC who were dressed in the DKNY must-haves, followed by a bold blonde pair of performers mixing djing and playing electric violin.  
And, of course your editors here at FutureClaw Magazine was there to sponsor the event by giving away current issues at the Catherine Malandrino, Ports 1961, and Patricia Field store.  
Overall, the turnout was simply amazing, raising awareness to the industry and adding more passion and life to fashion.
At Ports 1961, the party kept moving.   Attendees were greeted by an eye-catching art installation of yellow plastic water drums sitting in a shallow pool with cascading water by artist Coral Bourgeois.  A red-rope private entrance lead the guests to a small and friendly gallery space that showcased large full-color photographs by the artist and literature about Charity Water (a non-profit organization bringing clean drinking water to impoverished nations).  Champagne and hors d'oeurves flowed around the crowded room while the glittery Donna D'Cruz in a gold jumpsuit and rhinestone encrusted headphones DJ'd.  Ports 1961's Creative Director Tia Cibani was in attendance along with her family and close friends. Congenial as ever, she enjoyed the party just as much as her guests did.  
Catherine Malandrino's "french soiree" was a full-on shopping extravaganza.  MarieBelle chocolates and Caudalie skincare, well-known brands in France, were two of the options on offer for the evening.  A selection from the chic Selima Optique eyewear was on display.  Parisian DJ's Celine and Audrey, "Les Woof Gang" played tunes while guests enjoyed cocktails sponsored by Cointreau adding spice to the party.  The main event, Malandrino herself, strolled around the store in a gorgeous studded jacket from her eponymous line and posed for photos. Live models stood in the windows, periodically changing in and out of pieces from Malandrino's fall line and attendees were free to try on the clothes and waltz around the store.   A live performance by French Afropean singer, Celia ended the evening with sweet and seductive note. 
Patricia Field rocked Fashion’s Night Out at her store with several special guests including Jemina Pearl and Tina Parol, as  fashionistas from all corners of the world gathered to celebrate.  A fabulous trunk by Pavon was showcased in the midst of all the action while Tom Tom Fashions customized FNO t-shirts with their “Rock and Roll Deconstruction-style”.  Guests sipped on “Fashion Vixen” and “Field Fix” cocktails at the store’s private lounge.  Patricia made a grand appearance and mingled with all the shoppers and guests.  FutureClaw’s team was there to document a great night of fun and fashion

Manhattan was exciting and busier than usual Thursday night, September 10th as shoppers took full advantage of Anna Wintour's Fashion's Night Out promotion.  As a kick-off to New York's Fashion Week and designed to boost the struggling retail market which has been hit by the current economy, 700 stores across the city stayed open until 11 p.m. to entice shoppers with entertainment, refreshments, discounts, raffles and most evidently open arms.  

 

Anna Wintour with Mayor Bloomberg opened the event at the infamous Macy's on 34th street then ended the night at the DVF store with Diane Van Furstenberg.   The events were star-studded from Kate Hudson at Stella McCartney to Lucy Liu at Alexander McQueen.  Rachel Roy welcomed shoppers to her store opening in Soho.  Estelle made a guest appearance at her new store.  Justin Timberlake quickly stopped into Saks as the mob of fans waited at the William Rast instore boutique.  Hugo Boss gave a different twist to the shopping night by offering live music by jazz combo Brian Newman and Pontani Sisters.  Hugh Jackman created a buzz at the Jeffrey store in the meatpacking district.  At Bendel's, fashionista's lined up to have red lips drawn on by Gucci Westman,while a costume designer for "Gossip Girl," assisted shoppers and took personal photos of them.  At Bergdorf Goodman fashion designers were busy cooking their favorite dishes.  Oscar de la Renta was singing his classic tunes.  Maria Sharapova hosted the US open viewing party at Cole Haan.  Versace on 5th Avenue was busting with energy and featured live mannequins in their store front.  Customers were able to play table tennis while they waited for their shoe size at the Stewart Weitzman store on Madison Ave.  The DKNY on the upper east side offered diverse performances by a tap dancing group from Vancover BC who were dressed in the DKNY must-haves, followed by a bold blonde pair of performers mixing djing and playing electric violin.  

 

And, of course your FutureClaw editors were there to sponsor the event by giving away issues at the Catherine Malandrino, Ports 1961, and Patricia Field store.  

 

Catherine Malandrino's "french soiree" was a full-on shopping extravaganza.  MarieBelle chocolates and Caudalie skincare, well-known brands in France, were two of the options on offer for the evening.  A selection from the chic Selima Optique eyewear was on display.  Parisian DJ's Celine and Audrey, "Les Woof Gang" played tunes while guests enjoyed cocktails sponsored by Cointreau adding spice to the party.  The main event, Malandrino herself, strolled around the store in a gorgeous studded jacket from her eponymous line and posed for photos. Live models stood in the windows, periodically changing in and out of pieces from Malandrino's fall line and attendees were free to try on the clothes and waltz around the store.   A live performance by French Afropean singer, Celia ended the evening with sweet and seductive note. 

 

At Ports 1961, the party kept moving.   Attendees were greeted by an eye-catching art installation of yellow plastic water drums sitting in a shallow pool with cascading water by artist Coral Bourgeois.  A red-rope private entrance lead the guests to a small and friendly gallery space that showcased large full-color photographs by the artist and literature about Charity Water (a non-profit organization bringing clean drinking water to impoverished nations).  Champagne and hors d'oeurves flowed around the crowded room while the glittery Donna D'Cruz in a gold jumpsuit and rhinestone encrusted headphones DJ'd.  Ports 1961's Creative Director Tia Cibani was in attendance along with her family and close friends. Congenial as ever, she enjoyed the party just as much as her guests did.  

 

Patricia Field rocked Fashion’s Night Out at her store with several special guests including Jemina Pearl and Tina Parol, as  fashionistas from all corners of the world gathered to celebrate.  A fabulous trunk by Pavon was showcased in the midst of all the action while Tom Tom Fashions customized FNO t-shirts with their “Rock and Roll Deconstruction-style”.  Guests sipped on “Fashion Vixen” and “Field Fix” cocktails at the store’s private lounge.  Patricia made a grand appearance and mingled with all the shoppers and guests.  FutureClaw’s team was there to document a great night of fun and fashion.

 

Overall, the turnout was simply amazing, raising awareness to the industry and adding more passion and life to fashion.