Fashion’s Night Out, the international event created to celebrate the joys of fashion, made a big splash in D.C. Friday, Sept. 10, as the cobblestone streets of Georgetown were full of people in search of good deals and a good time. Over 80 stores, restaurants and salons kept their doors open to shoppers until 11 p.m.
More than just merchandise could be found inside these businesses. Many offered complimentary food, drinks and entertainment. Each venue created an experience that tied into their overall values and products.
The ever-hip purveyor of vintage clothing, Annie Creamcheese, blasted dance music and offered 20 percent off all of the stores merchandise, Betsey Johnson held a garden party on their back patio as well as a wine tasting, and True Religion offered a tantalizing array of appetizers and denim. Chic clothier Intermix provided cocktails and sushi, Juicy Couture offered the service of male model/waiter hybrids “Juicy Boys.” Preppy clothing purveyor Vineyard Vines had an open bar and gave out novelty pink foam whale hats.
Many of Georgetown’s best eateries offered dining specials, though with all the available finger food and drinks it was just as easy to be full while still on the go.
The Vitamin Water Zero Hydration Lounge held outside of Dean and Deluca provided a great example of what the night was all about. Patrons were able to enjoy a beautiful night under the stars while enjoying club-worthy music from an in-house DJ, mingling with friends and other fashion-minded shoppers, and reaping the benefits of a large-scale marketing campaign.
While shopping was a major aspect of the night, an overall appreciation for the fashion industry was what the entire event was anchored upon. There were several trunk shows like Halston Heritage at Urban Chic, and style consultations including the Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa at Intermix and makeup artists from Bobbi Brown at Bluemercury.
The event drew a large crowd of all ages, there for various reasons. From college kids out for a good time, families spending an evening together and fashionistas on a mission, there was a wide array of activities to keep them entertained. Among the masses also happened to be a celebrity or two. At Intermix, president of local modeling agency Lynda Erkiletian, a “Real Housewife of D.C.,” signed autographs and took pictures with fans. Alongside her was boyfriend Ebong Eka and stylist Paul Wharton, both of whom audiences might recognize from the show.
“It was amazing to see Georgetown come to life that way,” said Victoria Alvarez, a sophomore in AU’s School of Communication. “It was so colorful; there were so many people dressed fabulously. To think that in D.C., a city that’s known to be about politics, so many people care about fashion, about clothes and shoes and dressing well, is fantastic.”
School of International Service sophomore Hanna Park echoed the same thoughts.
“I am so glad I went,” Park said. “It was a great event, especially considering that it was the first year they’ve held it. I hope it becomes a tradition, and I’m sure that I will be back again next year.”
This was D.C.’s first year participating in the Fashion’s Night Out program, currently in its second year. The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue Magazine originally created the event to stimulate the fashion economy by encouraging New York City patrons to shop. This year, more than 16 countries will participate, including France, Britain, Korea, Australia, Italy and China. Many cities in the United States will also hold their own events in addition to D.C., including Boston, Miami, Las Vegas and several cities in California.
The event was coordinated by the Georgetown Business Improvement District and hosted a wide array of D.C. elite involved with organizations including the Washington Post, Labels for Love, WUSA-9 TV and the Capitol Fashionista.
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