This year, Fashion’s Night Out will give new meaning to the term “Shop ’til you drop.”
The pre-Fashion Week shopping extravaganza, which will take place Sept. 10, has grown into a global initiative, reaching places like Australia, India and South Korea since its debut in New York last year. On Friday night, a whopping 1,000 stores here in New York, up from last year’s 800, will keep their doors open late for customers to sip cocktails, mingle with Hollywood A-listers and fashion royalty, and — of course — shop.
“I love seeing the industry get creative and pull together on a global scale, but mostly I love that people are so excited about it,” says Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who’s spearheading the initiative.
To kick off the night and celebrate Fashion Week’s new digs, there will be a runway show at Lincoln Center on Sept. 7. You don’t even have to be an A-lister to score a ticket — for a mere $25, entry is yours. Tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. A full schedule is at fashionsnightout.com; for now, here are the highlights so you can plan your very own Fashion’s Night Out (FNO).
Victoria’s Secret SoHo, 591 Broadway
Makeup artists will give makeovers, and you can meet VS supermodel Adriana Lima.
Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave.
On the third floor, Jason Wu will be signing his exclusive Bergdorf Goodman FNO doll. Stick around for the “BG’s Best in Show,” when designers and their doggies will strut their stuff on a runway with master of ceremonies Robert Verdi and guest judges Monique Lhuillier and Kelly Rutherford. Hang out for a karaoke party hosted by celebrity shutterbug Patrick McMullan, where you’ll get to rub shoulders with the likes of Nicole Richie and designer Cynthia Rowley.
Bloomingdale’s, 59th Street and Lexington Avenue
Michael Kors will make an appearance in the handbag department on the first floor. Meanwhile, actors from HBO’s new series “Boardwalk Empire” will be on the lower level, which will be transformed into a pop-up casino by Harrah’s. Catch live-action windows along the Third Avenue side of the store, which will imitate Atlantic City’s Boardwalk circa the 1920s.
Bloomingdale’s SoHo, 504 Broadway
UrbanDaddy New York will host a cigar lounge in the Men’s Store on the lower level, and you’ll get a free gift if you buy a suit. Upstairs, meet Cynthia Steffe and preview her fall 2010 collection on the fourth floor. As an added bonus, you’ll receive an FNO gift with a full- price Cynthia Steffe purchase.
Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St.
Meet Joss Stone at the fifth floor shoe department, and receive an autographed CD from the British songstress when you buy any pair of Nine West shoes. Tommy Hilfiger will host a stylish tailgate on Broadway, and at the fragrance area on the main floor you can meet Oscar de la Renta. Rachel Roy will be on the second floor as customers get outfitted in her designs and participate in a photo shoot for a chance to appear in the fall 2010 look book. Then, head up to the fourth floor for a meet-and-greet with Jessica Simpson.
Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave.
Native New Yorker Donna Karan (below) will be celebrating her 25th anniversary as a designer, and Dior Beauty DJ Harley Viera-Newton will spin while customers get ready to rock ’n’ roll for the department store’s rock-themed bash. Complete the look with tips from Frederic Fekkai, who will give advice on how to get rock-star hair. Meet Viktor & Rolf’s Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, and check out their art installations — or meet the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo, and get a peek at the latest from his Taboo/Jump sneaker collaboration.
Barney’s, 660 Madison Ave.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Proenza Schouler’s Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough will host a karaoke contest. Those feeling sporty can play doubles pingpong in the men’s CO-OP.
Jeffrey New York, 449 W. 14th St.
L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu and Christina Ricci will make appearances at the Meatpacking District boutique, where Current/Elliott designers will host a denim event. Don’t miss Devon Scott’s menswear trunk show, and shop limited-edition black leather messenger bags by Proenza Schouler ($250).
Kate Spade New York, 454 Broome St.
“Project Runway” co-host Tim Gunn will be at the boutique for a window-styling contest, which will showcase displays inspired by Gunn’s new book, “Gunn’s Golden Rules,” and he’ll sign copies, too. Sip gin and tonics, and don’t forget to pick up a limited-edition cosmetics case before you hit your next stop.