Not Just New York: Fashion’s Night Out Around the Country

Fashion’s Night Out may have originated in New York City, but the event has taken off around the country with other cities making it their own. This year was Philadelphia’s first Fashion’s Night Out and retailers on Walnut Street and beyond got in on the action. The biggest crowds were at Joan Shepp, Shepp is seen above socializing with shoppers, and the Nicole Miller boutique in The Bellevue.

“I’m so happy Fashion’s Night Out has finally come to Philadelphia,” Shepp told Philly.com. “It will bring people out. We need that.” It certainly did, the crowd in Shepp’s boutique rivaled that at any FNONYC event. Shoulder to shoulder fashion fans took special notice of the trays and trays of jewelry out all over the store.

In Philadelphia, FNO is also a precursor to the Philadelphia Collection event which begins September 13 with shows, shopping, and other events in the Philadelphia’s fashion community.

“I think Fashion’s Night Out represents a turning point for Philadelphia, because of its national appeal,” said Mary K. Dougherty, owner of the Nicole Miller boutique, above. “People are recognizing what an amazing, fashion-forward city we are.”

“Fashion’s Night Out is about restoring consumer confidence, but it’s also about celebrating. We want it to be a fun way to unite Philly fashion enthusiasts, students, the media. It’s about creating buzz and getting people excited,” Dougherty said.

Other cities with thriving FNO initiatives include Chicago, which combined the event with their Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival. Actress Ali Larter hosted a fall runway show curated by stylist Eric Himel.

In San Francisco, Neiman Marcus showed designs by local School of Fashion students, and Uniqlo hosted a pop-up shop to preview its upcoming San Francisco store.

Dallas has been participating in FNO for three years now. “We are certainly allocating more marketing dollars toward this event than ever before,” NorthPark spokeswoman Kristen Gibbins told the Dallas News. “Dallas is a city that loves to shop and they are embracing the concept of Fashion’s Night Out wholeheartedly.”

“I must say, I kind of like this promotion since it includes some free entertainment give-back to the loyal customer,” said Dallas News columnist Maria Halkias.

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