“Fashion Night Out returns”

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 07:19 PM PDT

NEW YORK - YOU did not get your cocktail poured by guest bartenders Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen at the first Fashion's Night Out? This year, you could try tailgating with Tommy Hilfiger.

The second annual shopping event, created largely by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour to fuel retail traffic in stores during the height of the late-year shopping season, is planned for Sept 10 during New York Fashion Week.

The fashion party, which focused on New York last year, is now global with nearly 1,000 retailers, designers, beauty brands and celebrities offering special events or discounts. Events are also planned in Australia, China, Greece, India, Russia and Turkey, among other countries.

Some consumers will hear musical performances; other shoppers will be fed. Fashion insiders will give a Hollywood makeover to some shoppers, and some will go home with bags of freebies or special-edition merchandise.

Some New York highlights: A best-in-show designer dog catwalk at Bergdorf Goodman, recreating red-carpet moments with Marchesa and Frederic Fekkai at Henri Bendel, supermodel posing lessons from Bar Rafaeli at Giorgio Armani, and a 25th anniversary party celebrating Naomi Campbell's career at Dolce & Gabbana; Campbell has committed to come and sign T-shirts.

'It has been a remarkable journey since Fashion's Night Out debuted last year,' Wintour said in a statement. 'The enthusiasm and creativity with which retailers and designers have approached this year's celebration in New York City, the country, and around the world, are truly inspiring. I am delighted that shoppers will have such an extraordinary night to enjoy fashion.' ShopperTrak, an independent reporter of consumer traffic, estimated that the inaugural FNO saw a 50 per cent jump in retail foot traffic. -- AP

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