“Fashion's Night Out: Oh so fabulous”

Posted: 11 Sep 2010 10:00 AM PDT

NEW YORK -- Fashion's Night Out lived up to the hype.

Celebs and top designers mingled with the masses in retail pockets like Soho and the Meatpacking District to the Upper East Side. Some stores stayed open until midnight, with champagne flowing, live music and shopping opportunities galore.

Up and down Madison Avenue, such luxury fortresses as Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe and Gucci looked more like South Beach clubs, with heavy (albeit well heeled) foot traffic. ``I feel like I'm trick or treating!'' exclaimed Beverly Johnson, waiting for the light to change on Madison in a tight red dress. The famed model, who was the first African American to grace Vogue's cover, had come from an appearance at Giorgio Armani with Lauren Hutton, who was speaking about the old days with writer Joan Juliet Buck. Johnson was headed to Gucci, to check out the wares. ``This whole thing is just fascinating.''

The understatement of the evening.

At Domenico Vacca, rapper Fabolous chatted with the Italian designer, with whom he is collaborating on an accessory. ``I love Domenico,'' said the Can't Deny It singer. ``His suits are impeccable. And the fit is just you.''

Other fashionistos set to attend the bash: Entourage star Jeremy Piven and Miami Heat's own Chris Bosh.

Teen girls lined up outside Roger Vivier, where Leighton Meester helped launch a set of fragrances. But the haute shop was at capacity and velvet ropes went up. ``I love her!'' squeaked a young woman craning her neck to check out the Gossip Girl in the flesh.

It was VIP central over at Valentino, which was holding a poker tournament to benefit Oceana charity. Molly Sims, in a white mini dress and bold red lips, sat down at the table with Top Chef hunk Sam Talbot and Private Practice star Kate Walsh. A few feet away, gabbing (perhaps about her troubled sis): heiress Nicky Hilton.

More fun at Judith Ripka, which had a photo booth set up outside so everyone could have a souvenir of the night, and at Dennis Basso, where the furrier socialized and told prospective buyers to ``Have fun! Go have a drink!''

Major frenzy over at Oscar de la Renta, when Sarah Jessica Parker made a quickie appearance, and outside Dolce & Gabbana, where police barriers were set up. All the hoopla was for Naomi Campbell, marking the 25th anniversary of her career and signing T-shirts for her charity. Overheard harrumphing in the crowd outside: ``She's just a model who beats up people.''

And with that, it was time to bid good night.

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