Fashion’s Night Out, an evening shopping event, was initially conceived in
2009 during the height of the recession as an enticement for New York City
consumers to get back on the retail-spending track.
The purpose of the event — originated by Vogue editor Anna
Wintour and supported by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the
City of New York and NYC Co. — was to celebrate fashion, restore
consumer confidence, boost the industry economy and bring fun back to
shopping.
Three years later, Fashion’s Night Out has grown beyond Gotham’s borders,
expanding to towns and cities all over the globe.
Last year, a single Palm Beach retailer, Neiman Marcus, stayed open late on
the designated Fashion’s Night Out date.
“The Neiman’s party that night was a blast,” said Sherry Frankel, president of
the Worth Avenue Association.
With the support of the Worth Avenue Association board, Frankel spearheaded
the effort to expand the Fashion’s Night Out event in Palm Beach.
And so, on Thursday, in addition to Neiman Marcus, more than 25 island stores,
salons, galleries and hotels have signed on as Fashion’s Night Out
participants, paying a $250 fee to event organizers. Each will be open from
6 to 8 p.m., with in-store events planned for the evening. Some will sell
FNO Collection merchandise, T-shirts, tote bags and caps priced from about
$15 to $50, with proceeds donated to the NYC AIDS Fund in the Community
Trust.
“It should be a fun night for everyone,” said Beth Pine, general manager of
Neiman Marcus Palm Beach. The store will host a fashion show and interactive
fall fashion scavenger hunt, and will serve refreshments and treats.
“We hope to see a big turnout Thursday night,” said Frankel, who is
encouraging all merchants to keep their doors open for Fashion’s Night Out.
She’ll be stationed for the evening at her own Melangerie gift shop in the
Gucci Courtyard, where the Four Seasons Resort will set up a satellite
branch during the event. “It should be a good night for all of us.”
For details, visit Worth-Avenue.com
