Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Fashion's Night Out

*If you are involved [on any scale] in the fashion industry... this one is for you*



In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.

In the United States, American Vogue has joined with NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City. Next only to finance, fashion is the second largest sector of industry in New York City—the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10 billion in total wages. At City Hall's May 20 press conference to announce Fashion’s Night Out, Vera Wang said, "To put it bluntly, if people don't shop, people lose their jobs."

On September 10th, the first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass festivities galore— from inventive window displays to model and celebrity appearances. Champagne may flow; hors d'oeuvres may be passed. Rumors of musical performances, downtown barbecues, shoe capsules, limited-edition rings, and sweepstakes abound. Apparently there will be makeovers, brow bars, and haircut stations at sundry spots, too.

Relish the opportunity in any way you deem exciting, apt, and beneficial. Perhaps your rendering of Fashion's Night Out is a bit more subdued, which means your interpretation is no less significant or appealing. Every fashion retailer across the five boroughs—flagships, tiny boutiques, massive department stores, young designers, mainstream chains, and niche luxury names alike—has been encouraged to keep its doors open late on the evening of September 10 and to implement creative customer experiences welcoming all.

The Fashion's Night Out T-shirt commissioned for New York City will be available at retail locations in the United States that choose to purchase the T-shirt. 40 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Fashion's Night Out T-shirt will be donated by the retailers to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.

Additionally, a citywide clothing drive will take place on September 12th inviting both residents and visitors to donate new or gently used clothing. Collection points will be set up in each of the five boroughs, as well as at retailers choosing to do so. The clothing drive will benefit the NYC AIDS Fund. It will also provide an opportunity to answer the City's call for volunteerism. Details about how individuals can volunteer will be available soon.

In its most basic conception, Fashion’s Night Out is a celebration of fashion and retail, providing an opportunity to engender again a liveliness of clientele, and rally the morale of both proprietors and patrons.

-Condo Naste Publications 2009

No comments:

Post a Comment