Lucy & Camilla: Fashion's Night Out 2012

DJ’s blasting music from every corner, champagne and cocktails flowing from every glass, and bikini models popping from the most unexpected places. This is not a Charlie Sheen party, but instead is one of the biggest nights in fashion. It is the 4^th Annual Fashion’s Night Out. This year I had the honor of joining FNO (Fashion’s Night Out) to not only have fun of course and do some serious damage on my wallet, but to also represent my blogs. My date with that city of course came with much work. First I had to plane my itinerary then my outfit. Picking what to wear of course was a hard feat. I desperately wanted to wear heels, but knew that since I would be several events, that I needed nice flats that I could run through the long blocks that make up the greater Manhattan area. I paired up a Kate Middleton inspired, powder pink, vintage dress, with my Coach rosette sandals. Once that was settled I jumped a train into the empire state.

Fashion’s Night Out this year was bigger and better than ever. The city was packed with thousands upon thousands of eager shoppers to get their hands on the best sales, spot a celebrity, and help with the awesome cause that FNO supports. After all, 40% of the proceeds from purchases of that night goes towards the Aids research of New York. Who said fashion was just vain? Yes, it was a night of sorts. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Glee’s Darren Criss both made appearances. Lance Bass attended a Sirius radio event at Saks. The Nsync alum was hilarious as always. Wearing a red blazer and sporting his famous smile, Bass spoke about the night and how much he enjoys supporting such a great cause in a fun way. Gold medalist skater, Kristi Yamaguchi stopped by Lord & Taylor to signe complimentary Tsuya totes. The NY Times Bestselling author was in high spirits as she met and greeted loyal fans. When asked about doing personal appearances like this one, Yamaguchi stated that no matter what, she always appreciated her fans and being able to come out and make them happy with something as simple as a hello and autograph is one of the few things that she truly never minds doing. Others that made appearance that night were famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta, who stopped by Saks, the women behind Marchesa, Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig, Project Runway Judge and American designer, Michael Kors, as well as Ms. Fashion Queen herself, Editor in Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour.

The night however wasn’t just exciting because of the stars, but because of the overly constructed, only seen in the movies, type of parties and soirées that were held. Henri Bendel for instance threw a Vegas inspired bash with a DJ, circus like performers, colorful decorations, lots of drinks, and yummy food. Although pushing was the form of transport for working your away around most of the stores, due to very large crowds, it was all worth it in the end. As the night started to die down a bit by nine o’clock in the evening, most likely due to the fact that that is when most of the celebrity appearances finished, there was a sense of excitement in the air. It was at that point that it had hit me. Fashion’s Night Out wasn’t over. It was just the beginning because it is the start to an even bigger event in the City during the fall season. It starts the always glamorous Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. What is particularly special of FNO though, is that unlike Fashion Week, anyone can attend. With Fashion Week you can go and wait outside hoping to see some designer, but unless you are working the show or cordially invited, with a paper invitation and all, your chance of getting in are slim to none. Actually they’re just none. With FNO though everyone from any part of the country or world can participate, the money goes to a charity, major sales are being offered in most to all the stores, and you get a chance to meet some of your biggest icons. That’s what makes the night so magical. Because in an industry that is so cut throat and difficult to get into, there is one night every year, that no matter who you are or what you do, brings together a nation with one thing that they love…fashion.