The economy's in the can, designers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat, and consumer confidence seems to be drifting ever downward. Behold: Fashion's Night Out, a massive shopping initiative kickstarted (and hosted) by Vogue to act as "a global initiative to promote retail, restore cosumer confidence, and celebrate fashion."
Announced nearly a month ago, the event seemed largely based on goodwill -- with Vogue organizing evening festivities and asking retailers to pledge to stay open late on September 10 (the first night of fashion week) -- but now it seems the movement is really gaining some support. The latest additions to the star-studded night include Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who will apparently make an appearance at Barneys to show off their clothing line, the Row. Alexander Wang will also be on hand at the department store to show Barneys shoppers how to strut their stuff on the catewalk (literally).
The shopping roster now includes over 300 stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, and more, plus international participants ranging from the Villa Della Spiga in Rome to Avenue Montaigne in Paris. In London alone, Vogue UK reports that Alexander McQueen, Topshop, Prada, Selfridges and more have already enlisted. Eight Macy's have already announced plans to hold a series of events, including a Rachel Roy appearance. The event's organizers are promising parties, celebrity apperances, and freebies -- all in an effort to, as Anna Wintour put it, remind people "just how wonderful shopping can be."
