Attention, bagistas and fashionistas currently in or around New York City: cancel any plans you've made for the night of Thursday, September 10, 2009, and head over to NYC's first annual Fashion's Night Out!
Despite the shaky state of the US economy, the fashion industry remains a leader in providing hundreds of job opportunities in New York. Now, the industry needs our help "to promote retail, to restore consumer confidence and celebrate fashion." Over 700 of New York's retailers and designers across all five of the city's boroughs will not only keep their doors open as late as 11PM on Thursday for this event, but each store will also hold special events between 6PM and 11PM as a way to remind consumers of how much fun shopping once was and can be again. Stores are offering everything from complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvre, free gifts with purchase, and even dance lessons to make sure you enjoy your shopping experience. Still not convinced that you should go? Well, get this: shoppers can also expect plenty of amazing sweepstakes opportunities, live entertainment, as well as exclusive designer and celebrity appearances at their favorite stores. Many of Handbago's favorite designers are participating, including Botkier, Kate Spade, Miu Miu, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more!
In addition to all of the fabulous events that will be open to the public during Fashion's Night Out, some of the participating retailers have begun and will continue to sell the official Fashion's Night Out T-shirt (commissioned specifically for New York City) at their stores and online. Available in both short and long sleeve, 40% of the proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. And thanks to Teen Vogue, people who purchase a shirt also have a chance to win tickets to a runway show during New York Fashion Week!
To further emphasize the fashion industry's massive influence on the community, Fashion's Night Out also features a clothing drive that will allow patrons to drop-off new or gently used clothes between the 6PM and 11PM at any of the designated drop-off locations listed on their website. All items will be donated to the NYC Aids Fund, who will then distribute the clothes to approximately 20 AIDS-related charities around the city.
There are plenty of reasons to be generous on September 10, 2009. Fashion's Night Out not only gives shoppers the opportunity to treat themselves to something special (and to have fun doing it), but it also provides a way in which everyone can give back to New York City. Help keep one of the New York's biggest industries afloat by "shopping for good" at Fashion's Night Out!
Check out the official website: www.fashionsnightout.com
For the latest updates, follow the event on Twitter: FNOnyc
