| DC Celebrates Fashion's Night Out |
| Written by Marissa Moran and Samantha Sault |
| Sunday, 13 September 2009 23:55 |
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On Thursday, September 10, 2009, cities across the globe participated in Fashion’s Night Out, a Fashion Week kickoff event during which shops hosted late-night parties in partnership with Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The main event took place in New York City, where stores ranging from Ann Taylor to Zac Posen stayed open until 11pm or later and hosted Vogue editors, Gossip Girls, and musical artists—and popped many bottles of champagne—in an effort to lure shoppers and promote the suffering fashion industry.
The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Mid City Business Association and local boutiques, promoted the initiative in Washington, D.C. Stores in the U Street Corridor, Old Town Alexandria, and Chevy Chase hosted similar shopping parties the very same evening. The Mid City neighborhood was particularly alive on the cool evening of September 10, as shoppers wandered 14th and U Streets to enjoy refreshments, DJs, store specials, and camaraderie with local fashionistas. “It’s hard as an independent retailer to compete with the larger stores,” said Lettie Gooch (1517 U Street NW) owner Theresa Watts. In partnership with her fellow Mid City boutique owners and GWFCC, Watts wanted to give local storeowners a boost with a fun event that would draw in new customers.
Lettie Gooch owner Theresa Watts on Fashion's Night Out At her store, Watts poured “Lettie-tinis” (peach-apple-passion juice mixed with champagne) as guests shopped her latest looks from designers like Recession Denim and Gigi Florence. “D.C. carries the stigma that the city’s style is conservative,” said Watts. “I want to have pieces that are out of that box because fashion is about the individual. I want to encourage my customers to take risks.” Helping her do that was GWFCC member stylist Katherine Limon of MySignatureLook, looking chic in a white blazer. Meanwhile, at Muleh (1831 14th Street NW), a fashion-forward crowd—think harem pants and towering platform heels—mingled with members of Fashion Group International and local fashionable faces like The CW Network’s Paul Wharton and former Miss DC Kate Michael. (See more photos of fashionable attendees here.) Muleh’s Chris Reiter provided champagne and brie and crackers for guests to enjoy as they listened to live band Square Trio and perused racks of Ports 1961 and Phillip Lim.
Stylish shoppers at Muleh on Fashion's Night Out
Deals--and champagne--could be found at Muleh on Fashion's Night Out. Other local Fashion’s Night Out participants included Neiman Marcus in Chevy Chase, where shoppers enjoyed makeovers and contests, and Treat in Old Town Alexandria, which featured champagne and goodies as well as a free gift with $100 purchase. Fashion’s Night Out was a wild success across the country, and at least in D.C., GWFCC will continue the efforts each year. |
