This just might be the only thing that the fashion world likes super-sized. Fashion’s Night Out, the global shopping extravaganza, which returns on September 10, has grown to include 16 countries and the world’s biggest runway show in history. Steven Kolb, director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, says it’s a win-win: “The public gets to enjoy the social ritual of shopping like never before; the designers and retailers get to meet their best customers and increase sales and it’s all in the name of a good cause supporting the NYC AIDS Fund.” For the Sybarites among you, that means more celebs, cocktails and free samples than you could possibly desire. Here’s a guide outlining where to go in the four major fashion cities.
For the fashion lovers
Get a mini-fashion week experience at these shops, which are offering collection presentations and exclusive product launches.
New York: Dolce & Gabbana, 825 Madison Avenue
Naomi Campbell will celebrate her 25-year-career by signing exclusive Dolce & Gabbana-designed anniversary t-shirts bearing her likeness. No cell phones please.
London: House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street
The beloved, iconic English brand will experience a resurrection in the form of an exclusive collection for House of Fraser. British It-Girl Daisy Lowe, the new face of the clothing line, will help the department store celebrate the re-launch.
Paris: Celine, 24 rue François
Mega-forces Phoebe Philo and Carine Roitfeld will link up to show the house’s much lusted after autumn/winter ’10 collection.
Milan: Bally, Via Montenapoleone
If you thrive on being the first to buy anything, head here where the Italian brand will pre-launch its Central Saint Martin shoe collection.
For the freebie fanatics
Count on receiving free treatments and goodie bags with your purchases at these shops, boutiques and salons.
New York: Sephora, 555 Broadway
Gwen Stefani is going to give away samples of the Harajuku Lovers perfume, Wicked Style, by the truckload, while Kat Von D, Josie Maran and Alexandra Richards meet and greet shoppers.
London: Benefit Cosmetics, 9-11 Fouberts Place
After you’ve checked out the store’s hourly runway show, be sure to ask for your free mini makeup kit when you spend £40 or more.
Paris: Chanel, 42 avenue Montaigne
Global creative director Peter Philips will showcase his new, highly coveted khaki-themed trio of nail polishes. Consider it your chance to score the collection that has already sold out in most stores.
Milan: Gianfranco Ferrè’s Angelo Caroli Spa, via S. Andrea
Free cocktails and beauty treatments will abound at this ritzy day spa.
For the celeb spotters
If nothing makes your day like a good celebrity sighting, add these happenings to your calendar.
New York: Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and the Proenza Schouler guys, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, will judge a karaoke contest. Daphne Guinness will also be in the house.
London: Matthew Williamson, 28 Bruton Street
The designer and singer Jameela Jamil will party it up North African style in the store, which will be made over as a souk.
Paris: Bonpoint, 49 Avenue Montaigne
French celeb moms Charlotte Gainsbourg and Ludivine Sagnier will mingle with guests over cocktails. A new jewelry line will also launch.
Milan: DSquared2, via Verri 4
Wonder twin designers Dean and Dan Caten will personalize and sign key rings for shoppers.
For the music lovers
Is it a shopping party or a rock concert? A little bit of both. Drinks and nibbly bits will be served against a soundtrack of ringing cash registers and live music.
New York: Ralph Lauren Soho, 379 West Broadway
Team Ralph Lauren wins the prize for best FNO entertainment. They’ve enlisted Grammy nominated singer Janelle Monae to perform at their party. Andre Leon Talley will host the mini concert.
London: Urban Outfitters, 200 Oxford Street
Matt Helders of Arctic Monkeys and Supremebeing will link up to perform. The lineup also includes Goldie and a host of DJs.
Paris: Diane von Furstenberg, 29 rue Francais
Techno music lovers take note: The DVF store will stage a special electronic music concert for shoppers.
Milan: Escada, C.so Matteotti 22
DJ Vittoria Brunetti will spin records while model Tatjana Patitz models an exclusive limited edition Escada shirt, which will be on sale.
-Richard Peckett
