Fashion's Night Out Ready To Shine

It’s no secret that the economy has been faltering. Like a pre-teen in high heels for the first time, it has been awkwardly stumbling about trying to find its footing and obtain some measure of balance. People have stopped spending during the recent recession—they’ve pinched their purses shut and have made the economy’s climb to recovery an even steeper challenge. The fashion industry—large department stores and small boutiques alike—has been struggling noticeably to stand tall. Thus, in an effort to stabilize retail businesses, the city of New York established Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) four years ago.

Enticing consumers with high excitement events such as surprise designer appearances, famous celebrity guests, exclusive fashion shows, and musical performances, the fashion industry of New York City, including Vogue Magazine, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Co., and the city of Manhattan itself, fell together to organize this then unprecedented, now global, initiative. Over the past few years, the event has evolved into an iconic extravaganza for fashionistas worldwide. FNO is coordinated in the cities of 18 individual countries, from Milan to Bombay and from Tokyo to Boston.

Though this year will be only the second year Beantown takes part in celebrating the occasion, FNO Boston is expected to be a stunning success. It was planned and produced by city locals and fashion experts Michelle McCormack and Rich Villani for the past two years. Boston is by no means as large or as busy as New York, but it is most certainly vibrant and diverse, and McCormack stated in an interview last year that it “is way cooler than it was … in the 1990s … That’s why [she] think[s] Boston is ready for this.”

As a matter of fact, the city seems to be more than ready for FNO. Every day, an increasing number of stores are joining in support of the cause. All along Newbury Street, signs are plastered on the display windows. Like last year, the whole road will be blocked off to cars, making it a perfect, colorful venue to host this late-night shopping block party. Moreover, to enhance and cultivate the party scene, several performance stages will be erected on many of the street corners. Clearly, there seems to be no limit to what McCormack and Villani can do. The event is backed and endorsed, furthermore, by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, so who knows—the Pru might even be lit up with hot pink lights again.

The program will definitely be more dazzling and grand than it was last year. With plans to extend to retail venues beyond Back Bay, such as Downtown Crossing, Faneuil Hall, and the South End, FNO visitors will be able, as Menino put it, “to take advantage of all that Boston has to offer.” Further, Menino’s promised “cultural” and “artistic” attractions will inevitably add to the allure of this year’s FNO. With that in mind, guests should be sure to visit Villani’s “Before I die … wall” on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, either before or after their shopping sprees.

Countries worldwide are brought together culturally through fashion, and they’re bound together financially through the global economy. Whether visitors stroll down Newbury or meander around Copley for tonight’s event, they’ll be playing a crucial role in supporting a universal enterprise.