Fashion's Night Out: September 10th, 2009

Has the recession got you dragging? Then it's time for Fashion's Night Out. In the words of fabulous Fernando-it's better to look good than to feel good. And face it, didn't the women look damn good during those little bumps in the road known as the Great Depression and World War II?

Now is the time for all good fashionistas to come to the aid of their parties-as in worldwide soirees to beat back the blues. New York City (a country unto itself) joins the nations of The United Kingdom, Greece. Italy, Russia, France, Brazil, India, Spain, China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan in a United Nations effort to combat the world's most dreadful problem-ugliness. Yes, you heard it right, China and Taiwan, at loggerheads to over Taiwan's very existence, have joined forces to insure the continued health of the garment industry. Can world peace be far behind?

Here is the mission statement for this international affair:

"In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals."

You've got to admit, its a better use of money than bailing out banks and poorly-run car companies.

The New York effort is lead by Vogue, NYC & Company, The City of New York and The Council of Fashion Designers. The website helpfully points out that fashion is the second largest industry in New York and employs 175,000 people in 800 companies that generate ten billion dollars in wages. Sounds like reason enough to drop a few sheckles for some new togs doesn't it?

The sponsors are holding out suggestions of flowing champagne, hors' d'oeuvres, sweepstakes, performances, barbeques, musical performances, "shoe capsules", limited edition rings and a host of beautifying services from makeovers and haircuts to "brow bars" at sundry locations.

But what to buy? Fortunately, just in time for the opening of our prime shopping season, New York's powerhouse retailer, Lord and Taylor www.lordandtaylor.com/extra/fno/index.html is sponsoring a program that promises fabulous events on every floor and teases us with a sweepstakes offering a $5,000 dollar grand prize, just enough to guarantee an idle hour of shopping or two in that very grand emporium.

They even have their very own Facebook page with video touting the event. Lest New York's last bout with disaster be forgotten, they are thoughtfully donating 40% of the sales proceeds of a commemorative T-shirt to the September 11th memorial and museum. And they are offering a 2010 FDNY Firefigher's calendar free with a $50.00 purchase to remind us that courage is beautiful too.

Yes, the Karaoke contests and fashion shows are a little light, but who couldn't do with a smile once in a while? And at least Hitler, Franco, Tojo Mussolini and Stalin aren't around for this fashion season.

If you like this, you may also like:

A Guide to New York City's Best Parties
www.associatedcontent.com/article/2104691/guide_to_new_york_citys_best_parties.html

Here is a link to all of my other articles:
www.associatedcontent.com/user/583548/mary_finn.html

Sources:
fashionsnightout.com/