Friday night: New York City groaned and sagged (just shy of split at the seams) as it struggled to cope with the many thousands of fashion fanatics racing from one Fashion’s Night Out event to the next. With countless events on offer, across all neighbourhoods, and with only a small window in which to enjoy them, little wonder carefully considered itineraries were as ubiquitous as flutes of wannabe champagne and credit cards wearing thin.
For many, myself included, the odyssey began at the
Ace Hotel, where
Opening Ceremony, the super hip store found on the ground floor, opened its doors out into the lobby, making way for a self-styled “frenchie flea market”. On offer were designer wares from the likes of
Band of Outsiders and Alexander Wang (who was there, by the way, flanked by Abby Lee and Lily Donaldson) at gloriously discounted prices.
From there, slightly sozzled and laden with shopping bags, yet keen to see more, much, much more, the crowd dispersed. To where depended on one’s taste, mood and mode of transport Thought high on everyone’s agendas was Dolce and Gabanna, where Naomi Campbell was scheduled to dance a choreographed number; Dior, where Pat McGrath, Orlando Pita and Patrick Demarchelier were making over a lucky few; Balenciaga, where both Cindy Sherman and Karen Elson were on display; Barney’s, where Mary-Kate and Ashley were judging a karaoke competition; and Giorgio Armani, where Lauren Hutton was due to make an appearance.
No kidding, that’s a lot to achieve in one night. As a matter of fact I didn’t see anywhere near what I’d planned. The crowds and the queues were, as one friend described, “biblical”, thus more time was spent getting to and getting into each event than at the event its self. But then what were we expecting? I mean much of fashion will forever remain elusive, a desire never quite realized, so why would Fashion’s Night Out be any different? Will I go again? Probably. But next time I’m keeping my itinerary, and my cab fares, to a minimum.