Fashion Night Out

Fashion Night Out officially kicks off New York’s “Fashion Week.” But in actuality, it was created to revive consumer habits in a sleepy economy. Profits must have been good, because now cities like Miami are enjoying their own FNO with an annual night of celebrity designer appearance, extended store hours, runway shows, and swag bags. So this Thursday, save our own local economy by burning through the plastic in your wallet. If you don’t start spending, get ready for a War of the Worlds-type stimulus intervention. Recently on CNN, economist Paul Krugman said a fake alien invasion might be in order to end the current economic slump. In lieu of faux, little green men, here are the best places to spend cash at Miami’s Fashion Night Out. At 6 p.m. at the ritzy Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables), FNO lounges will feature DJ Ess & Emm, and you can score a photo-booth shoot with any purchase over $25. Expect dozens of in-store events like an Ocean Drive pop-up shop at Neiman Marcus and cupcakes at Betsey Johnson. Farther south at the Falls (8888 SW 136th St.), highlights include a launch party for the U.K. line Lipsy London at Bloomingdale’s and a therapeutic oxygen bar, which will offer — wait for it! — flavored air. (What? Shopping knocks the wind right out of us.) At Dadeland (7535 N. Kendall Drive, Miami), Miss Miami USA 2012, Melissa Ramirez, will be in attendance, and two FNO shoppers will win hair and makeup makeovers. Sip champagne and enjoy beats by DJ Johnny the Boy while you shop at Chloé at Bal Harbour Shops ( 9700 Collins Ave.), starting at 7 p.m. At nearby Yves Saint Laurent, sip even more bubbly and gobble up macaroons. And if you drop almost $2K for the new YSL handbag, you get YSL sunglasses, a scarf, a beauty kit, and an official Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt with your purchase. Meanwhile, Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Blvd.) hosts celebrity stylist Danny Santiago as well as a vintage fashion exhibit. The first 150 shoppers who spend more than $150 will receive an FNO tote bag designed by Miami fashion designs student Melanie Figueroa Nieves. Admission to all FNO events is free, but the whole point is to spend some dough at checkout. Visit fashionsnightout.com.
Thu., Sept. 8, 2011