Okay, it’s time for us to take out our pom-poms and do the Fashion’s Night Out cheer. We totally agree that it’s been a bit over played and who really wants to do any serious shopping among throngs of drunk partiers but it is kind of fun, right? Drink, eat, gossip, browse, shop…
Still not convinced? Well, we’ve got a plan that will save you the headache of tipsy teens and prissy posers. First, you will need to avoid all department stores. There’s just too much going on and if last year was any indication, customers will be limited due to over capacity.
Next, you’re going to want to choose a neighborhood and stick to it. Cabbing from the LES to the Meat Packing district to mid-town is just a waste of time, energy and money. Finally, choose a few key friends, not an entire posse. You don’t want to be negotiating where to go next with a throng of 15 friends and pseudo-friends.
Here are our top picks for Madison Avenue, after all it’s out specialty. Most of the stores we chose are boutiques where the designers are particularly hospitable and fun.
Missoni
1009 Madison Avenue
Margherita Maccapani Missoni and Luca Missoni are making a special appearance to New York to host a cocktail party in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out. The Madison Avenue boutique will have special limited edition Missoni tote bags for purchase. Guests will also preview the S.Pellegrino Sparkling Water’s exclusive collection bottles specially designed by Missoni. (6-10pm)
Dennis Basso
765 Madison Avenue
The Dennis Basso Boutique will be open from 6:00 to 9:00 pm serving cocktails and hors d’ouvres. The new Fall / Winter 2010 collection will be on display, and Dennis will be there to discuss your selection or to even create an original and special design for you.
Dolce & Gabbana
825 Madison Avenue at 69th
Naomi Campbell will be on hand to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of her career with a collection of limited edition t-shirts featuring and signed by Naomi (6:30pm to 9:45pm.) A Special surprise performance choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson will be from 7:30pm and 9:15pm. Music will be by DJ Lindsey.
Donna Karan Collection
819 Madison Avenue
Jazz pianist, Eric Lewis will be performing in the window of the store on a baby grand piano. We bet Donna will be there to sway to the grooves and clink glasses with her friends and customers.
Roberto Cavalli
711 Madison Avenue
Special celebrity guest DJ Solange Knowles will be spinning. You can safely bet there will be lots of cocktails and interesting conversation.
Michael Kors
667 Madison Avenue
Michael Kors will host live music, entertainment and more. Music from DJ Frank Delour will get you into the groove all night-long. Designer Michael Kors will be on-hand for an exciting personal appearance. Idina Menzel will also be performing live.
Notable Mention:
Norma Kamali
11 West 56th Street
We are always bummed that there are no good sales for FNO, but we found the exception. Norma Kamali will be hosting a sale where styles worth $650 and over will all be reduced to $100 or under. Now that’s my kind of shopping!