#FNO
On almost a whim I went down to London after work on Thursday 6th September for Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. I’d applied for tickets for the Alexander McQueen Party and thought it is an opportunity not to be missed. So I hopped on the train for a fleeting visit to our amazing capital.
FNO, an event that supports the charity Refuge, has been running for 3 years now and has become a key date in the fashion calendar – with many cities across the world taking part hosting their own events. It’s a celebration of fashion and retail, but also of food and drink and music all mixing together to generate an exciting spectacle of fashion, creativity and fun.
I headed straight to Regent Street to take a look in Cos. Those who know me, know that it would be virtually impossible for me to go to London and not pay a visit to Cos! (I bought a few things…) Oh and enjoyed my fist two glasses of champagne of the evening too… :)
There was already a real buzz of excitement around this whole area; Regent Street, Conduit Street, Bond Street and Old Bond Street. Queue’s were forming outside many stores and boutiques, with expectant groups hoping to see some new product previews, enter competitions for some truly fabulous prizes, to take advantage of offers and discounts offered and generally to soak up the atmosphere alongside thousands of like-minded people all out to celebrate fashion.
Venturing over to Old Bond Street, you could feel the buzz growing – bands playing, music blaring and crowds gathering. The street was shut off with carpet laid out, a Burlesque Band and performers were parading down the street who then went on to perform throughout Burlington Arcade. I actually got goose bumps walking down Old Bond Street – it really made me smile. The atmosphere was ace. I stared in astonishment at the queue for Alexander McQueen which spanned the length of the street. I thought I had to at least try to get in to the store so I queued for 30 mins or so – however I knew I would have been there all night and there were other places I wanted to go.
So I walked over to Covent Garden to go to the Opening Ceremony pop up store and their Korean themed street party. SUCH a cool place! Great music and an awesome collection of clothes including an ace Gitman Bros shirt..! Met some great people – all seemingly of the same enthusiasm and excitement for the night.
I was only down there for 3 hours or so but I was totally enraptured by the whole event. I absolutely loved it! Next year I will spend more time there for sure and will try to get as many people to come with me as possible – for I am certain they would enjoy it as much as I did.
What a fantastic concept though – for most people the world of fashion is experienced mainly through high street and online shopping, and magazines, which although inspiring and exciting in their own way, do not actually ‘involve’ you a massive amount. However Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out allows everyone to join in and be part of the celebration of Fashion. Just brilliant.
So who is coming with me next year??
