About That Fashion’s Night Out Celebration

Isn’t it nice how quickly Friday rolled around this week?

Today we focus on only one topic, Fashion’s Night Out, last night was the third year for the event, and we’re curious about your thoughts on the celebration. Below we share the official description of FNO.

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy during the recession.

On September 8, 2011, in response to overwhelming demand, Fashion’s Night Out will return to New York City and over 250 cities nationwide to highlight fashion and support retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances.

The event was started by Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, she was a busy lady last night; below we see her with Lea Michele at Saks and with Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein.

Getty Images

Here is another perspective from the City of Light via a Reuters story:

“What I love is to see youngsters,” Dior Chief Executive Sidney Toledano told Reuters in Paris, where thousands thronged the fashion mecca of Avenue Montaigne, home to Dior and to flagships for other luxury brands such as Chanel and Gucci.

“All (these young people) will not become clients, but we need to seduce them today to have them tomorrow,” he said.

In Soho Victoria’s Secret hosted a bevy of beauties: models Alessandra Ambrosio, Erin Heatherton, Adriana Lima and Lily Aldridge.

John Parra/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

There were parties all over the world, including the UK, where we see Samantha Cameron, Asprey managing director Paddy Byng and Vogue UK editor Alexandra Shulman (L) and über-prep Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Stella McCartney at Stella McCartney.

AP via Vogue UK

Back in the States Brooks Brothers Black Fleece designer Thom Browne was at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street Store, while candy store owner Dylan Lauren and pal Olivia Munn were at Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Getty Images

From a story in yesterday’s Times, before the parties got underway.

Fashion’s Night Out, the annual retail bacchanal, is back tonight. The city’s fanciest retail corridors will teem with celebrities, designers and the tipsy shoppers who love them until long after posted store hours say they should.

From another Times story about FNO from today’s paper.

As an attempt at crowd control, many stores kept their guest lists secret until the last minute on Thursday, when word was sent out through Twitter and Facebook.

But just as suddenly as those announcements were made, almost frightening scenes seemed to materialize outside and inside stores like Yves Saint Laurent (for Nicki Minaj), Dolce & Gabbana (Justin Bieber and Beyoncé), Moschino (Cyndi Lauper), Michael Kors (Michael Kors) and Saks (Joe Jonas, plus a cast member from “Glee”).

At the Soho Bloomies there were bunnies.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for GQ

Oscar de la Renta serenaded Sarah Jessica Parker.

Jenna Greene via WWD

The Dolce and Gabbana store was almost overrun by shrieking, weeping teenage girls on hand to see Justin Bieber.

Women's Wear Daily L)/Associated Press (R)

After all was said and done, did cash registers ring up big sales? Was the economy helped? Did people get to interact more personally with brands and designers?  We’ve nary a clue, although we do know some charities will benefit, as varying stores used the event as a fundraiser., and that is a very good thing.

So here’s the question: is Fashion’s Night Out an event that is still needed? Is it necessary, or appropriate to say “Let’s go shopping!” when faced with the current unpleasant economic realities? Does FNO offer a fun (and free if you don’t purchase anything!) and frivolous celebration that at the least can’t hurt the industry? Or has it become simply another celebrity-laden marketing tool?

As we clearly don’t have the answers we’re asking for your insight and gracious assistance, hoping you will take part in our utterly non-scientific poll. You can pick one or two answers (no more than that) and even add a suggested answer of your own.  It will be wonderful to see your thoughts, thank you!

Dylan Lauren’s Wedding Gown, “Preppy Chic”

Hello-Hello, welcome to another wacky day here at The Prepatorium, where once again business obligations force brevity.

We begin with a look at the wedding gown Ralph Lauren created for his daughter Dylan.

Sebastian Kim via Vogue Magazine

The candy store entrepreneur married hedge fund manager Paul Arrouet last month, and many have been eager to see the gown, interested in how a design by Mr. Lauren would turn out. Everyone involved in the wedding has done a remarkable job keeping photos of the dress under wraps, it is amazing in this day and age there haven’t been pictures posted online, either legitimately or ‘leaked’ by someone involved with the dress or the wedding.

This is the first photo we have seen of the silk gown, it had a mermaid style hem, including a nine-foot train. Here is a little more from The Daily Mail:

“…a handmade duchesse satin, silk tulle, georgette embroidered dress with a tiered train.  The custom-made gown, which she wears for a photoshoot celebrating her marriage in the August issue of Vogue, was kept under security guard at Ralph Lauren’s New York headquarters prior to the wedding.

There is also a story about the wedding in the magazine from Andre Leon Talley with loads of details about the big day. The photo seen above is part of Vogue’s online slide show featuring people in its annual age issue, done every August and showcasing elegance across a broad spectrum of years.

Vogue

This is always a good issue, one we enjoy very much reading.

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One other note about Ms. Lauren, she has designed a Maclaren baby stroller in a design tied to her Candy Bar look and logo.

Via Maclaren

The stroller is the Volo style, available online at Maclaren and other retailers for $150.

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Also today, InStyle has yet another take on ‘Preppy Chic,’ showing items they deem to fall into this category.  We share just a few, including a Timex Resin ‘Camper’ Watch and Tommy Hilfiger Linen/Cotton Boyfriend Cardigan. (This is a nice blend for a summer sweater, we don’t own this particular item but have pieces in the same fabric, they breath wonderfully in the heat.)

The online feature also highlights ‘Quip Thank You’ cards by Kate Spade and a Lacoste Camellia polo shirt, today’s Pretty in Pink.

To see the rest of the slide show click here.

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We wanted to share one more tidbit, what one publication is describing as “Oscar de la Renta’s preppy princess”.

Oscar de la Renta via Grazia UK

That’s how UK fashion magazine Grazia titled its early look at the fall ad campaign for the line, the ads features supermodel Karlie Kloss.

The story also links to a short video with several different looks from Oscar de la Renta’s fall collection.

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Before we say goodbye, Tilly insists we say ‘Thank You’ on her behalf for your more-than-generous-support of her new role as shipping manager here at the Princess.  She is especially grateful to those understanding her need to take her 15-minute break, the pressure-cooker environment is wearing her out.

Employee of the Month? We Think Not.

Our only problem is that Tilly’s 15 minute breaks happen every 15 minutes.

Goodbye until next time!

Neiman Marcus Sells a Chevy, Tory’s Trike & Chanel Runway Show

Hello to a Wednesday that is sunny and warm, we are so grateful for the lovely weather, but also realize many of our friends are enjoying cooler temps and fall fashions.

Another sign of the changing seasons has arrived: the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Neiman Marcus

Famed for its over the top gift items, this is the 50th Anniversary for the specialty catalog. Among the possibilities? Your own Luxury Houseboat.

Neiman Marcus

That gift might necessitate a call to the person handling your trust fund, it is $250,000.  A vehicle requiring less of an investment, the Tory Burch Family Chariot Tricycle.

Neiman Marcus

This is far more manageable at only $4500.

For those interested in a little snack the edible Gingerbread Playhouse from Dylan’s Candy Bar might be appropriate.

Neiman Marcus

Unfortunately the $15000 doesn’t cover future dental bills, possibly a concern when considering:

“… 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by the expert confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar®. The munchable manor, which stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide by 4.1 feet deep, … it includes giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops, and (of course) a candy-encrusted roof. There’s also a lollipop tree inside, just for good measure.”

An alternative?

Neiman Marcus

The Petit Fours are a mere $35 and cover a myriad of gift-giving obligations.

Frankly, we would not want the task of managing an endeavor like the Christmas Book, how does one compile a vast array of luxury items without sinking into conspicuous consumption?

One cute idea for followers of the annual catalog and some of the best known His & Hers gifts:

Neiman Marcus

An ornament ($48) in honor of the 1996 H/H gift, a personal Airstream Trailer decorated by Mackenzie-Childs.  Here is a look inside the actual Airstream from that year:

Below left, an ornament remembering the 1971 Sarcophagus gift, and on the right, one recognizing the 2003 Robot gift.

Perhaps an effort at a more egalitarian tone, this year’s car is a Chevy.

However, it is a $75000 Special Edition Camaro made especially for Neimans, so buying two might be deemed extravagant. Let your conscience be your guide.

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We offer a very quick glance at Chanel for next spring.

Classic suits with a contemporary touch.

Below we show a dress in the process of being fitted ten days ago, and then as it looked on the runway yesterday.

A snippet from the WWD review:

“Although the ideas came too fast and plentiful for full absorption, there were some clear motifs. Lagerfeld’s favorite jacket is a short tweed with a loose back, with black leather in concert with a vibrant tweed or print a racy alternative.

In the “unlikely to be seen in our walk-in” category:

Back to the review:

“He likes, but is no slave to, longer lengths. Colors were ample black, sometimes with white; silver metallics and gentle pastels, including a sunny shock of yellow.”

We’re pretty sure the jacket above left is stunning in person.

The usual mass of celebrities were on hand for the show, including Claudia Schiffer and Leigh Lezark.

Ann Wintour looked rushed, and we love the new do for Keira Knightley.

Two more exquisite styles.

It was good to see the return of Inès de la Fressange, long the face of the brand in the 1980’s before a split with Designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Giovanni Gianonni/WWD

But our favorite look from the runway?

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

On that delightful image we say “Thank You” to our treasured readers for popping in and visiting our goofy blog today!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Chanel: Dominique Maitre/WWD
• Chanel: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty
• Chanel: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
• Francois Durand/Getty

Lhuillier Bliss, FNO Plans of a Preppy Sort

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a wacky Wednesday that feels like a Tuesday. We cannot tell you how many times TSU has been required to answer the question “Okay, quick, is Tuesday or Wednesday?” But there shan’t be any complaining about the shortened week here at the Prepatorium, nay-nay, it is a lovely concept, simply bliss in our little brain!

Speaking of such, has everyone heard about the more affordable line coming from gown designer extraordinaire Monique Lhuillier? That is the name of her new line, “Bliss“.  The eagle eyes over at StyleList mentioned it in a post last week, including these sketches:

Courtesy Photo via StyleList

As the article details:

“The line will offer dresses in the best lace, organza and silk, featuring both ML’s signature embellishments and flair for fashion, but priced for the masses.”

Pricepoints for the gowns are expected to range from $2,300 to $3,500; the line will include fifteen styles available this fall.

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Is everyone familiar with FNO, Fashion’s Night Out? The brainchild of Anna Wintour, it is officially described as a “global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion…”. We like Christina Binkley’s description better, as seen in this Journal story:

“… a global pep rally sponsored by two fashion icons, Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg.”

“The goal is to revive the now-comatose basic human urge to snap up lipstick, socks, neckties, designer gowns, jewelry, handbags and all the other goodies that people cut—with a certain pride—from their household budgets…”

All over the country tomorrow night hundreds of stores will be staying open until at least 11pm, offering special promotions, gifts with purchase, and more. Events range from free chocolates at Maison du Chocolat (the Rockefeller Center store) to the Olsen twins serving drinks at Bergdorf Goodman.

If not out watching the Open, shoppers at Cole-Haan (on Madison) can meet Maria Sharapova, showing her new Collection again (previewed in this post), while also sampling goodies from Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Fashion's Night Out

As is the case with almost any event held these days, one may acquire a tee-shirt commemorating the occasion. For those not attending in person, the shirt is available online at Needless Markup Neiman Marcus.  The nice thing about the tee? 40% of the proceeds are being donated to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.

A number of Preptastic retailers are participating, including Lilly Pulitzer.

Lilly plans include giving shoppers a chance to see some of the amazing designers in action at the Mother Ship on Madison Avenue, and it seems there will be liquid refreshments as well, the invitation does say “Cocktails and creativity will flow.” For more on all of the Lilly events, click here.

Tory Burch has even designed a special tote for the occasion.

Purchase *anything* at either the Nolita or Meatpacking stores and one of the limited edition totes is yours. Kate Spade shoppers have an opportunity to party, as the retailer is offering cha-cha lessons and Havana highballs will be served!

Brooks Brothers is unveiling a yet-to-be-announced product, Polo Ralph Lauren is hosting an art event, and J. Crew is promoting their Jewelry/Accessories store by offering refreshments and a chance to meet a jewelry designer.

We have read of several bloggers planning to partake of the festivities, including the fabulous Magnolias, Marriage & Manhattan. There are also events scheduled all over the country, including Los Angeles and Orange County, San Francisco and Chicago.  If interested, check online, in the local newpaper or at the official FNO site. For a list of events in London, click here.

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One other quick note: the Anna Sui Gossip Girl-inspired line for Target launches tomorrow. Below, a look at the ‘Blair dress‘ as seen in a print ad for the retailer.

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We close with a few more lines from Ms. Binkley’s excellent story about tomorrow’s big events:

“But can fashionable entertainment persuade people to pay full price when they are still feeling queasy and bloated from over-spending?

Discounting is a matter of supply and demand. During the boom, luxury goods and fashion brands became so plentiful that they turned into commodities. Stores, carrying the same items around the world, were left to compete on little more than price when the recession set in.”

We are curious about your thoughts on shopping…? Do you spend less time engaged in that activity than you did a year or two ago? Did you always look for bargains regardless of the economy, or are you more cognizant of that now?  Do you have any concerns about being perceived as someone who is a conspicuous consumer, or are things essentially the same? Is your perception of luxury different in any way?

You know TP has an inquiring mind, and she is simply dying to hear your reactions to this idea of an evening spent celebrating shopping.

Cartier Has a Party, Mascara Wars Round 3, Anti-Preps Update

Hello-Hello!

Well, if it isn’t a major Monday.

We extend our apologies to those readers subjected to this post’s predecessor, the incomplete horror that yours truly somehow managed to publish late last evening.  (Trust TP when we say it was not ready for primetime, not ready for any time.) Upon discovering our little boo-boo this morning we went for the online circular file, the DEL key.

Friday we mentioned the news about Tiffany’s acquisition of upscale leather goods firm Lambertson Truex. Today we mark a major event at another iconic jeweler, Cartier. The jeweler is celebrating their 100th Anniversary in America; one of the galas honoring the occasion took place late last week.

Preps on hand included Tory Burch (L) and Dylan Lauren.  The über-talented Bruce Weber edited a possible addition to the library:

Cartier I Love You hits stores mid-June, but can be pre-ordered at most local bookstores as well as online sites such as Amazon.

One more online shopping note, Ms. Lauren’s company, Dylan’s Candy Bar, now has online ordering, all the better to put a five-pack of Barbie Chocolate Bars in the mail.

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We have another party story, this one an update to our post “A Derby Dustup?” that looked at dueling Derby parties. It appears the 20th annual Barnstable Brown gala continues to be a hit with locals and some celebrities.

PHOTO: Darron Cummings

As seen in the photo, even an Anti-Prep was in attendance at Brownstable Brown.  Other attendees at this year’s festivities included Brooke Shields, Kid Rock, Danica Patrick, and Gretchen Wilson.  To be fair, we’ve yet to speak with anyone about the ‘competing’ party at Briar Rose Estate, so this is a not-quite-complete assessment of things.

Ms. Hilton was not the only AntiPrep spotted in Louisville over the weekend:

PHOTO: Brian Bohannon

Yes, it is the one and only Kim Kardashian.  Frankly, she has upgraded her look of late, looking much less tarted up. (Well… what adjective would you suggest we use? Honestly.)

For years (and years) TP understood that Kentucky horse country was a bastion of, well, to be vulgar, old money. Notwithstanding the stray Sheik or Prince of course, although much of that money is older than dirt.

Clearly things have changed over the decades. Perhaps the Stealth Deflecting shield was down.

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Regular readers may recall some of our posts last summer on the new vibrating mascara hitting the market. According to Elle’s Beauty Intelligence blog we have word that a more egalitarian cosmetics company is going to offer the same thing:

“Enter Maybelline’s new Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara: With 7,000 vibrations per minute the brush wraps each lash with a thickening, lengthening formula.

Courtesy Maybelline

The story does explain how to get a sneak peek at this entrant to the wand wars:

“The product won’t be available in drugstores until July 2009, but you can try out the mascara earlier by logging onto Target, Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens websites May 18 for an exclusive online (one day only!) preview sale.”

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We have a brief look at some of this season’s fabulous knits from John Smedley, a company we have previously raved about.  We toddled back to the online store this morning when we should have been working to look at their S/S ’09 offerings; we were not disappointed. Below, Smedley’s Cindilou for women. We’ll fudge the line a bit and use this cardigan for today’s Adventure in Argyle.

Courtesy John Smedley

Below, the Islington classic cardigan, offered in a rainbow of colors, but shown in pink so we might say it is included in the Pretty In Pink collection.

Courtesy John Smedley

Next, the men’s Gaston, a little precious for TSU (The Spousal Unit) but we adore the look.

Courtesy John Smedley

The retailer also has a small collection of great looks for children.  The merchandise is available at a number of upscale US retailers including Barneys and Bergdorf.

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Over the last 18 months or so we have met some of the nicest people online; one such doll runs Two Preppy Girls.

How is that for a look? Margaret’s shop offers fun car and wall decals, checkbook covers and headwear.

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Again, our apologies to those who may have ended up with the previous version of this in their Google readers.  We must say, one of the benefits of Twitter is knowing we are not alone in having a less-than-auspicious start to the week! (To follow us, just click here.)

With this we say g’bye until next time.

NOTE: Cartier party photos by Steve Eichner for WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.).