‘Fashion Night Out’ comes to Kansas City

Plaza, Zona Rosa and Power and Light to hold promotional events

Many Kansas City fashionistas squealed with glee as the announcement came that this fashion forward city was chosen to be a part of the world famous Fashion Night Out 2011.

For the first time, local shopping districts Zona Rosa, the Country Club Plaza and the Power and Light District will come together to offer a special shopping event in conjunction with New York City’s popular Fashion’s Night Out.

Both events will be held Thursday, Sept. 8.

Fashion’s Night Out was originally created in 2009 as a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York to gain excitement for shopping and to restore consumer confidence.

It sets itself apart by including designers in their actual stores and elevating the level of VIP treatment.

Kansas City will participate along with Milan, Atlanta and Los Angeles and many other cities throughout the world in a simultaneous Fashion’s Night Out celebration.

Locally, the night will include special promotions in stores, live music, fashion shows, live models, celebrities, makeovers, food, drink sampling and more.

Randall Schneck, General Manager at Garment District Boutique Collective in Power and Light, said he hoped the event will help publicize his store.

“This is the first year for it,” Schneck said. “Economically, we’re all just attacking this from a branding perspective. Though we do expect some great revenue off of this event, the main focus is to educate the market.”

Schneck also sat on the committee that organized the event globally.

“Zona Rosa is excited to host a variety of Fashion Night Out events this year,” Zona Rosa General Manager Rosemary Salerno said. “We’re especially thrilled to have a celebrity here to help us debut this amazing celebration of all things fashion.”

Fashion expert and critic Steven Cojocaru will be at Zona Rosa’s Town Square at 7 p.m., and will select one lucky person to receive a $2,500 fashion makeover complete with hair, makeup and clothing from Zona Rosa stores and salons.

“All customers may register to win one of 12 pairs of designer shoes, courtesy of Dillard’s. Purchase exclusive FNO shirts, totes and hats, direct from New York, only at Zona Rosa,” Salerno added.

Not wanting to travel far from campus?

The Country Club Plaza is excited to offer discounts and great shopping experiences at more than 70 retailers and restaurants, including the opening of the new Michael Kors store at 325 Nichols Rd. across from MAC Cosmetics.

Head to Nichols Road and Wyandotte Streets near Halls for complimentary champagne and carriage rides around the Plaza (courtesy of Surrey’s and McCormick & Schmick’s).

cfiles@unews.com