FNO in NYC is a whirlwind of activities. It’s easy to get caught up in the major department stores that have designers, models, celebrities, games, giveways and more, but some of the hottest venues can be in the boutiques. From the huge event at Hayden Harnett in Brooklyn, to SOHO street parties, Midtown QVC pop-up at Rockefeller Center to the Meatpacking Districts pure unadulterated frenzy of fashion, you simply want to be everywhere. Too bad, it’s only five hours long or I would do my best to do just that! Instead, I researched the FNO website and had to carefully edit my priority list of places and people I wanted to see.
After my foray to Saks, I had to go further uptown to the Judith Leiber boutique where 100 lucky customers were treated to a fabulous Judith Leiber clutch for $100!! Yes, that’s right. Just $100 for a classic and amazing Judith Leiber. I arrived in the nick of time and managed to get the last bag. Of course none of the hard-sided bags were available but I think mine is beautiful just the same. The white satin glows and the beautiful crystals are like a beacon in the night! We had a surprise visit by some very handsome NY Firemen and the ladies sipping on free cocktails greatly appreciated their visit! Also on-hand, Molly Sims and Alexandra Lebenthal, author The Recessionista.
Next up, was Jeffrey in the Meatpacking District. Christina Ricci was on-hand to sign autographs while many lucky shoppers snagged a Proenza Schouler bag for $250. Unfortunately, I was not one of them! So many other designers on-hand, it was hard to see them all!
I finished up the evening at Diane von Furstenberg where the entire store had been emptied of its contents and was full of FNO revellers dancing to the vibes of guest DJ with the assistance of Ms. Furstenberg! HP had it’s media studio set up for a true social media experience!
The adventure continued the next morning at Lincoln Center as models, industry insiders and celebrities paraded by in some of the hottest looks you can find. J. Crew president Jenna Lyons decked out in military style, Kate Lamphear, style director of Elle decked out in ultra-glam, Jessica Stam in edgy rocker and Jessica Szohr in chic sophistication paired with her Alexander Wang bag were a few of the highlights!