FNO Tampa Bay: part one

As everyone knows FNO was September 8th! I went to the one at International Plaza and it was spectacular. 

Water and hors d'oeuvres greeted the guests at Dillard's; the smell was intoxicating. It was a mix of the food and hints of perfume from the counter and somehow it just worked. Even though it was the mall you'd think it was the streets of NYC, women dressed the part in sky-high heels and mini skirts, music blasting from a DJ booth located in the center of the shoes. As many worshipers flock to the holy land the same was true for those faithful to fashion. International Plaza had become the mecca of all things fashion, if only for one night.

 Dillard's really made this a night to remember. Outside of the level one entrance they had a fashion show set up, guests filled the seats anxiously awaiting what fall trends they would be met with this year. As the models strutted down the runway oohs and ahs rang out from the audience.  Some designs were gorgeous like a one shoulder silk chiffon sequined number while others, like a certain long blue dress resembled that from a prom and missed the mark. My only critique of this fashion show is that the models walked way too fast down the runway.

Dillard's also had a fall make-up session where guests paid $50 a seat to learn about new trends and received a goody bag and entered a contest. You could also stand behind the velvet ropes and watch. Jose Perez from Chanel was there and talked about how the company invented lipstick and has the perfect red (I agree). At least for me I would never pay $50 to hear this presentation because most of it became one huge "I knew that" moment but the guests enjoyed every moment. Pictured below is Perez.

As the night was one, there was no sign of a recession, no distress. Bags filled the arms of women and men alike, we were in our own little utopia; a place where fashion reigned and money flowed. Every purchase made added a little more happiness and peace to the world. This night gave retail therapy a new name; with 9/11 looming on the horizon, all the wars and market failures, Fashion’s Night Out proved to be an epic success.

Now time for some pictures!