British Vogue’s Fashion Night Out (FNO) has been held in the vibrant city of London over the last four years. But this year, Manchester is stealing the capital city’s thunder. Yes, your dreams have come true: Vogue has chosen Manchester as the host of this year’s huge fashion event on Thursday 10th October in aid of Save the Children charity. With over 100 brands taking part, such as Mulberry, Barbour, Bobbi Brown and high street faves like River Island, you can expect discounts for their AW13 collections, freebies, a complimentary glass (pronounced “glarss”) of Champagne and, most importantly, fashion-inspired after-parties serving one-off Vogue cocktails.
In the words of Beyoncé Knowles: "Do the Naomi Campbell walk, Naomi Campbell walk"
If you fancy yourself a fashionista, pull on those Louboutin stilettos and totter around Manchester Exchange Court in the Arndale Centre among the other Manchester fashion hotspots and engage in the hottest fashion event this season. The biggest fashion night of shopping, mini-makeovers, live fashion shows, outfit advice, celebrity talks and appearances, DJs (such as the icon that is Jameela Jamil), and much much more will be gracing our, yes our, terrain.
It’s about time really; Manchester was once at the pinnacle of the textile industry and was one of the first industrialised cities. Reputed as a city with taste, creativity and edge, attracting people from all regions to its retail stores, it’s no wonder that we are finally being given the limelight. British Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman said that "Manchester's importance to fashion is unquestionable. Bringing Fashion's Night Out to its streets is the next logical step in the evolution of Fashion's Night Out in the UK." We agree.
Strike a pose. Vogue.
The After Parties : The Important Bit
Much of the FNO shopping will be finishing around 10pm, so, naturally you’re going to need somewhere to rest those aching ankles and set down those huge shopping bags after your tiring day of getting free things, free drinks, discounts and being star-struck by supermodels. It can all make one positively parched darling, so grab a drink at any one of the after-party bars between the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields. As part of FNO, The Alchemist bar will be serving a ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ inspired cocktail whilst screening the film, and has specially designed a cocktail menu inspired by fashion icons, and, wait for it… these cocktails are 2 for 1. Australasia's Grand Pacific Bar and Garden (next to Armani, fittingly) will also be serving bespoke FNO cocktails for one night only, while guest DJs play until the small hours of the morning. Or if you fancy something a little more Sex-in-the-City, head down to Manhattan style bar Neighbourhood and drink a vogue-style cocktail created for the Fashion Night Out.
If you’re looking for something a bit larger, the Malmaison is hosting an after-party to remember with DJs and live music from I Am A Camera, and Vogue’s very own Julia Hobbs will be sipping on the range of ‘Fashionista’ low calorie cocktails that Malmaison are offering for the occasion. Along with rubbing shoulders with such high calibre fashion celebs, Malmaison are giving you the chance to win dinner, bed & breakfast as part of their ‘Girls Night In’ competition and other spa related treats.
The multi-award winning Radisson Blu hotel is also inviting us to Opus Reserve, their champagne bar, to celebrate the end of our Fashion Night Out where we can enjoy two free tasters with every bottle of champers purchased, and cocktails ranging from £10. If you’re feeling peckish after a hard night's work then you can head over to their lobster restaurant, or you can simply continue shopping with a personalised shopper from Selfridges who will be on hand to pick out your perfect outfit.
Watch fashion catwalk shows at Manchester Exchange Court on the night.
So head to town and strike a pose in your own Vogue Fashion Night Out t-shirt (available to purchase at many stores on the night) on Thursday 10th October to celebrate Manchester’s recognition as a fashion capital akin to other impressive super-cities all over the world.
