"I was wondering why all these fashion folk were everywhere."

Quoting a friend (thanks Mike!) who was catching a movie in the city on the evening of Fashion's Night Out, not having a clue about the event. But judging from his statement, and much of the press who have reported on the turnout of the occasion, these "fashion folk" were, indeed, EVERYWHERE. I tip my hat to Anna Wintour and Vogue, whose ideas to provoke interest in the fashion industry seem never-failing. It certainly was a brilliant way to kick off Fashion Week; a generous way to share with the general public what used to be a thing only the privileged could enjoy. My experience at FNO was a good one, despite having to cut my night short (eh, work the next morning). Though it was often difficult weaving through the throngs of people, it was still pretty nifty to see the mixed crowds brought on by the event. On the streets of SoHo, where I mostly stayed, girls and guys alike wore their best threads, even braving the intermittent rainfall just to show off their personal style to the rest of the world. And every store had its own little soiree going on, some with drinks and live music provided.

The highlight of my evening occurred while I was strolling past Payless without knowledge that Patricia Field -- the revered costume designer/stylist best known and responsible for the avant-garde style of Carrie Bradshaw & the rest of the girls of Sex and the City -- was going to be there! She was more than happy to take pictures and sign autographs for fans, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. She was kind, lively, and very at ease, even as the crowd in the store was growing. If anything, she became even more eager to mingle with every new person that walked in to meet her. Before leaving, I thanked Patricia for her graciousness and told her how happy I was to have met her. She replied, "It was great meeting you, too, and I hope you have a wonderful life." I was very much obliged. I hope the rest of you that attended FNO had as good a time as I did. Enjoy the rest of Fashion Week!

LINK | Patricia Field Online (Boutique) | Patricia Field's Blog | Fashion Week Daily