The Low Down on Fashion’s Night Out Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES–Last year, the city of Los Angeles was relatively quiet on Fashion’s Night Out. That won’t be the case on September 10. With the Beverly Center serving as the central hub of activities, the 5pm opening ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Vogue’s Lisa Love, and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Throughout the evening, two fashion shows will be held in the center of the mall and one at Macy’s, with 100% of the stores (everyone from Bloomingdale’s to Forever 21) participating until 10pm.

But if you prefer boutiques over billboards, the Beverly Center is kindly offering free parking from 4pm to 10pm so you can hop on one of many LADOT DASH buses. [Ed. note: I've been on a bus in LA and I promise it's not that scary, people.] They’re providing complimentary transportation to the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods. Over 300 retailers are registered to throw parties, offer special sales and giveaways, and host a celebrity or designer appearance or two. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on:

* Melrose Ave: Alexander McQueen is featuring special FNO bracelets, there will be a “wild photo booth” complete with props at Betsey Johnson, and a chess competition (?!) at G-Star Raw. Oh, and champagne at Marc Jacobs!
* Robertson Blvd: Stop by Gap’s 1969 jeans shop to do a fit session with creative director Rosella Giuliani and her design team. Supposedly there is also a scavenger hunt along the whole street, with winners receiving a gift bag with goodies from each store.
* West Third Street (not to be confused with 3rd St. Promenade): Newly opened Magnolia Bakery will be offering FNO themed cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth before you head over to Hillary Rush to preview a new handbag line and snag some “stellar” gifts with purchase. Also, Milk is generously giving away a $250 gift certificate to the most fashionably dressed person in attendance.
* Venice’s Abbot Kinney: Guests can meet Oliver Peoples’ designer Larry Leight in Abbot Kinney Court with complimentary drinks being poured all night.
* Los Feliz: Confederacy is where all the fun is at in this part of town with a rumored celebrity appearance, DJ, and cocktails.
* Downtown LA is getting in on the action, hosting a vintage fashion show at the Cooper Design Space and the Cynthia Rowley mobile fashion truck in the heart of the fashion district.

If that isn’t enough for you, the city is hosting a “post retail fashion celebration”–a.k.a. after party–when the stores close up at 10pm. Simply bring a receipt showing that you spent a minimum of $25 at one of the FNO retailers and you can join the parties being held at Industry or XIV. Who says you have to be on “the list”?

For all the FNO Los Angeles details, be sure to visit FNO.lacity.org or follow them on Twitter (@FNOlosangeles) for the latest updates.

LA’s official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt will also be available at participating retailers and the FIDM Book Store. All proceeds go to the California Fashion Foundation which provides scholarships to fashion students.