Early this year the Council of Fashion Designers of America indefinitely canceled Fashion’s Night Out, the annual block-party-like event that brought stores, salons, and designers together for a weekend of fashion events. The event, which originated in New York and was organized in partnership with Vogue, was nixed nationwide, much to the dismay of fashion-addicted Washingtonians who viewed FNO as a way to come together with their creative peers (and shop, obviously). Thankfully, the Georgetown Business Improvement District stepped up to the plate, and has organized an entire FNO-like weekend full of soirees and shows—including major sales at local shops, something the original event often lacked. The three-day event, dubbed FAD (short for Fashion + Art + Design) is poised to be an impressive replacement for its reputable predecessor. Here are six reasons to check it out.
1) Parties hosted by your favorite bloggers
E of District of Chic and Krystin Hargrove of Be Loud Be You host a music- and (pumpkin-flavored!) cocktail-filled bash at Tari boutique. The party takes place at 6 Friday—the weekend’s designated “fashion night”—and also features a styling competition, the winners of which receive free manis courtesy of NailChic. Bonus: Buy anything in the store and get a second item half off throughout the evening.
2) Can’t-miss discounts, sales, and giveaways
The options are endless. Shoppers of all tastes can find a store or three to suit their fancy this weekend; we’re talking promotions ranging from 80 percent off at Duo to gifts with purchase at United Colors of Benetton to a trunk show at See Optical. For a full list of sales, visit FAD’s website.
3) A hands-on art education
While Fashion’s Night Out was solely focused on fashion, art plays a huge role on Saturday at FAD. Shops and galleries will host artist appearances (such as Robert Shields at Boffi-Maxalto), DIY arts and crafts sessions (Topaz + Arrow at Flor), and displays of original, famous artwork (pieces by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol at Georgetown Frame Shoppe). See more online.
4) Support for local designers and artists
Urban Chic hosts a trunk show Thursday and Friday for an array of DC-based designers: On Thursday, you can meet the creative minds while you shop the fall collections of Solsak, Gigee Marie, and Mona Assemi, and on Friday you can score their goods for 15 to 20 percent off. Heiner Contemporary hosts local artist Rachel Farbiarz as she presents new drawings and collages at the high-end gallery.
5) Celebrity treatment
Lots of stores that don’t typically offer personal shopping and styling services will provide it to customers throughout the weekend; stop by J.Crew, Buffalo Exchange, Sherman Pickey, and Madewell to take advantage of the services. After you’ve been pampered, walk one of the three red carpets in the glamified neighborhood and have your photo taken by Worn Creative—it will then be projected on a screen at PNC Bank, the location of FAD’s Fashion Lounge.
6) Stylish (and free) transportation
New Uber users can enjoy a free ride up to $15 at anytime during the fashionable three days using code FADGEORGETOWN. A free electric “e-cruiser” shuttle will also be on-site throughout, offering gratis rides to help you get to and from the weekend’s countless events. It runs from 2 to 10 on Thursday and Friday and noon to 10 on Saturday.
