by Azizah Hines
photography by Two Eagles Marcus
Last night the world threw the ultimate soiree celebrating fashion. The red carpet was rolled out in over 100 cities and 18 countries, spanning 5 continents. Over 60 retailers worked in collaboration to host Grand Rapids’ third annual Fashion Night Out. Shoppers were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvers, live music, and the latest trends. Models with avant garde hair and make-up mingled with shoppers and posed in store windows. Thousands of Grand Rapidians traversed the city to take in a cornucopia of trends on display. From high end styles to earthy simple designs, there was something for everyone.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at A.K. Rikk’s
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at A.K. Rikk’s
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at A.K. Rikk’s
Azizah enjoys the facilities at A.K. Rikk’s
Fashion Night Out was started in 2009 by Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. The purpose of the event was to give the fashion industry a boost in a time of economic decline. In 2010, Jim Murray, president of A.K. Rikk’s, brought Fashion Night Out to Grand Rapids. Murray said that bringing Fashion Night Out to Grand Rapids was not only for the benefit of his store but all retailers in the area. In three years the event grew exponentially, with stores and specialty shops in Rockford, East Grand Rapids, Eastown, Cherry Street, Uptown, and Downtown participating.
This year A.K. Rikk’s used Fashion Night Out to celebrate the grand opening of their new store on 28th Street. The new store carries the same high end designers you would expect from A.K. Rikk’s, but now in an expansive, incredibly posh, two story fashion destination. Upon entering the store you feel like you have been transported to 5th Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The grand opening celebration had a carnival theme, complete with games, raffle tickets, and performers dancing with fire.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Leigh’s Fashions.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Leigh’s Fashions.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Jb and Me.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Jb and Me.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Jb and Me.
The upscale women’s boutique, Leigh’s, hosted a “Very Italian” Fashion Night Out celebration. Rebecca Wierda, Leigh’s president, said the store was highlighting new Italian fashion designers as well as Italian design house favorites. The glamorous event included delicious cocktails, Italian hors d’oeuvers and deserts, and music by D.J. Adrian Butler.
A new addition to the Grand Rapids Fashion Night Out scene was Jb and Me. This boutique and 65 other retailers celebrated Fashion Night Out with the common concept of building friendships through fashion.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 in Eastown.
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 in Eastown.
Live models at Fashion’s Night Out 2012 in downtown Grand Rapids
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 in downtown Grand Rapids
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Republic
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 at Republic
Fashion’s Night Out 2012 in downtown Grand Rapids
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Azizah Hines is a Sales Specialist for Teva Women’s Health. When she is not working, she is cheering her daughters on at their various activities. She prides herself in knowing a little about a lot. You might find her at a fashion show on a Friday night and an Astronomy viewing on a Saturday night… mixing it up keeps her life interesting.
