Fashion Week Spring 2013

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Kim Kardashian to Headline Fashion's Night Out

By Della Hasselle on August 16, 2012 7:53am

@dellahasselle

Kim Kardashian is one of many celebrities attending Fashion's Night Out on Sept. 6, 2012

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NEW YORK — New York's biggest fashion night of the year is back, this time bringing with it a little Kardashian star power, some fist-pumping and, of course, teeming masses of trendsetters.

Fashion's Night Out — a prelude to New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week — is a chance to catch all the hottest trends and see designers' newest collections.

But that's not all the city's swankiest stores have to offer.

The fourth-annual event started in Manhattan's stores in 2009 to bring a little boost to a faltering economy. But by last year, Fashion's Night Out had spread to 18 countries, with more than 4,500 events in the United States alone.

This year, the Sept. 6 event in New York promises once again to be the one of the biggest parties of the year for celebrities, models and spectators alike — from hair-braiding bars to comic book- themed dance parties.

Check out the guide below to navigate the city's hottest spots for this year's Fashion Week kickoff.

WHERE TO SEE THE STARS

For New Yorkers willing to elbow their way through the crowds for a chance to gawk at celebs, there are few better places than the star-studded events at Fashion's Night Out.

Lord & Taylor has loaded up on celebrities this year, with events featuring Kim Kardashian, reality star Jill Zarin, and ice skater and Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi at the company's flagship store on Fifth Avenue and 39th Street. The store's events promise to come complete with free jewelry, complimentary tote bags and a free 2013 New York City Firefighter's Calendar, signed by one of New York's Bravest.

At Saks Fifth Avenue, Oscar de la Renta will make a grand appearance to showcase his new fragrance, Essential Luxuries. New York Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire will also make an appearance, as well as designers Max and Lubov Azria.

For fashionistas toting tots around on Fashion's Night Out, Fashion CH Kids Night Out will be held at the CH Carolina Herrera Boutique on Madison Avenue. The kid-friendly party will be hosted by Herrera's daughter Patricia Lansing, Jerry Seinfeld's wife Jessica, and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Lincoln Center's founding fashion director. The event benefits Baby Buggy, a nonprofit organization that distributes children's products to more than 50 community-based organizations. Afterward, grown-ups can continue to party down with cocktails until 11 p.m.

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STYLING BARS

For those who are looking to get primped in anticipation of Fashion Week, several spots around the city have plenty to offer.

Alisha Trimble will be showing her limited edition fall 2012 collection at ARROJO's Styling Bar from 6 to 9 p.m. at the store in SoHo. Gifts include a complimentary signature tote, a dip-dyed romper and special ARROJO goodies with purchase of items from the collection.

At New York & Company, spectators can get styled by TV personality and fashion expert Stacy London and her team from the fashion consulting company Style for Hire. DJ Scratch Academy will spin at the store on Lexington Avenue and East 58th Street, and champagne and macarons will be served while shoppers explore the fall collection at NY&C.

Revlon is pulling out all the stops on Fashion's Night Out. Makeup artist Gucci Westman will hold a full-on beauty party at Industria Studios on Bethune Street near Washington Street in the West Village, with personal consultations, manicures by celebrity manicurist Jin Soon, and a photo booth decked out with music, champagne and snacks. Tickets cost $50.

THEMED PARTIES

Some designers are adding a little extra flare to Fashion's Night Out, hosting blowout parties complete with costumes and other artistic elements.

Anne Fontaine is bringing a something special to Fifth Avenue with an "Anna Karenina"-themed party to display Fontaine's fall-winter 2012 collection.

"Inspired by the tragic heroine of Leo Tolstoy’s famous novel, the collection is marked by the hazy atmosphere and winter of Russia from the late-19th century," the brand's website said.

3.1 Phillip Lim is exploring the fashions of comic book characters for the company's Fashion's Night Out party. At the event, the designer plans to unveil a hand-crafted window styled after the 2012 comic book "Kill the Night" and will offer signed copies of the book as exclusive gifts to his shoppers.

Finally, Henri Bendel will bring the circus to town at its Fifth Avenue flagship store. Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" promises to dazzle spectators with five free acrobatic performances. Along with the Las Vegas-like performance, the store will feature a casino night theme with Swarovski crystal giveaways and cocktails.

For a complete listing of Fashion's Night Out events, visit the event's website.