Los Angeles will be inundated with consumers and window shoppers alike as Fashion’s Night Out kicks off Thursday.
The event was created in 2009 by American Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and the Council of Fashion Designers of America as a sort of economic stimulus for the fashion industry, where stores and shopping centers around the world set up events to celebrate the occasion. Expanding from its original hub in New York, Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles is being hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Business Policy for its third year. Here are some of the free events (and places with copious amounts of complimentary beverages) at the major shopping hubs set up for those schlepping around on Fashion’s Night Out:
Beverly Center
The central hub of Fashion’s Night Out will be the Beverly Center, where Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will begin the festivities at 5 p.m. with a fashion show scheduled to be hosted by Nicole Richie. DJ Lindsay Luv will be playing live music, and there will be a slew of celebrities arriving red carpet-style for those who want to catch a glimpse of Richie’s forehead behind the press photographers.
The Grove
Any fan of the acting skills on “The Hills” would not want to miss an appearance by lead actress Lauren Conrad at The Grove’s Nordstrom from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a preview of her newest fashion collection, Paper Crown. Other events at The Grove include an outdoor fashion show, complimentary wine, DJ-spun music and a cosmetics makeover party hosted by MAC Cosmetics.
Rodeo Drive
The swanky confluence of luxury stores along the streets of Rodeo Drive will turn into a literal circus. In partnership with Cirque du Soleil, stilt walkers and flame throwers will be lining the streets, along with a Ferris wheel with complimentary rides for those with a proof of purchase on that day from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
West Hollywood
At 7 p.m., 3.1 Phillip Lim will be hosting a musical performance by rising indie-pop band Cults and music by DJ Dan Wilcox from KCRW, with the night’s proceeds going to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Also for those who are legally able to drink, the West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau will be hosting a Fashion’s Night Out after-party at 10 p.m. at Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, so come early for free vouchers for complimentary champagne and desserts after all the stores are closed.
Century City
Rapper LL Cool J will deliver some ’90s nostalgia as the host for Westfield Century City mall’s high-end fashion show, with a special appearance by Mayor Villaraigosa at 7 p.m. to excite shopping politicos. People receiving massages at the Gendarme pop-up shop will have the chance to meet LL Cool J.