Much like last year, I had a fun, magical FNO on the UES of Manhattan at the Oscar de la Renta store with friends, a great band, and Oscar himself. Oh, and a lovely actress you may recognize. 😉
It was over in the blink of an eye. But I had so much fun, between the event, and my daily shows, I’m now exhausted, and having trouble keeping my eyes open long enough to write this! I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves again, because really, what more is there to add?
When rumors of this year’s FNO events started swirling around, I wondered, what could I possibly do that would top spending the past twoyears of FNO with Gwen Stefani. Well tonight, I got my answer!
Thanks to the amazing ladies of Oscar de la Renta’s PR department, I got to spend Fashion’s Night Out watching Oscar himself, and a mariachi band sing to the crowd in his Madison Avenue boutique. The store was packed full of friends and admirers, but everyone was so happy and excited, it wasn’t as overwhelming as some FNO events can be.
The mariachi band.
A partygoer’s dress.
Everyone was laughing, and cheering, and having fun. At one point, the crowd went wild. Assuming everyone was really excited for Oscar to begin singing again, I was shocked to look up and see Sarah Jessica Parker had made her way to the stage to be serenaded by Oscar.
After a few songs, both Sarah Jessica, and Oscar made lovely speeches, gushing over how much they admire each other. It was adorable, and almost made me a little teary eyed. When SJP was on her way out, I got to tell her the effect her speech had on me as she passed by, which she said was sweet.
The mariachi band’s singer.
The crowd saying goodbye to Oscar.
Whatever these are, they were made with some of the best chocolate I’ve ever had in my life. And I don’t really even like chocolate!
Soon it was time for me to head home. I couldn’t believe it was just after 8pm– It’s been such a long day, it felt more like midnight. But it’s safe to say my FNO adventure might have been short, but it was definitely sweet. Like the past two years of FNO, I’ll be sure to remember tonight forever.
See more photos from FNO at Oscar de la Renta here.
It might have been over two weeks ago, but I’m still giddy about my Fashion’s Night Out experience at Sephora Soho. I never would have guessed I’d be spending the second FNO doing virtually the same thing I did on the first! Once I heard Gwen Stefani would be at Sephora signing her five new Harajuku Lovers perfumes, all previous plans were canceled.
When I arrived at Sephora to purchase my perfume that morning at 9:40am, I estimated that I was already about 60th in line. Luckily, my guess was correct, and I was able to purchase two of the Harajuku Lovers perfumes and get a wristband for the signing.
The store had already been decked out for the occasion:
I returned to Sephora about an hour before Gwen was due to arrive. Thankfully, I’d also been confirmed for press access for the blog, so I was able to set up in the photographer’s area while we all waited for Gwen. The line for the signing already stretched to the back of the store, and what seemed like a few hundred onlookers crowded around Sephora’s windows waiting to catch a glimpse of Gwen. It was nearly impossible for late arrivals to get inside! I heard a few anxious discussions about fans outside possible breaking the glass. It freaked out quite a few of us inside the store.
Onlookers practically smashed against the front doors.
While we waited, I captured some more of the atmosphere:
The perfumes! They all smelled so good.
The signing area.
Two of the Harajuku Girls came out for a photo op:
All of the sudden, the crowd began to cheer, and Gwen soon appeared: Looking gorgeous, as usual. In Spring 2011 L.A.M.B.
More detail of the dress:
Gwen gave a few quick tv interviews about the perfumes:
Gwen discussing the new fragrances:
A close up of her amazing hair style:
The crowd outside had been going nuts the entire time, so Gwen decided to pay them a visit:
They nearly started a riot after Gwen appeared in the windows. I hear people were jumping on top of cars, and the entire block of Broadway in front of Sephora was impassable.
Grabbing the perfumes for another photo op.
About to start the signing:
My friend Veronica had been holding my spot in line while I finished my press coverage. Once the signing started, I hopped over, and we waited to meet Gwen.
Gwen signing for the woman in front of me.
Even though I met Gwen last year, I was nervous. She’s pretty much the only celebrity I actually consider a role model and an inspiration. Thankfully, she’s also hands down one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She just radiates kindness. While she was signing my perfume, we had a chance to quickly talk about me meeting her at the last FNO (Gwen said I looked familiar!), and I gave Gwen one of my moo business cards with her photo from a 2002 No Doubt show. She said she’d check out the photos, because she loves to see what fans shoot. She also signed a 5×7 copy of the same photo for me after I told her it’s one of my favorite photos I’ve ever shot.
The photo in question.
We talked so much, eventually a security guard told me it was time to go! I feel very lucky that I had a chance to chat with Gwen again, and get my new “G” Harajuku Lovers perfume signed! The little felt-head bottles are absolutely adorable. I went home with G and Love (which smells a lot like grapes!). I can’t wait until the rest of the collection hits Sephora stores in November. I think I might have to buy them all!
This November, Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lover’s fragrance line will be launching five new scents, as part of the “Wicked Style” collection.
The adorable bottled characters have fuzzy felt heads!
The perfume set will be available in limited supplies during Fashion’s Night Out at Sephora in NYC, where Gwen herself will be making an appearance. After that, expect them at Sephora and in department stores starting in November.
I can’t wait to try the new scents! The original scents are downright delicious.
A photo I took last September of Anna Wintour during Fashion’s Night Out at Bloomingdales is featured in UK online fashion magazine Cellar Door’s article about “The September Issue”!
The new issue is out now, and the entire thing is available to read here (for free!). My photo is on page #67.
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I was wondering when this was going to come out, and just got the email. Pretty exciting!
The insanity officially starts tomorrow! I shoot my first show at 5pm. At least as long as the weather cooperates. Still trying to get everything prepared and feeling twice as rushed with the upcoming snow, but I thought I’d post some of my favorite photos from last season to get into the spirit!
Rachel Antonoff.
Emma Stone and Jessica Szohr at the Anna Sui for Target launch party.
Following the lead of the Bullseye Bodega and Alexander McQueen fashion week pop up’s, Target will be opening a pop up shop selling Anna Sui’s Gossip Girl inspired collection. The collection goes on sale nationwide September 13th, but will be available in the NYC pop up three early!
According to The Cut the shop will be open September 10-12th, at 54 Crosby Street (@ Spring St), close to Anna’s SoHo store. The pop up’s doors open at 11am, giving eager shoppers a chance to shop before the night’s other big events begin!
The Shophound speculates that cast members might be stopping by, taking advantage of the show’s New York City setting, and Fashion Night Out events!
I’m excited to check out the whole collection early, and in person. Target designer collaborations are great, and I can’t get enough of them! But the sizing is so all over the place I’ve ended up returning or exchanging a lot of the pieces I’ve bought in the past. This is a great opportunity for those of us in NYC (A Target wasteland!) to try before we buy!