iStyle: Vogue's Fashion Night Out in Manchester

With free drinks and discounted shopping, the city is gearing up to play host to the celebrated Fashion’s Night Out, says Emma Akbareian

Fashion can be a fickle friend. It has, for example, relatively few favoured cities; London, Milan, Paris and New York are the tried and tested style destinations. This week, however, sees a new name added to the map as the team from Vogue makes the journey up north to Manchester for this year’s Fashion’s Night Out celebrations which take place tomorrow night.

Fashion’s Night Out was an idea conceived in New York in 2009 as a joint initiative by the Council Of Fashion Designers Of America (CFDA) and the New York tourism agency to kickstart the struggling retail market. The idea was that for one night stores would stay open late, treat customers to discounts, drinks, music and the odd celebrity appearance in return for the rewards of a ringing till. The format was copied the world over and, after hosting the event for four years, London has now passed on the mantle to Manchester.

With an array of events, most of which include the dangerously tempting combination of free drinks and discounted shopping, there’s something for every sartorial whim. Highlights for an evening out should include a stop at Debenhams for fans of Strictly Come Dancing, where Julien Macdonald will be making an appearance, while visitors to Vivienne Westwood will see the launch of a new collaboration with The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Jo Malone concessions in Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are hosting a peony-themed evening with peony cocktails and painting, all in celebration of its newest fragrance Peony and Blush Suede, and Agent Provocateur will have live models wearing the brand’s lingerie and a competition to win a year’s worth of sexy smalls.

Musical types should put Emporio Armani on their radar as The Maccabees will be playing a live DJ set. Finally, Harvey Nichols is hosting a two-fold celebration as the event also coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the Manchester store. The luxury retailer has pulled out all the stops to make the night go with a bang, and designers including Sophia Webster, Roksanda Ilincic and Markus Lupfer will be helping shoppers customise this year’s FNO T-shirt.