South Miami retailers came together for the “Fashion’s Night Out” on Thursday September 6 with champagne, gift bags, hor d’oeuvres and special discounts to commemorate the start of New York Fashion Week while encouraging fashion lovers everywhere to get their shop on.
“We set a precedent for years to come,” said Echo Social Media President and organizer Susan Linning. “We put together maps and details of what the stores would be offering. We will do it again next year and plan way in advance.”
Linning does public relations for Eberjey Boutique which opened up about three weeks ago at 5709 SW 57 Ct. She and Director of Retail, Lauren Bitar, decided to collaborate the timing of the grand opening with Fashion’s Night Out global initiative to encourage local commerce and support area charities.
“We found out no one was coordinating it this year,” said Bitar, “so we thought what a great idea it would be to work with area boutiques and have one giant night out.”
Although this year’s event happened with only two weeks of planning, at least 13 area merchants joined in and there was even a Flash Mob dance outside Lululemon. Store manager Kristin Daniel said “ Being a part of Fashion Night Out was a great opportunity for us to celebrate and have fun with our community.”
Professional dancer and choreographer J Markos’ Videosync team of dancers got the crowd excited with a lively flash mob dance routine while giant speakers behind them pumped up the volume. Next door at Footworks, the Thursday night Fun Run runners were snapping photos and joining in on the contagious energetic display.
“There is something about dance and music that has a unifying power that nothing else has,” said Markos who teaches at Body and Soul Fitness Club in Coral Gables. “All of a sudden whether you are in the flash mob or not you want to smile and dance and fist pump. It brings a universal smile to everyone.”
Red Sunset Merchants Association Membership Chair Amy Donner said it was the largest Fashion’s Night Out in South Miami to date. “Director of Retail Lauren Bitar of Eberjey came to town and reached out immediately to make a difference. Kudos to Eberjey.”
Studio LX, Bluefish Sport, Tupelo Honey, Vigi, Sushi Maki, Town Kitchen and Bar, American Apparel, D Find, Peace Love World, Cream, and George’s also participated.
Lotus House Women’s Shelter, Voices Against Brain Cancer Foundation, Kristi House, Honey Shine, and Ramos Hoops Academy Scholarships are the local charities benefiting from South Miami’s Fashion’s Night Out.
