Birmingham to Celebrate Its Sense of Style With Fashion's Night Out

Birmingham will be embracing its sense of style this Thursday night as the city plans to join fashionable cities across the country to celebrate .

Fashion’s Night Out, which launched in 2009 in New York City, is meant to jump start the economy by getting shoppers back into stores. Twelve Birmingham stores will be open late Thursday night — the official event takes place from 6-9 p.m. — as part of the national effort and to celebrate Birmingham’s unique fashion scene. This is Birmingham's second year participating.

According to John Heiney, executive director of the , downtown shoppers Thursday night can expect hors d’oeuvres, drinks, coupons, vendor displays, free samples and more at a variety of businesses.

“We have a couple of optical stores, salons, apparel stores and even a jewelry store participating,” Heiney said. “I’m pleased with the number of businesses and the variety.”

According to Karen Daskas, co-owner of , Tender shoppers will receive “pink drinks” Thursday night, can win gift certificates by playing Fashion Bingo as well as have the opportunity to pose for their very own professional fashion photo.

“Fashion’s Night Out is not about sales and not about discounting,” she said. “It’s about getting back in the stores spending. I think it’s great for the town. It really gets people into town seeing what’s in their own backyard.”

Birmingham high school students will also be getting in on the action. Six fashion students from both and high schools will be volunteering and assisting the event stylist, as well as working with the clothing, retailers and models. Additionally, student designer Nadie Dumas, a junior at Groves and winner of the school’s fashion show last year, will also showcase two original designs at the event.

“I was given the opportunity to invite students to participate in the event by the event committee at the Birmingham Principal Shopping District," said Groves fashion merchandising teacher Kristen Erickson. "We are very excited to take part in such a fun and fabulous opportunity. This is an annual event highlighting the fashion industry that will be taking place across the globe on the same day! We feel honored.”

What else can customers expect Thursday night? will be allowing customers to bring their dogs into the salon with them. A photographer will be on hand to take pictures of the pooches and their owners, with all donations benefiting the Michigan Animal Rescue League.

"We always believe in trying to give something back to one organization or another," said Susan Shea, manager of Antonino Salon & Spa. "And since everybody’s crazy for animals we thought that would be something fun for the event. We even have cruelty-free feathers for feather extensions, so no animal is getting hurt."

Meanwhile, will have several Pilates demonstrations as well as coupons to giveaway. Other participating stores include:

In addition, Heiney said the PSD will be placing eight models on pedestals on street corners throughout the city, modeling clothing, eyewear and accessories from Birmingham stores.

“For many years, Birmingham has been known as the place to go for high fashion,” Heiney said. “We have many stores that provide really one-of-a-kind lines and overall fashion is well represented in Birmingham, so this event is a great fit of us.”