By Greg Holden
Downtown Chatham was painted with wall-to-wall glamour on Thursday night. Fashion Night Out filled the streets with vibrant colours, the latest fashions and a lot of women wearing them.
Starting with a fashion show at the Chatham Armouries, which featured 70 local models, and ending with what could only be described as a street fashion party on King Street, the night was a visual spectacle of local women who dressed to kill. And kill it they did.
More than 500 people watched as volunteer models came down the runway. When one boy about seven took to the runway he had the best crowd reaction by showboating the entire distance. Some of the fashions on display were out on the edge and some of them were standard fare. Many of the models came out with small bags that indicated the stores where you could buy the clothes being shown. It was not always clear however which store’s merchandise each model was wearing as the models came out in staggered formations.
Outside the Armouries some participating stores were offering free alcoholic beverages, and those stores had long line-ups to get it. Photographers flashed their bulbs at every turn, to either capture the many inventive outfits or to snap the sheer mass of people lining up into the street. Dekoko’s gave away treats, music abounded, people did yoga, perfume waded in the evening air.
Over at Gentry Manor a DJ played music on the porch and it was busy shopping inside. Patrons were able to look at the spa upstairs, usually open only to registered clients, and see the opulence that owners Thomas and James have created for those who want special pampering. A bubble machine attracted attention with some flair and photo sessions took place where hair styling usually occurs.
It was like Paris or New York only more fun.
Many participants said this event should return to Chatham annually. And why not? Retailers who took part were overwhelmed, shoppers were having a great time and above all else they looked stylish doing it.
people were not able to get into the Fashion Show as people were going in hours ahead of time. They shouldn’t open doors or allow people to do that. Any fashion show I’ve been to has been like that. Not to mention people commented afterwards it didn’t last long and wasn’t very good. Maybe show should be run by a theatre arts/or talent agency next time.
Geminimodels.com was involved in part of this event but would certainly quote on the production of a fashion show for future years!
to clairify meant other fashion shows have a start time with a doors open 1/2 or hour early. No lineups prior to doors opening.
there was a start time and the doors were opened up an half an hour to an hour early, they simply reached capacity 20 minutes before start, which was why they had to turn people away
People were leaving saying they were there in 3hrs prior and the people that tried to get in were there 30mins prior to show. Maybe if it’s that popular and as time progress maybe a larger venue is needed. Besides that a great time was had by all.
What a fantastic evening. Although I was disappointed not to get in to see the fashion show I understand that this is the first year for this event in Chatham-Kent so it is a learning curve. Perhaps next year they could put on two showings. On the plus side, not getting into the fashion show meant we could wander the shops earlier…. great food, wonderful drinks. The merchants from Chatham should be proud!
My Friends and I arrived at 4:00pm and waited patiently for the doors to open only a few minutes before show time, allowed guests to be seated. With just minutes until show time we also received a gift bag and surprise give handed out by local store owners. Thank you so very much, how lovely. I have attended many fashion shows over my years in the Costume business and I was very impressed by the colaborative effort put into this amazing presentation. It was obvious how much work was put into this delightful presentation. My hat is off to everyone, hair dressers, makeup artists, and store owners for the weeks of work this event demanded from each of you.
We had a wonderful time at the fashion show. We showed up about 45 minutes before the show, stood in line with the rest of the folk. We were able to sit together, all 4 of us. The show was fantastic. The only suggestion I would give would be comentary for the stores providing the fashions. Being in the back row, we couldn’t see the bags the models were holding showing the store names. The extra efforts of the participating merchants was very evident. Everyone was super friendly and very accomodating. I would go again in a heart beat!