Fashion’s Night Out Shines in Montreal

A new festival favourite made its debut during Fashion Week in Montreal this year. The first edition of Montreal’s Fashion’s Night Out joined the program, reuniting fashion lovers and avid shoppers alike. Certainly recognized as one of the most anticipated shopping experiences of the year, the fashion phenomena drew a crowd of trendsetting inquisitors to the cobblestoned streets of charming Old Montreal. 

The novel shopping experience was initially pioneered by Vogue’s fashion semi-God, Anna Wintour, in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It made its debut in 2009, solely in New York, before spiraling off as a global initiative. Despite its creative presence and artful aura, the event was triggered by an economic downfall, aiming to encourage financial growth for retailers. The project nevertheless succeeded to foster the industry, as fashionistas have since crowded the streets annually making their rounds. This year marked the fourth glorious edition of Fashion’s Night Out, from Manhattan to Milan; over 500 cities participated in this well-merited celebration of style. 

In Montreal, the evening fired off, literally, on St-Paul St., where designer Philippe Dubuc showcased his collection in full spectacle. The streets were transformed into the designer’s personal military playground. The battlefield setting welcomed a troop of war-torn and horse-mounted models along with flashing lights and full force upheaval. Following the dramatic performance, visitors were welcomed to indulge in cocktails while shopping around in their favourite boutiques. Artists also partook in the festivities, most notably Roadsworth, aka Peter Gibson, notoriously gracing the environs with his unique street art. The fusion of art and fashion certainly rendered the evening a memorable inauguration.

Photo Courtesy of Peter Jensen