Fashion fans ready to step out in style

Vogue Fashion’s Night Out is bringing optimism back to Sydney’s retail sector.

Lily Boston models a tie-back Aje dress to launch Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out in Sydney. Picture: Jane Dempster

After two years of lockdowns, organisers of Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out think retail therapy and a dash of hedonism is just what Sydney needs to get its groove back.

On Thursday, the annual event, now in its 14th year, will transform the city’s CBD into a shopper’s paradise for the thousands of visitors expected to attend, with in-store offers and live performances during the day and into the evening.

Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann said the City of Sydney had once again thrown its support behind the initiative, which was being held as an in-person event for the first time in two years.

“It’s exciting when governments acknowledge the power fashion has in this country and how much it contributes to the economy,” she said. “You only need to look at the numbers to see what events like Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out do to boost the economy – contributing millions of dollars to the ­retail sector.”

The Fashion’s Night Out concept was launched by Vogue US editor Anna Wintour in 2009 as a way to support retailers during the global financial crisis, and first took place in Sydney in 2010.

“It’s so important that we help support not only the retail industry, but the broader revival of the city and night-time economy,” said AMEX spokeswoman Naysla Edwards. “VAEFNO is a great event to remind people what our cities have to offer and the incredible shopping experiences available at our retail precincts.”

Aje, Rebecca Vallance, SIR and camilla and marc are among the Australian designer brands taking part this year and will showcase their new season collections on the Vogue American Express Runway and American Express Shop Small Runway in Pitt Street Mall.

Aje co-founder Adrian Norris said the event enabled brands to connect with their customers. “These experiences are so important to Aje and our customers, helping showcase the clothing in its full breadth and extend Aje’s storytelling” he said.