By Lindsey Grovenstein, Staff Writer
Savannah hosted the Fourth Annual Fashion Night Out on September 4th. Broughton Street was closed down and retailers from all over the city set up shop to celebrate local fashion.
Last year, the event attracted over 3,000 people with live entertainment, fashion shows, and tons of shopping. This year was no different as the event filled the pedestrian-only street with locals and tourists who were dressed to impress. VIP parties, retailer giveaways, and food vendors were set along the street while photographers scouted around for the best dressed attendees.
Local Savannah DJs PDK Sounds and DJ Will Rock performed on the two stages that were set on either side of Broughton Street. The designs for the first two shows were mainly styled by local retailers. As the music was playing, people had the opportunity to visit over 30 local retailers and boutiques while exploring their various sales.
Civvies, Half Moon Outfitters, Sara Jane Children’s Boutique, Fab’rik and Satchel were a few of the stores participating in the event.
This year Fashion Night Out collaborated with Art Rise Savannah, a non-profit arts organization that strives to build the local creative economy. Art Rise featured “Art on the Streets,” highlighting Savannah’s talented artists from all different mediums. There was an open-air gallery on Barnard Street that exhibited four independent works of art paired with a “look” designed by local stylist, Nathan Saludez. Shoppers also had the opportunity to watch live painters and attend workshops on the fundamentals of Fashion Illustration throughout the night.
The evening ended with two fashion shows styled by Ashley Borders. Borders has been designing for 12 years and always held an interest in fashion. “I wanted to show that you could shop high fashion locally,” Borders said. The final show featured three of her timeless themes— California chic-but-slightly-still-grungy, English equestrian, and monochromatic designs. All of the pieces from Border’s show were gathered from local retailers. “The styles are something I’d wear myself,” Borders said.
Paige Striebig, stage manager and assistant stylist, helped coordinate the finale show. “The show addresses the fact that you can look like European high fashion everyday with your streetwear,” Striebig said. “It’s right here in Savannah. Your style is not limited.”
The shows were set to live music by Dent May, Savannah Stopover alum, and GEMS, two rising stars from New York who have been featured in publications like Nylon and The New York Times.
40 models showcased the styles, mostly all sourced from Halo Modeling. “My favorite part is wearing all clothes,” said model Jametra Jordan. “You can learn and apply the fashion shown into your own wardrobe.”
These fashion experts had a few words of advice for those of us who may not be so fashionably inclined.
“Pull out something you haven’t worn in a while,” said Striebig. “And then play with it. Then mix and match, you’ll be surprised.”
“Always wear nude colors—they save the day,” said Jordan.
“Don’t spend a lot on trendy pieces,” said Borders. “Buy pieces that last a long time and that you like. Invest in those pieces and stick with solids. Don’t be dictated by magazines and what you see on TV. Shop what you like. The best fashion is the kind that fits your personality.”
