By Katia Ostapets and Hannah Yakobi

Photography by Kareen Mallon and FAJO’s photo team

Fashion’s Night Out officially arrived in Toronto on Sept.6, 2012!

This was the first time that our city – and our country – hosted the famous style event that takes over some of the major fashion capitals every year, including New York and London.

Here is a detailed report of what happened that night across the city.

Crowd assembles on Bloor Street, outside Holt Renfrew’s flagship store.

eLuxe 

eLuxe was a true girly affair. A candy bar lined one wall, while delicious tequila cocktails were served on the other side. Guests were invited to take professional photos in front of a themed backdrop, and browse the designer clothes and jewelry on display. The event had a lively atmosphere and everyone mingled easily. As one of the most popular FNO events, eLuxe had a very trendy list of attendees.

– Katia Ostapets 

The Spot on Queen presents Fashion on Film

This charming space is normally home to a weekend artisan mini-market, complete with a café. For the FNO weekend, it hosted the Fashion on Film event, featuring several designers, including Kaych and Copious Couture, as well as up-and-coming jewelry line Fredrick Prince. While style browsing, guests were treated with popcorn, truffles, and white and blue mini cupcakes.

– Katia Ostapets 

Holt Renfrew, Bloor Street

Holt Renfrew was by far the place to be, with a small pop-up shop outside. The street around the store was filled with shoppers, as Holt’s staff cleverly blocked it off from vehicles and other traffic. Everything was themed in Holt’s brand colour – fuchsia – be it limited edition Coca Cola bottles, special balloons that decorated the store or even confetti that exploded in the air later in the night. The music was pumping, the cameras were flashing and everyone was shopping.

– Hannah Yakobi 

The Bazaar by Rac Boutique & DRESSED presented by Maybelline

One of the most anticipated and popular events of the night, The Bazaar by Rac Boutique was housed in the iconic Burroughs building. Many designers and boutiques set up booths here, while guests explored the marketplace with drinks in hand. Some of the labels of interest included Chloe Comme Paris, Lab Consignment, Canon Blanc, Woodlawn and Robber.

Hosted on a different floor of the same venue, the DRESSED by Maybelline soiree centered around the viewing of Dressed, an inspiring film about Nary Manivong’s journey from homelessness to showing at New York Fashion Week. Guests sipped on Martini & Rossi champagne in various cocktail combinations, and caterers distributed hors d’oeuvres while the CN Tower could be admired from the windows. It was an elegant affair.

– Katia Ostapets 

Yorkville

This part of the city that is well-known for its designer boutiques was surprisingly quiet during FNO, except for certain areas of the neighbourhood that engaged shoppers and fashion lovers with special deals and free goodies. H&M was a popular spot, as was Aveda store on Cumberland Street that offered its guests hairstyling touch-ups.

– Hannah Yakobi 

Fuzz Wax

The pristine white space of the Fuzz Wax studio was transformed to invite FNO guests to sample a variety of finger foods, purchase Stella & Dot jewelry, and partake in the countless hair removing and altering services.

– Katia Ostapets 

Rue Pigalle

The stunning boutique of Isabele Fish, Rue Pigalle, had all of its shelves and corners lined with sparkling jewels and handcrafted handbags. Specifically for this evening, the founders of Rent frock Repeat were also present to consult on evening wear that would be a deserving match for the treasures of the store.

– Katia Ostapets