A Semple summary of Vogue Fashion Night Out

As soon as the clock struck 6 last Thursday evening, the city of London was transformed into a fashion haven for Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. Covent Garden, Regent street and Bond street were just a few of the shopping districts to open their doors with sparkling glasses of champagne and cocktails to us fashion lovers for the evening. Of course, team Semple attended and so here are our highs and lows of the evening.

FNO Favourites

• The Ice Tea cocktails from Cath Kidston in Covent Garden were refreshing, sweet and welcoming. The perfect way to begin the evening.
• Victoria’s Secret on Bond Street was a delight with cat walk costumes and draws of delicate lingerie. A good hour was spent in this shop and to say a few items were purchased would be an understatement.
• The chocolate covered coffee beans from the Hotel Chocolat stall on Bond Street were a tasty treat that gave us the energy to continue shopping.
• Burberry caught our attention with real champagne and encouraged us to all to partake in the Burberry trench coat raffle – not that we needed much persuasion.
• The music at Mulberry entertained the mile length queue that fled from the store.
• Further up on Oxford Street live music streamed from Topshop’s windows. We loved the contrast between fashion forward singer Delilah and the still mannequins.
• The street atmosphere made it the place to be. Bond street was packed creating a buzz that even a passer by would want to be a part of.
• Of course at any fashion event, we endeavour to show off our favourite on trend purchases and look the part. Cargo shirts, block heels, dip dye hair, maxi skirts, red lips and peplum trims were seen everywhere. Vogue FNO really showcased the people of London’s sartorial eye.
• We loved the discounts on offer. 10% here, 20% there – Vogue FNO was as much of a blessing to the bank balance as it was to the wardrobe.
• Superdry deserve credit for their interacting touts who welcomed us into the store from across the road. As a result of their friendly efforts and energy, the ostentatious orange goody bags were dotted all over the streets, carried by a majority of guests.

FNO Flaws

• As we made our way along the shopping districts, we were slightly disappointed by how quiet Regent street was. There was a lack of flair and energy, and as a result it didn’t carry the Vogue FNO vibe that was experienced elsewhere.
• Apart from Superdry, there were certainly not enough touts out and about enticing people to visit their stores. There was no guide on where best to go, or what each store was offering and so we felt a bit clueless as to where to begin, and where to go next.
• There was a major lack of cup cakes. Cupcakes have great aesthetic value and are welcoming, so we were sad to see stores hadn’t branded their own cupcakes for guests to feast their eyes on.
• Queues for nail manicures were hours long. More nail artists per stall would have meant less waiting around and more nail fun.

By Marni Banks