For the second consecutive year, Portland is participating in Fashion's Night Out, an international night meant to kick off the season of fashion weeks and stir up excitement in the retail sector. No matter where you are, or when your region's spring shows begin, FNO takes place on the same day: This year that's Thursday, Sept 8. Portland's edition will feature an evening of parties, workshops, and trunk shows at over 30 downtown stores. Announced today, the lineup includes a few favorites like Frances May, House of Lolo, Lille Trousseau, Mario's, Mercantile, Michael Allen's, Portland Design Collective, Radish Underground, and Under U 4Men. Like last year, there will be a fashion show at Director's Park (DJ'd by Mr MuMu) featuring looks from participating retailers that will re-run every half hour between 5-7 pm, with the grand finale at 8 pm, in which Pendleton's "The Portland Collection" will make it's official debut on a local runway, followed by an after party at Frances May, one of the line's stockists. (Full disclosure: I do believe I may be lending a hand backstage on this one.) Also look for free pedicab rads to the various shops, a raffle to benefit New Avenues for Youth, goodie bags, food, and even free parking at the 10th & Yamhill SmartPark garage when you enter between 4 and 9 pm. Peep the map of participating locations, and look for more coverage in Sold Out and on MOD:
