The first week here has been such a blur of chaos. With orientation events for school, figuring out the bus and metro systems, going to classes, and stuffing my face with as much pasta and gelato as my stomach can handle, it’s safe to say I’ve been ridiculously busy. Really though, I’ve talked to my parents twice. So it’s understandable that my research on what’s going on in the fashion world was lacking a little but luckily the stars aligned in my favor. I’ll start with a little explanation.

Fashion’s Night Out is a global celebration of fashion, hosted on the chicest streets of 18 different countries. A collaboration between Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, this night is full of entertainment, booze, and the best dressed fashionistas rocking the season’s newest collections and most coveted designer clothing. Basically, the “Rodeo Drives” of the biggest fashion cities feature parties in all of the most famous and well-known boutiques. So here I am with two friends, heading out into the city for a quick dinner. Of course, it’s the first night we plan to stay in, dress completely casually and head to Via Del Corso simply because it was a spot that was recommended to me for dinner. We exit the metro, walk up the stairs, and into a sea of paparazzi (yes, I sneakily posed and pretended they were there for me) harassing the current Miss Italia. We could tell right away that the night was going to be something special. There was event staff all over, police patrolling roped off areas and Jay Z blasting from a runway below us. As we made our way into the crowd, we realized that we happened onto Via Del Corso for the biggest event of the year- none other than FNO! I got chills. Seriously, it was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. The most beautiful, well styled men and woman were perusing the street with shopping bags and glasses filled with bubbles. There were men in heels, women in couture, photographers running around with huge cameras… it was nuts.

FNORoma

We didn’t know what to do, so we stepped into the first store we saw: Missoni. Immediately we were handed glasses of pink champagne and led through the store. My friends and I were in absolute awe. Of course, we each spent a ridiculous amount of money on a Missoni ring and matching patterned change purse. Miniscule purchases, but they still made me so happy! We continued on to Dior, where the scene was much more calm. We were offered a private tour of the entire Dior store, set up like an apartment. I felt WAY more important than I actually am but still asked all the necessary questions and gaped at the impeccable displays of jewelry, handbags, shoes and clothing. It was absolutely serene. No purchases though, to the delight of my credit card.

Next we approached Louis Vuitton only to be deterred by a guest list that we obviously weren’t on. As we started to walk away, however, the woman checking in the guests grabbed us, snuck us in and handed us each a glass of champagne. Again, I felt way too important for such treatment! Louis was a dream and honestly I feel like if I died right then in that store I would have died the happiest most giddy death. It was fancy, but not too quiet, the employees were dancing and having fun and it was probably my favorite stop. Also, the collection was beyond beautiful and the runway pieces were jaw dropping. It was like an art exhibit.

Finally, we took a break for dinner at a little Trattoria off of a side street. We were all in the mood for pasta and when we asked our waiter for a recommendation, he simply took matters into his own hands and didn’t even ask for an order. I can’t tell you exactly what I ate, but the two “house pastas” were full of cracked pepper and olive oil flavor that was deeeee-lish. And when that was over, we clearly couldn’t resist the tiramisu, ah!

Thoroughly stuffed and exhausted, we thought we were bringing our night to an end… But no. As we exited our restaurant, the boutiques had turned into full-on clubs, with DJ’s, sound systems, and neon lights. Being who we are, we just HAD to stop in front of the Puma store for a mid-sidewalk dance session, only to be pulled in by the employees and DJ to an empty store. Well, I’m proud to say I ended my night by starting a dance party… within the time of one song; the place filled with people and it was a party. 45 minutes later we decided our work was done, we had successfully started a rave, turning an empty shoe store with a sound system into a dance party.

I’ve only been here a week and it was easily one of the best, most fashion filled experiences of my life. I was surrounded by the latest collections by some of the biggest fashion houses, the craziest people decked out in trends and the most fun atmosphere. I couldn’t have accidentally had a better night!

Did you attend Fashion’s Night Out Boston? Or Fashion’s Night Out in any other city? What did you think?!

Photos: Fashion’s Night Out