Fashion Art Design Georgetown

Fashion Art Design Georgetown or FAD Georgetown emerged for 2013 after Fashion's Night Out (FNO) was put on hiatus. Fashion's Night Out was an annual event which started as a "big party" or "street festival" in 2009. Created by Anna Wintour, the English editor-in-chief of American Vogue, FNO was a global shopping event intended to reinvigorate the fashion industry by encouraging consumers to shop. The FNO event certainly encouraged people to go out and be a part of the worldwide event and even celebrities joined in the experience.  Yet for all that was invested into FNO, there wasn't a dramatic increase in sales. After pause and reflection from each FNO, it was determined by the FNO sponsors (Vogue, CFDA, and NYC & Co) to put FNO on hiatus.

With the appeal and engagement of FNO, there were many who didn't want it to stop. Despite a lack of strong sales numbers, the FNO experience created quite a fervor and fun opportunities. As the saying goes "the show must go on" and in this case, FNO was more than just about showing up, but creating an impression and connections. I think FNO was a success in that it helped to inspire others to continue expressing and supporting their love of fashion, and it was part of a kickoff to New York Fashion Week.


Considering FNO, the Georgetown Business Improvement District decided to continue in like fashion and they created Fashion Art Design Georgetown to bring together the Fashion Art and Design communities in the Washington DC area. On October 10-12, 2013 FAD Georgetown held a variety of events including style parties, public art projects, gallery walks, design showrooms, pop-up red carpets with photo booths, in-store events and of course street style was all around. It was a very rainy few days during FAD Georgetown, yet I was able to make it out to a FAD Georgetown opening party on October 10th and walked around on October 11th. Although the rain put a damper on things and seemed to discourage people, FAD Georgetown still encouraged the Fashion, Art and Design communities in the DC area. We'll see what happens next year.