Toronto finally gets its very own Fashion's Night Out

That's right: Fashion's Night Out, the now-4-year-old initiative that was started by American Vogue, the CFDA, N.Y and Company, and the City of New York to boost the economy, is finally gracing our fair city with a night of shopping and parties.

On September 6, from 6pm-11pm, fashionable neighbourhoods such as Yorkville and Queen West will transform into soiree central (with some free festivities that are open to the general public), and feature designer appearances, cocktails, exhibitions, and most importantly, clothes. Word to the wise: when the libations start flowing, your credit card is almost guaranteed to bust out, but it's all in the name of bolstering the economy and supporting local retailers. It also falls on the opening night of TIFF, so those who were unable to score coveted tickets will have a decent consolation prize.

Toronto's version of the global event is the brainchild of the City of Toronto, the Toronto Fashion Incubator, The Peacock Parade, and Rac Boutique. Participants slated to open their doors for the event include the aforementioned, as well as Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor Street W.), eLuxe (355 Adelaide Street W.), Cole Haan (101 Bloor Street W.), H&M, and Yorkdale, with the list expected to swell considerably. Several eager-beaver retailers are sure to organize events earlier in the day, so keep a hawks' eye on the website, or their official twitter feed. You can also shop from the FNO Collection, a capsule series of T-shirts, long-sleeved tees, and tote bags.

As happy as I am that Toronto's finally getting its evening fashion fix, the sad Sally in me is a bit perplexed that it's taken so long. After all, on September 6, we join a global roster that includes obvious heavyweights like the U.K., France and Italy, but also smaller fashion markets like Mexico, Turkey and South Korea.

Nevertheless, it's booze and clothes, together at last. I'd be hard-pressed to conceive of a better pairing.

Photo of FNO 2011 in New York courtesy of Henri Bendel