Sydney
It was Sydney’s turn to shine when the iridescent-themed Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out (VAEFNO) came to town on Thursday, September 6. An array of retail offers were available in stores from 10am, and Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann and Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore officially launched the event in Pitt Street Mall at midday. A shopping extravaganza followed, with entertainment, giveaways, runway shows, celebrity guests and much more.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
VAEFNO is the perfect time to treat yourself to a wardrobe update, and no-one was making that easier than exclusive event partner American Express. With a ‘Spend $50 and receive $20 back up to three times’ deal at participating retailers, American Express Card Members could shop up a storm across the city and enjoy fantastic savings at the same time. It’s important to stay fuelled up at a big event like this, and the American Express Lounge in Pitt Street Mall was a haven where Card Members could take a break, relax and enjoy a drink and some exclusive treats.
GORDON’S GIN
This year’s event was pretty in pink, thanks to the Gordon’s Pink Gin bar and runway show. The runway was the place to preview new-season spring racing fashion trends, and Benefit Cosmetics specialists were on hand to provide beauty tutorials and help guests master their trackside make-up look. In the bar, cocktails were on offer featuring the picture-perfect blush-coloured gin, which is deliciously dry and infused with strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants.
DAVID JONES
The Elizabeth and Market Street stores of official retail partner David Jones were hives of activity, with shoppers being treated to activations, fashion parades, pop-up bars, styling, guest DJs, exclusive fashion offers and complimentary beauty treatments. There was also the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities, bloggers and leading Australian fashion designers. The gentlemen weren’t left out, with a menswear runway show, and a dedicated ‘man cave’ offering styling sessions and a pop-up bar.
CAROLINA HERRERA
You couldn’t miss the oversized Carolina Herrera stiletto standing tall in the centre of Pitt Street Mall, and those who got up close were treated to a sweet-smelling free sample of the brand’s new fragrance, Good Girl.
OLAY
At the Vogue Beauty Hub, experts from Olay were available to explain the many benefits of its new rejuvenating Magnemasks, offer trials and hand out sought-after free samples.
BASSIKE
One of the most highly anticipated parts of VAEFNO each year is the unveiling of the exclusive Bassike x Vogue T-shirt colours, and Bassike once again did not disappoint. Fashion fans could choose between a pink and grey marle version, both featuring the brand’s signature super-soft cotton and flawless cut.
GUCCI BLOOM
The scent of tuberose, jasmine and rangoon creeper was in the air at the Gucci Bloom activation, with free samples of the original Gucci Bloom, Bloom Acqua di Fiori and new Bloom Nettare di Fiori fragrances available.
MAXCONNECTORS TALENT LAB
At the MaxConnectors Talent Lab stage, beauty influencers Chloe Morello, Sammy Robinson and Nikkia Joy met their fans and answered the crowd’s beauty questions in a live Q&A with host and celebrity make-up artist Michael Brown.
ESTÉE LAUDER
Shoppers found their perfect match at the Vogue Beauty Hub, with Estée Lauder offering free make-up shade consultations and 10-day supplies of its Double Wear foundation. Those who timed it right also had the opportunity to meet brand ambassador, influencer and beauty guru Eleanor Pendleton.
MUSIC ARTISTS
It's not VAEFNO if the Vogue stage isn't pumping with some of the country's most exciting and promising up-and-coming musical talent, and this year was no exception. After local singer and songwriter Starley launched the event at midday, crowds were treated to free live performances by Jordie Ireland and Ava Hayz, thanks to the American Express Music Backers Grant Program.