By Lookout Staff

September 7, 2011 -- Summer vacation may be done, but the party's not over yet in Downtown Santa Monica.

Fashion's Night Out – a worldwide boost to the retail economy – is coming to town Thursday night, bringing with it festivities and swag for all.

“Downtown Santa Monica is very excited to participate in this global fashion event,” said Debbie Lee, Vice President of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., “and we are thrilled that so many of our outstanding retailers and businesses will be joining in the festivities.”
The initiative was originally created in 2008 by Vogue Magazine Editor Anna Wintour, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the City of New York “to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry's economy during the recession,” Fashion's Night Out Facebook page says.
This year, more than 250 cities in the United States are participating, as well as fashion capitals like Milan and Rio de Janeiro.
Santa Monica's role in the international event will play out on the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place and neighboring businesses in the form of a giant block party, complete with DJ's, wine tastings and shopping, shopping, shopping.
Fred Segal and Flaunt Magazine will showcase “the hottest items for the Fall,” say event promoters. Babette on Fourth Street will show off its collection while shoppers partake of wine and tasty hors d'oeuvres, and a celebrity DJ and a champagne bar will keep things rocking at Zara on the Promenade.
Deep discounts, gift certificates and contests will liven the mix, as retailers like Steve Madden, Brandy Melville, Ted Baker London, Aldo, Kitson and many more host enticing displays.
The fun will last from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, September 8. For more information, go to www.downtownsm.com