Last Updated on September 13, 2012 by Paulette Brown-Hinds

By Jordan Brown 

On Thursday, September 6 Inland Empire communities came together in downtown Riverside with a sense of fashion during a Fashion’s Night Out event. Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is a kick off to the buyer’s market week. Inland Empire communities held several events at local shopping centers, but the largest FNO was held in downtown Riverside, in conjunction with the Riverside Art walk where over 3,000 people attended. Fashion’s Night Out in Riverside is a community-orientated event founded by Phyllis Clark in 2011. “Riverside brings a different shopping experience and the area is so beautiful, so quaint,” stated Clark. The event was hosted by the City of Riverside. Riverside City Council Member Rusty Bailey and his family attended Fashion’s Night Out. “FNO is a fabulous event, people are able to bring their money to help Riverside,” stated Councilman Bailey

This year’s FNO fashion show featured clothes from one of the newest shopping centers, Aurea Vista. The center hosts fifteen shops. People came together to see the models and enjoy the evening. Many looks seen on the runway were vintage a 50’s look. Many students from Riverside Art Institute featured their designs or modeled. The crowd was pumped up to see the amazing styles they might want to try out. The event had six style shops with clothing from casual to after five.

Caitlyn McKinney won the RDP Fashion Star Award with her vintage fashions. Her styles were featured in the fashion show. Also designer Bernard Edmonds featured his collection entitled “Believe.” He states that the inspiration for his apparel is: “My faith in God, being able to create apparel that represents my faith in stylish ways.” Edmonds wants his line to be wearable for the 18-80 age range, something for everyone. Fashion’s Night Out 2012 for Riverside was destination style. It was a hit. There was a musical performance by the new group “Mix Chix.” The performers were of mixed nationalities. “We loved FNO and we were excited to see all the people,” stated the group.

Bubblegum Diva’s a store in Riverside, created by 13-year-old Amir Lei Banks was also represented in the fashion show. Selling accessories and clothing, Lei Banks’ store is very successful in the Riverside area. “The event was well organized and the performers were fun to watch,” said Banks. She also has a store in the Temecula Mall.