Last night was the ever-so-anticipated Fashion’s Night Out, not only for Grand Rapids but all over the world. Over 65 businesses in the Grand Rapids area participated in last night’s event. I wish I could have experienced them all, however given the amount of time and locations here are the few I did make it out to last night in order.

Lee & Birch – Downtown

Brush Studio – East Grand Rapids

Richard App Gallery – East Hills

Lamb – East Hills

Leighs – Breton Village

A.K. Rikk’s – Cascade

Rockwell’s & Republic – Downtown

My night started around 6pm, figuring that was when most of the shops would become lively and active. Our first stop had already started to receive tons of customers and you could tell the excitement of the night was taking over. It was really fun to see people of all sorts come out last night and enjoy themselves in Grand Rapids.  Everyone was dressed to impress!

It was refreshing to be inside a store, able to touch and feel materials. I’ve become a bit of an online shopper lately. But after talking to people face to face, I want to come back to the stores and begin a relationship with them! One of the things I treasure most about Fashions Night Out is just that, buying local. It has its economic factors, but there’s something more than that.  I felt so valued being in the store.  Everyone was so welcoming last night.  If your notion of a boutique store is Julia Roberts getting evil looks from the Rodeo Drive sales women in the movie Pretty Woman, then you’ve got it all wrong.  None of that attitude here!

Probably the most fun I had was taking snapshots all night, I wish I could share them all! There was so much to see and look at if you missed out last night. From what people were wearing to store’s displays, and (my favorite) sales! Not to mention models, models, and models. We have such a fun and unique family at the Matthew Agency.  I ran into plenty of the agency’s models enjoying themselves, shopping, laughing, and even quite a few working Fashion’s Night out!

Here are some of those images!  Enjoy!

- Maria Vandermolen