The focus will be on fashion this Friday as Bermuda hosts its very own Fashion Night Out.For those who don’t know the story behind New York’s Fashion Night Out, it is the brainchild of editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour, and takes place the night before the kick-off to New York Fashion Week.Having just completed its fourth consecutive year, Fashion’s Night Out is filled with more than one million events taking place throughout NYC and sees celebrities shopping, dining and sipping champagne with regular fashionistas.Now, thanks to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the Island will host its version of Fashion Night Out on Friday, September 28, from 5pm to 8pm.Shoppers can enjoy complimentary glasses of wine and champagne while they browse through the racks of Bermuda’s best stores for bargains. Hamilton retailers from Court Street to Front Street will be participating in the event — offering a whole host of deals, discounts and free goodies and coupons for future use.“We are very excited about this year’s Fashion Night Out, which will mark the official start of our fall season,” said Chamber retail division chair and Gibbons Company CEO, Paula Clarke. “The idea is to create a real buzz throughout the entire city.”The event isn’t just about clothing stores. Ms Clarke said hair, make-up, accessories, jewellery and even home decor specialists will all be featuring demonstrations and offering discounts.“There will be fashion shows, hair demonstrations, wine tastings, music and great discounts at all participating stores. The focus will be on fashion and fun. This is the night to see and be seen in the city.”In addition to launching their fall lines, retailers hope the event will help stimulate sales and re-engage local shoppers.“When money is spent in the local economy, it stays in the local economy and creates opportunities for everyone,” Ms Clarke said. “The $50 spent today on a new handbag means $50 more someone will have to spend in the grocery store or on a taxi. It is very important for consumers to understand the significant impact the trickledown effect has on the economy.”Ms Clarke said they’re not just asking shoppers to ‘Go Local’, they’re giving them an incentive to do so.“We are offering them fabulous deals, competitive with US prices plus a great selection to choose from. As retailers it is our responsibility to stimulate sales.”Retailers participating in this year’s Fashion Night Out include: AF Smith Express on Reid Street, AS Cooper (all stores including children’s, men’s Express, Harbourside and the company’s main store), Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewelry (inside the April Branco Gallery), Atelerie, Brown & Co, Carole Holding, Daisy’s Gibbon Company and Home Store, The Harbourmaster, Makin’ Waves, MAC, Nine West, Pirates Port Children and Juniors, People’s Pharmacy, Pulp & Circumstance, The Irish Linen Shop and Twenty5Reid.Alexandra Mosher’s studio will have a wine tasting and little party with live models and music. Atelerie will have a DJ with wine and champagne. Brown & Co will have food and wine samplings. Daisy’s will be offering 25 percent off new merchandise and Makin’ Waves will have a 10 percent discount off their in-stock Columbia Sportswear.For more information on the event and participating retailers, visit www.bermudachamber.bm.