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Anna Wintour – Editor in Chief of Vogue – had a brain wave of an idea during the last Paris Collections – held in May. And it’s a beauty – gaining steam all over NYC! Over 700 stores, so far, will participate by staying open until 11.00PM – recruiting celebrities, designers, models – and Broadway acts – as well as setting up fashion exhibits, style seminars – and even sewing and knitting lessons.

The September 10th event is geared to celebrate fashion, spur the economy and help consumers feel less guilt about shopping during the recession.

The list of personal appearances is definitely a one time only opportunity to meet the person behind the scenes – Manolo Blahnik, Thom Browne, Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, Francisco Costa, Alberta Ferretti, Patricia Field, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Derek Lam, Nanette Lepore, Isaac Mitzrahi, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Rachel Roy, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (where has he been lately?), Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour and plenty of others will be on hand to ensure the event is a great success.

Even Ms. Wintour – along with Michael Kors and a ‘secret’ celebrity will be heading over to Queens Plaza (Yes, that’s right – Queens, NY!) to open the event at 5.00PM at Macy’s – and to sign a few T.shirts. You go girrrl!

Me? U may ask. I think I will be heading over to my favorites – Barney’s first and then Bergdorf’s – to watch Andre Leon Talley hosting a fashion game with teams led by Donna Karan, Linda Fargo and Robert Verdi – and to purchase a little something from the recent fabulous Fall/Winter Collections.

Thanks to David Moin and WWD for some of the information used in this article.

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