“Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway” -Author unknown. Fashionistas, frugalistas and whatever ‘ista you consider yourself, get ready for Simon Fashion Now, which will be making a highly anticipated stop in Indianapolis Friday, April 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will take place, befittingly, at The Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing.
Brought to you by the Simon Property Group based out of the Circle City, and an entity that practically revolutionized the art of shopping as we know it, Simon Fashion Now travels coast to coast and highlights the must-have trends for spring from Simon retailers.
“It is really a series of fun events for our shoppers that celebrate fashion, style and beauty,” said Jacque Ellis, assistant vice president of corporate special events, Simon Property Group.
Cities like Paris and New York may rule the runways, however, Simon Fashion Now is a way for the “everyman” and “everywoman” to get a sneak peek at the latest styles. The event is free to attend, inclusive of every type of shopper and allows customers to not only see what’s hot, but find what trends best suit them.
This two-day event is said to make fashion fresh and, most importantly, be a source of inspiration. The Fashion Mall is known for its wide range of shops. However, Simon Fashion Now is taking that representation to a whole new level.
“We’re guilty of having our favorite stores, which is great but what we’re finding during these runway shows, people are seeing merchandise from retailers they may not have shopped before and they’re like ‘wow! I didn’t know they carried that.’ Or when they see how an outfit can be put together, it gets the wheels turning,” said Ellis.
All of the trends shown on the runway are available for purchase in Fashion Mall stores.
To further assist shoppers, Simon Property has recruited one of the most knowledgeable and fun fashion gurus around, Bobbie Thomas. The In Touch magazine columnist and style editor for NBC’s Today Show is known for celebrating individual style and making fashion easy and accessible.
“This is going to be fun,” said Thomas. “It’s a privilege to be able to pop up in somebody’s home on TV, but there’s nothing like meeting people in person and talking to women one on one.”
The self-dubbed “professional girlfriend” believes Simon Fashion Now is timely as spring fashions are once again honest and fun. She will be hosting two segments entitled “Ready, Set, Style” and “Bobbie’s Color Class,” in which women can step into her shoes and participate in a style challenge.
Thomas encourages those who will attend the Simon Fashion Now to bring her their style questions as she is all about empowerment and inspiration. She also urges men to check out the show, especially her color class.
The Midwest is not typically known as a fashion hub, however, Thomas, who has attended fashion shows worldwide, says that regardless of where you live, style is self-expression and freedom.
“You don’t have 10 minutes to explain to a stranger your life story, but you can give them that first impression. It’s worthwhile to invest in that,” noted Thomas. “It’s not about having the hottest handbag; fashion should be functional, feel good, make your life easier and help you live a better life. It’s part of who you are.”
For those who cannot attend Simon Fashion Now, the walking 411 for fashion is letting readers in on this season’s fashion rules – there are no rules.
Springtime is all about mixing and matching trends to celebrate personal style. Specifically, denim on denim such as a jean jacket with a darker pair of jeans is new again. Prints are this season’s must-have as well as clothes that are colorful.
Women have enjoyed various trends in dresses, but stylish pants and tops have reemerged. If wearing a dress is non-negotiable, women should ditch their “little black dress” and go for the “little bold dress.”
“It’s a fun way to revisit that feminine frock. You can go for a shocking color or bold print. For a more casual or laid back look, pull on pants again and a basic T-shirt. I don’t think people will ever get sick of reinventing the T-Shirt,” said Thomas.
In addition to the great clothing and multiple fashion shows on April 16 will be Trends and Friends night. There will be food, beverages, spa services, make-up demonstrations and photos, among other great surprises.
On April 17, Simon Fashion Now will include a Style Stop, an interactive look at today’s trends and product sampling. Simon Fashion Now also has partnered with the Art Institute of Indianapolis to showcase fashions from local design students.
“You don’t learn style from watching people on a runway. Fashion happens every morning when you wake up” –Shalom Harlow.
For more information, visit www.simon.com or www.facebook.com/simonfashionnow. Also visit www.bobbie.com or www.twitter.com/BobbieThomas.
