Girls’ Night Out, an event dedicated to women of all ages, began with
a fashion show with apparel from local stores and boutiques. After the
show, women were invited to head down Grand River Avenue to shop, with
special deals and discounts at participating stores.
When Kathleen Berg received the call to assist in the Girls’ Night Out fashion show, she was prepared for a decent show. But the event that followed more than surpassed the communication sophomore’s high expectations.
“This was the first year this event was held, but I would’ve guessed it was the third or fourth,” she said.
The Girls’ Night Out fashion show was held from 3-3:45 p.m. Saturday at the East Lansing Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave.
The show featured apparel from local stores and boutiques, kicking off an evening dedicated to women. Descending down the large escalator in the center of the lobby, more than 40 participants modeled the clothing for a crowd of nearly 100 people.
Also on the Girls’ Night Out schedule was a showcase at (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., featuring MSU apparel and textile design students’ work.
Afterward, Spartan Dance Center, 3498 Lake Lansing Road, hosted mini dance classes and performances for Girls’ Night Out participants of all ages.
Many of the stores featured in the fashion show offered special deals and discounts for those shopping after the show.
To create the event, the City of East Lansing and Downtown Management Board contacted locals they knew would be interested in preparing for Girls’ Night Out. As the events and promotions coordinator for Douglas J Companies, a chain of salons and institutes in Michigan and Illinois, MSU alumnus Peter Eichler was someone the board considered the perfect choice to run the fashion show.
China Caldwell heard about the opportunity to model in an East Lansing fashion show from a friend, and the psychology sophomore was glad she decided to take part.
“I modeled for Moosejaw,” she said. “It was so much fun, but I was burning up wearing The North Face (sweatshirts) and heavy boots.”
The models arrived at Douglas J Aveda Institute, 331 E. Grand River Ave., before the fashion show and had their hair and makeup styled for the show.
Eichler stressed the importance of being prepared for all situations when running such events.
“Knowing this is live theater, you have to be ready for anything,” he said.
MSU alumnus Niko Thomas attended the fashion show to watch his girlfriend model in the show for The Refinery, 115 Albert Ave. After reading the lineup for the day, Niko decided Girls’ Night Out was a positive way for the female community of East Lansing to connect and promote local businesses.
“It was a good event to bring women together,” he said. “It was something fun and safe to do and to show East Lansing off.”
Tamira Chapman, who also is an MSU alumna, created a clothing line sold at Silver & Beyond LLC, 333 Albert Ave., featuring Spartan rhinestone clothing. Chapman attended the event to show her support for the business.
“It was positive for fashion in the community and good for kicking off the holiday season,” she said.
At the end of the day, Eichler said he felt the Girls’ Night Out fashion show was a success.
“We always learn and try to make our shows better,” he said. “But I’m walking away from this event very happy.”
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