NORWICH – This weekend, Chenango County says “hello” to the type of high fashion that many say can't be found upstate as Norwich's very own Phoenix Project Dance and trendspotting Small Town Couture place the finishing touches on the annual Fashion Night Out gala set for Saturday.
For those unfamiliar, 2016 Fashion Night Out has been six years in the making. Since 2010, the event's twofold ambitions of spotlighting fashion found in the most obvious places and fundraising for the internationally-acclaimed dance troupe have been a marked success based on attendance, participants and sponsorship – and by all accounts, this year's event should prove to be no exception.
“We've have had so many amazing sponsors this year,” said Fashion Night Out Organizer and Project Phoenix Dance Executive Director, Michael Perkins. “Chobani, NBT, Dr. Dohner and NY Skin and Vein Center, Sirius Computer Solutions are among our top sponsors.”
According to Perkins, last year’s event hosted upwards of 300 guests, and the event looks to be larger still this year. “We hope to promote a feeling of community and fun. Phoenix Project has launched itself into the national professional dance scene over the past few years and this event helps to support us,” said Perkins.
The gala event is ripe with the essence of New York's Fashion Week held this season February 10-19, and includes the vogue approach of area blogger and fashion forecaster Francesa Baio, whose perfect-fit tagline aptly reads: “Style exists everywhere, even in a small town.”
“I’m so grateful to Phoenix Project Dance for providing an opportunity for such a fun night that is all about fashion,” said Baio. “Last year was an amazing and successful experience, and I’m even more excited for this year – and I know the community is as well.”
Self-admittedly, Baio, who has been obsessed with fashion from a very young age has likewise been vying within to capture the “perfect look” since grade school; and promting her opus of blog “Small Town Couture.”
With that in mind, Baio will wield that experience and contrived prowess by utilizing Phoenix Project Dancers – fresh off their recent show in Manhattan – as her canvas.
“I’ll be using pieces from all local boutiques including Linsey Layne Boutique, The Topping Tree and Steph Boutique. Each look worn will be available for purchase by visiting smalltowncouture.com right after the show,” said Baio.
As an added bonus, the newly formed PPD2 Youth dance company will also be featured during the event.
As to the logistics of putting on a genuine event worthy of all the buzz, Perkins said Phoenix Project Dance and crew spent a great part of the week recreating NYC Fashion Week right here in Norwich, and is looking forward to it's night in the rag-trade.
What began as the Famtec Surveillance warehouse on East River Road early in the week has transformed into an energetic NYC-esque club donned with a dazzling runway and hi-tech light show and red carpet experience, which definitely needs to be seen to be appreciated.
The Fashion Night Out red carpet cocktail hour starts at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Ticket prices are $25 general admission; and Perkins happily indicates that front row seats have been sold out since February.
Tickets can be purchased online at phoenixprojectdance.com or at the door: 5862 County Road 32 (East River Road) in Norwich.
“The show and gala highlights many local businesses and organizations, aiming to focus on the amazing things our community has to offer,” said Perkins. “Phoenix Project Dance company dancers will model clothes and jewelry from the area’s many shops and boutiques. This annual event has proven to become a true homage to the city that the dance company calls home.”