To those in NYC, the letters FNO need no explainer.
And while things are catching on here, we'll still go ahead and spell it out for you - Fashion's Night Out.
The event, which started four years ago as a way to celebrate fashion and boost sales during a crippling recession, has spread to cities across the United States and the world. For one night, retailers offer discounts, swag and special limited-edition goodies along with performances. That night … is tonight.
Tucson marks FNO with two events: It's the second year for La Encantada's shopping party and the first for Fashion's Night Out in Downtown on the rooftop of Playground Bar & Lounge.
"Fashion's Night Out is really about shopping, retail," says local fashion show and event producer Paula Taylor, who's produced both La Encantada events. "It's really big this year."
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From 6-9 p.m., several La Encantada stores will offer discounts and gifts with purchase. Locally owned shops and designers will also be there. Event-goers can munch on appetizers and those over 21 can sample whiskey and wine. Models will strike poses while dancers perform around the complex. Some restaurants even have specials for the evening.
Taylor will also be celebrating the publication of her textbook "How to Produce a Fashion Show from A to Z" (Prentice Hall, $66.67). Interactive fashion exhibits will be based on chapters from the book.
Last year, between 600 and 1,000 people attended La Encantada's three-hour event, said Melanie Sutton, senior marketing manager for the shopping center.
Across the city from 8-11 p.m., Fashion's Night Out at Playground will have a pop-up shop featuring several local designers and retailers, a disc jockey, freebies, and models and makeup artists sharing tips and tricks.
"You can shop and dance and have fun," says Yekatherina Bruner, who's coordinating the downtown event and founder of Tucson Fashion Group, a community network devoted to creating a stronger, more professional fashion industry here.
"People don't realize, they say, 'It's just fashion,' " Bruner says. "This is what you wear every single day - it's your second skin. Why can't we celebrate our second skin?"
IF YOU GO
• What: Fashion's Night Out. The event started in 2009 as a way to highlight fashion and shopping and restore consumer confidence during a recession. Tucson has two events - one at La Encantada and another downtown at Playground Bar & Lounge. Admission to both is free.
• When: Today, 6-9 p.m. in La Encantada's main courtyard and participating stores; 8-11 p.m. at Playground Bar & Lounge.
• Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, and Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
• For more details: Go to laencantadashoppingcenter.com and check under "events." Fashion's Night Out in Downtown has an events Facebook page.