Millburn Fashions Hitting the Runway

The bright lights hit New York runways every season as fashion designers bring out their newest looks. Only living a short train ride from New York City, many locals will head there to buy those same fashions.

But the local fashion stores in downtown Millburn are hoping to remind people they can get those big label styles in their hometown, a short drive away.

The Downtown Millburn Development Alliance is holding its first ever fashion show on Thursday. Every fashion-related store ranging from clothing to shoes to eye-wear will be involved in the show. In addition to the runway show, a cocktail hour will feature models wearing jewelry from the downtown merchants.

The money for the event will be donated to the Millburn-Short Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation and the Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad. Tickets will not be sold at the door Thursday night, and the deadline to purchase was Monday.

Helen Kyle, assistant DMDA director, said the fashion retailers suggested the fashion show during an economic summit in March, and many thought it was a good idea. "A great majority of downtown will be involved," she said. "We want to try to help our retailers and bring attention to them."

Renee Mayronne, Gito owner, said the fashion store owners downtown decided together they wanted to promote downtown through a fashion show to bring business in town.

"We want to show we need everyone's support during the tough economic times," she said. "We want people to support their local merchants as opposed to the mall (chain stores)."

Mayronne said business owners who say they have not been affected by the slow economy are lying. "I have customers I haven't seen in one or two seasons," she said. "I understand people's pain."

But the local owners want to check in with their customers to see how they're doing and understand why they aren't shopping. "Many tell me they will eventually be back," Mayronne said. "I believe them. It just takes time."

Those who will attend Thursday night should expect a "fun and exciting show" and will see looks ranging from children to teens to casual to dressy. "You don't need to go to New York for these looks," Mayronne said. "You don't need to go to the mall."

Mayronne, who has been busy with a number of fashion shows lately, said she's picked two looks for Thursday's show of the five she will send down the runway. She wants to have young, hip looks, but she also wants to have something for business women and a more glamorous look.

The event replaces the DMDA's annual Magical Breakfast with Santa event in December. Kyle said the fashion show has a more direct effect on the retail stores. Also, the annual Snowflake Parade will still be held.

But those who don't have tickets to Thursday's show will have a chance to see the latest fashions by visiting the downtown stores during fashion week, which kicks off on Friday. Many participating stores will offer 10 percent off sales and will donate a portion of their earnings to the three charities.

Kyle said many people may have forgotten to shop downtown, so fashion week helps to remind them to do so.

There will also be special perks and surprises in many of the stores downtown. Shoppers will also have free parking throughout fashion week.