NYC's Fashion's Night Out Features Some Sweet Shoes - YUM!

On September 8th, 2010, fashion designers came out in full force to showcase their best creations for the throngs of shoppers who flocked to stores in over 100 cities across the globe to celebrate, the 3rd annual Fashion's Night Out - A global initiative to promote retail shopping and celebrate fashion.

One of the biggest events took place in the shopping mecca of the world - New York City. While all the designers were impressive the creations that received the biggest accolades were found at the most unlikely location - Dylan's Candy Bar!

What has candy got to do with fashion you may ask? A lot, when the owner of the candy store is Dylan Lauren, the daughter of one of the world's most famous designers - Ralph Lauren.

Last year, she challenged the students at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to create entire evening gowns from candy. This year, she went one step further (literally), challenging the students at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with her 'May each step you take be sweet' contest.

Contestants were asked to create their interpretation of either Rockport's Janae Pumps for women or Day to Night Wing Tip for men - Using, any or all of the 7,000 varieties of sweet treats available at Dylan's Candy Bar. The results as you can see, were colorful glistening shoes that any fashionista would be proud to be seen in!

While all the designs were very creative, it was Sarah Richardson's vibrant Janae Pump crafted from yellow & white jelly beans combined with junior mints, that caught the judge's fancy. Her two weeks of hard work paid off handsomely earning her a cool $5,000 USD scholarship, one year's supply of Rockport footwear and best of all - A one-year membership to Dylan's Candy of the Month Club!

Another contestant, Stephanie Seibel opted to design a pink Day to Night Wingtip shoe, using a combination of pink jellybeans and gumdrops. Other RISD students utilized candy corn, M&M's and even, black licorice!

In addition to admiring these unusual shoes, visitors were also treated to another sweet creation - A 650 pound Rockport Janae Pump made entirely out of candy. Besides being yummylicious, Dylan's Candy Bar believes it may also be the largest candy shoe ever created and have submitted it to the Guinness Book of World Records, for consideration.

Incase you missed the big event, all the shoes will continue to be showcased at the flagship store of Dylan’s Candy Bar through the end of September - So, if you happen to be in New York City, be sure to check them out!

Resources: thefashionspot.com, fusionmag.com, risd.edu