The Front Row takes center stage starting May 19

Photo by Abby Greenawalt

Bethesda's biggest and best fashion event returns for three days starting May 19. The Front Row is a spectacular series of trunk shows, book readings, tasty bites from local restaurants, celebrity appearances (PR guru and reality TV personality, Kelly Cutrone, who will be signing her book Normal Gets You Nowhere) and a runway fashion show Friday night featuring  Bethesda boutiques. It's all free. So, even if fashion isn't your thing (???) I'm sure your community matters to you. Many of the participating boutiques are mom and pops--the  little shops your neighbors and friends own. Our support keeps them here and wards off the big chains for a while longer. Here's an abbreviated lineup. Oh yeah, there is a full roster of kiddie events too!  I'll be posting more as we get closer, but for more information right now, please visit http://bethesdarow.com/events/listing/the-front-row/ 

Thursday ushers in the event with an exclusive free screening of Bill Cunningham New York, at Bethesda Row’s Landmark Theatre. I saw this film. Yes, it gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the NY Times "On the Street" spread, high fashion and NYC society, but what makes this 84-minute movie unique is the touching portrait of the eccentric and humble soul behind the lens. It's brilliant. RSVP for the (free) screening at bcny@brandlinkdcrsvp.com

The three-day event kicks off with brunch and shopping at J. McLaughlin. Aveda and bluemercury will offer complimentary makeovers from 12-6pm. Enjoy mini spa treatments, brow waxes and chair massages at the Equinox spa from 4-6pm.  Trunk shows include a Joie summer collection at Ginger, Diane von Furstenberg ]show at Urban Chic, and  MZ Wallace at Sassanova.  And that's just the first day. Check out the link for more events, times and freebies: http://bethesdarow.com/events/listing/the-front-row/