Consider Glen Ellyn fashion central today

The streets of Glen Ellyn may never be mistaken for those of a global fashion capital like Milan or Paris. But Carol White hopes that for at least one day a month, residents will come out and watch volunteer models strut their stuff down downtown streets.

The first parade of fashion takes place today as part the debut of First Fridays, a new celebration that the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance hopes will draw people out to take advantage of downtown businesses.

"We're very excited to get it off the ground," said White, the alliance's special events coordinator. "I've always wanted to do a fashion event on the sidewalks of downtown Glen Ellyn. We have so much to offer in our downtown and we don't show it off enough."

The parade route starts at Ali Kat, 499 Pennsylvania Ave., and heads east down Pennsylvania Avenue then turns around at Honey, 499 N. Main St. The route will then circle back to Ali Kat. On display will be clothes, jewelry and even biking gear, said alliance President Janet Avila, owner of String Theory Yarn Co.

As part of the celebration stores will remain open until 8 p.m., though many typically close at 5 p.m., and will offer sidewalk sales.

Live music will play and other attractions like a balloon artist and free shoe shine will be available. White said the connections established by the relatively new downtown alliance has helped facilitate the celebration.

The stores have worked together to advertise the event because, she said, any customer out on Friday will help other stores.

"We need stores to advertise our events to their customers," she said. "One more customer for any store in downtown and it has a ripple effect."

Avila said the First Fridays offers businesses a reason to stay open later, which she said will only help the alliance.

First Fridays also are scheduled for July 2 and Aug. 6.

Models interested in volunteering should visit the alliance's website, at downtownglenellyn.com.

"I would like to see the parade of fashion really turn into an event in itself," White said. "It could be so huge."