The City of Sydney will present Fashion in the Villages from September 20 to 21 to remind shoppers of the more personal retail experience offered by local stores.

Run by Australian Fashion Week co-founder, Lorrain Lock, the weekend will include art installations, VIP events, and guest designers. A number of free workshops will be held as retailers vie for best window display, and style bloggers prowl for all things fashionable.

Fashion shows and classes on how to make jewellery and knitted garments will be held along Paddington’s Oxford St in spaces leased out under the City of Sydney’s Creative Spaces Program, and large crowds are expected to catch events such as the outdoor cinema.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, said local small businesses are a vital part of  community life, and Fashion in the Villages will give local fashion retailers a boost in the age of online sales and mega malls.

“September is a big month for fashion in Sydney, and the City is working closely with the relevant business chambers and retail businesses in village areas to support them,” Moore said.

“Industry led events supported by government can make a real difference by increasing foot traffic in key shopping precincts.”

Fashion in the Villages will shine light on eclectic boutiques off the city’s main beats as part of the month long Sydney is Fashion celebration in September.

“Fashion in the Villages is a weekend celebration of all things fashion in Sydney’s most style conscious villages,” Lock said.

“This year, trend setter stores in Paddington, Newtown, and Surry Hills will be joined by newcomers – Darlinghurst, Pyrmont and Potts Point – in showcasing their new summer collections, offering special deals and giving customers the chance to win fabulous prizes.”

The City is supporting Fashion in the Villages with a dynamic marketing and PR campaign featuring print, radio, outdoor advertising, social media, and a dedicated website, which will list all of the weekend’s activities.