Categories: Shopping
Macy's: Glamorama
Author: Rebecca Taras
Cyndi Lauper and MC Hammer headline Glamorama 2008, the 10th annual, and the event benefits the Art Institute of Chicago.
Leg warmers, parachute pants and zippered jackets: Lucky for all of us, the ‘80s style of fall fashion is taking a contemporary upgrade and who better to show us how it’s done other than the folks at Chicago’s own Macy’s and their flagship Chicago location, Macy's on State Street?
Macy’s Glamorama Pop Candy Arcade will take place at the Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 22, at 8 p.m. “This year’s Glamorama event is extremely special, as it marks our 10th anniversary supporting the Art Institute of Chicago,” said Mike Dervos, SVP, Regional Director of Stores, Macy's East. "We're proud to partner with the AIC in making the arts more accessible to our local communities each and every day."
For Chicagoans, Glamorama is the next best thing to New York for viewing a fully choreographed runway show, complete with high-tech video with high-style to match. Designers this year include: Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan Collection, Celine, CNC Costume National, Just Cavalli, Ports 1961, SportMax, Tibi and Tommy Hilfiger. Let’s not forget the music! Models will walk the runway sporting radical fashions to the awesome sounds of chart-topping ’80s superstar Cyndi Lauper and late ’80s hip-hop sensation MC Hammer.
“Glamorama 2008 pumps it up ’80s style with bodacious fashion, bangin’ music and totally awesome entertainment, all with a modern twist,” said Jennifer Wilkins, Macy’s Trend Expert. “From the stellar show to our over-the-top post party, Glam guests will go back to the ’80s in style.”
But the fun doesn’t end at the theater. Following the totally awesome fashion show, guests will make their way to the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street for an elaborate flashback post-party. This year’s party will boast a giant video screen playing ’80s music videos alongside color-changing neon walls. Fun interactive elements will include a Rubik’s Cube lounge, Pacman and Donkey Kong arcade game competitions, Guitar Hero battles to ’80s hits and interactive break-dancer performances throughout the evening.
Several food and beverage stations offering fare such as sushi, gourmet grilled pizzas and a bruchetta bar will keep Glamorama goers stoked throughout the evening. And for their sweet tooth, guests won’t want to miss the ‘80s-clad candy attendants roaming the party serving POP ROCKS®, Hubba Bubba bubble gum, Fruit Roll-Ups, Nerds candy, dipsticks and candy bracelets. Enough sugar to keep the party going even after it ends!
Glamorama sponsors include Bud Select, Calvin Klein Underwear, Chicago Tribune, CS, Chicago Theatre, Hotel Sax, Lancôme, Polaroid, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 312-902-1500, visiting ticketmaster.com or contacting the Chicago Theatre box office. For more information, call the Art Institute of Chicago at 312-443-3710. Tickets range in price from $50 to $1000.
A portion of the ticket proceeds from Glamorama benefits the Auxiliary Board and Evening Associates of the AIC. These volunteer organizations share the common goal to make the museum accessible to a broader and more diverse audience. This is accomplished through funding exhibitions, providing community outreach programs and hosting special events at the Art Institute.
Glamorama History
Glamorama debuted under Dayton's as "A Cause for Applause" in Minneapolis in 1992 and later became Fash Bash in Minneapolis a few years later. It debuted in Chicago in 1999 and raises money to support cancer research and the arts. In recent years, Glamorama has taken fashion to the highest level of design, making the event the hottest ticket in town.
2008 Pop Candy Arcade
Cyndi Lauper
MC Hammer
2007 The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful
MuzikMafia
Big & Rich
Gretchen Wilson
Cowboy Troy
Chef Cat Cora
2006 Glamosphere
Beyoncé Knowles (Chicago)
Kelly Rowland (Minneapolis)
Tommy the Clown
Ozomatli
Chef Tyler Florence
2005 Glam Rocks
B-52’s
East Village Opera Company
The Pussycat Dolls
Video by Sean Combs
DJ Tony Okungbowa (Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime DJ)
Glamorama Fun Facts
Past celebrity attendees at Glamorama include Ellen Degeneres, Brooke Shields, David Schwimmer, Lauren Holly, Pamela Anderson, Robert Verdi, Ryan Seacrest, Queen Latifa and Seth Meyers, among others.
Past Glamorama performers include Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Beyoncé, B-52’s, the East Village Opera Company, the Pussycat Dolls and Wayne Newton.
Over the past nine years and formerly under the Marshall Field’s name, Glamorama has raised more than $2 million for the Art Institute.
The one-hour Glamorama show takes more than a year and a half to plan.
43 models from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami participate in Glamorama.
It takes a team of 43 model dressers, five wardrobe stylists, 2 alterations specialists, 3 model senders and 13 hair and 13 makeup artists to get the models ready for Glamorama.
About 140 pairs of shoes go down the runway.
The Glamorama show requires seven days of rehearsal and 10 hours of model fittings.
Nearly 2,000 people attend the Glamorama post-party.
At the 2007 pos- party, nearly 1,800 martini glasses, 5,000 wine glasses, 3,000 low balls and 800 champagne glasses were rented for the event.
The post-party uses approximately 8,500 lbs. of ice
In 2007, the on-site Catering staff consisted of 40 chefs, 15 server captains, 70 servers, 40 bartenders and 10 bar backs.
Get Glam All Month Long: The ’80s Remix
Customers will have the opportunity to shop, save and support a great cause with the Macy’s Glam Pass. Available in all Macy’s stores July 23-August 23 for only $5, the Glam Pass highlights the season’s hottest trends, offers savings coupons, includes tips from Macy’s style experts and more. A portion of the proceeds from the Glam Pass benefits the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit www.macys.com/glamorama when it launches on July 23 to get the most up-to-date Glamorama event details and information.
