Glamorama never gets old, even though this annual fashion show/concert/party is going on 11 years now, dating to before Marshall Field’s morphed to Macy’s.
This year’s extravaganza, starting at 8 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Theatre, boasts a few firsts.
A new beneficiary
Glamorama ticket sales will benefit the Ronald McDonald House, replacing the Art Institute of Chicago. Ronald McDonald House provides food and lodging to families with hospitalized children. The charity is building its largest house in the world in Streeterville, near where the new Lurie Children’s Hospital is being built downtown. Taking a cue from “American Idol” voting, guests at the fashion show will be able to text in additional donations during the fashion show.
Ne-Yo
The Grammy-winning Ne-Yo’s performance during the fashion show is tied to his role as spokesman for the new Alfani Red line of men’s suits and tailored separates sold at Macy’s. (The jazz trio The New Standards and Jadyn Maria, a Ne-Yo protege, also will perform.)
New technology
“Rain curtain” technology will be used for the first time in a North American fashion show, providing a runway rainfall effect in front of brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, MaxMara, Sonia Rykiel and more. In the spirit of the “fusion” theme, the fashion segments will feature unconventional mixes of patterns and textures.
A special guest
Rumor has it that Miss Piggy will make an appearance, in conjunction with a retrospective of her couture on display through Sunday at Macy’s State Street, which includes posters spoofing popular shows and movies (“Sow and the City”) and designs by Burberry, Lela Rose, Jason Wu and Louis Vuitton.
Extending the party
The post-party on the seventh floor of Macy’s State Street will feature nearly 25 bars and food stations, Wii stations and the video game phenomenon “Dance Dance Revolution.” Fire dancers will perform, and body painters will offer their services. The dance floor will pulse in the black-and-red room with DJ Mel DeBarge.
For pre-event shopping, Macy’s is selling the Glam Pass for $10, which entitles the holder to 15 percent to 20 percent off that day’s shopping and a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more on another day.
Ticket info
Glamorama tickets range from $50 to $1,000. Visit ticketmaster.com, thechicagotheatre.com or rmhccni.org. Or call 630-623-2105, 800-745-3000.
