The tag line for this year’s Glamorama was, “High fashion.  Fierce performances.  One unforgettable night.”  This certainly was a precise description of the night.

At Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theater, excited fashion lovers spanning generations lined up to be a part of Glamorama.  Macy’s Passport presents Glamorama each year to give back to the community, and the proud charity that receives the proceeds in Minneapolis is Children’s Cancer Research Fund.  I love that Glamorama can bring such visibility to a wonderful charity that promotes further research to end childhood cancer as well as supports families going through trying times.  Over the years, I have gotten to know quite a few of the CCRF crew, and they are all so giving and passionate about the cause.  I consider myself very fortunate to photograph events for them on occasion. 

The night started out with a red carpet press meet and greet for the stars.  This year’s CCRF sponsored family and some of the top people from Macy’s and CCRF spoke to press about the importance of the charity and a bit about the night.  Far East Movement and Bruno Mars (the entertainment for the evening) also chatted for a bit and posed for pictures.

Though I could feel the excitement building, I had no idea at what was to come.  The amount of energy that poured off that stage was infectious and I can now see why there are Glamorama addicts =)

This year’s show was themed around famous art pieces.  The show did a great job pairing the fashions with artists and incorporating music as well.  For example, Sonia Rykiel’s collection of bohemian looks was shown in front of moving images from Toulouse-Lautrec paintings of Moulin Rouge while Rufus Wainright’s “Complainte de la Butte” played.  The art pieces, music, and fashion ran the gamut of styles, from Degas to Banksy to Lichtenstein, all seamlessly flowing into one another.  My favorite fashions were from Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection and the Impulse collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld.  And I also included an image from the Papi collection, for your viewing pleasure.  Though I did decide I like men that have leg hair…these guys were too…shiny. 

Besides the art, fashion and music, there was also dance.  Not only did the models have intricate choreography that kept things interesting, there were a few times during the night where dancers performed and hyped up the crowd.  They also fit in with the art.  Classical ballet, hip hop, break dancing and ballroom captivated the audience, the choreography was fantastic.  And then there were the live performances of Far East Movement and Bruno Mars.  The girls screamed louder for Bruno than the underwear models ; )

The show was spectacular, but the after party sealed the deal for this being an amazing night.  The party took place on the top floor of the Minneapolis Macy’s store and was such an experience.  The food was over the top with buffets to satisfy every palette, even if you were craving waffles.  The decor carried the art theme, and there were activities strewn about the space that included a luxe photo booth, designing your own clothes, and a silhouette artist.  The decor continued outside to the top level of the parking ramp (which looked nothing like a parking ramp!) where there was a VIP lounge, another dance floor, more food, and comfy seating.  A gorgeous moon and distant lightning storm emphasized how cool it was to be partying among the skyscrapers outside! 

I could seriously go on and on about how my eyes couldn’t soak all of the visual goodies in…but lets just get the pictures, shall we!  Seriously consider coming to next year’s Glamorama, it is for an amazing cause!