Curiocity: Macy's Glamorama Ready To Rock Mpls.
Minneapolis is about to get glam.
Celebrating 20 years of fierce fashions and high-energy entertainment, Macy's Glamorama will kick off it's four-city tour at the Orpheum Theatre Friday night. The tour then continues in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The event debuted as Dayton's "A Cause for Applause" in Minneapolis during the early 90s before turning into Fash Bash in 1995. The name Glamorama came to fruition in 2003 after organizers felt it was a good representation of the high-class fashions and exciting entertainment.
And this year's event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
Providing 2011's soundtrack, soulful singer Bruno Mars will share the stage with the funky foursome that makes up Far East Movement. Both will help bring the fabulous fashions on the runway to life as designer samples and intricate outfits are introduced to the Minneapolis crowd.
Like previous years, the extravagant event will benefit the Children's Cancer Research Fund to help in the fight against childhood cancer.
With so much planned, we definitely wanted to know what's in store to celebrate two decades of sheer Glam. Mike Gansmoe, Macy's VP of Special Productions, shared a sneak peek for what we can expect.
Q: What makes this year's Glamorama different from years past?
A: This year marks the 20th year for the event and Macy's partnership with Children's Cancer Research Fund. Over the past 19 years, Glamorama has contributed more than $4.3 million to Children's Cancer Research Fund –- a national organization headquartered in Minneapolis. So we are very excited to celebrate such a big milestone with the event and its benefactor.
Q: So the show will kick off in Minneapolis this weekend, what can event goers expect for the first show?
A: The audience will enjoy a powerful visual show inspired by the arts. From Degas to Banksy, ballet to breakdance and everywhere in between, Macy's Glamorama should prove to be an incredible journey.
Q: For those that have never been to Glamorama, what makes this a unique event?
A: Every year is different and special. The event itself is unique because it encompasses so many different elements in one show -- art, music, dance and fashion. As we kick off this year's show in Minneapolis, we are particularly excited and thrilled to have the Karl Lagerfeld capsule collection for Impulse among our fashion segments. This will be the first time the collection will be seen anywhere outside of New York City, giving those in the Twin Cities a first look at it. The collection will be sold in approximately 235 Macy's stores nationwide beginning Aug. 31. This includes four Macy's location in the Twin Cities area -- Rosedale, Southdale, Ridgedale and Downtown Minneapolis.
Q: We were over at Macy's on Sunday for the model fittings and obviously, that Karl Lagerfeld capsule collection is being kept under wraps. Can you give us any hints to what it will be like?
A: Its a blend of refined dresses, airy tops, modern tweeds and Karl Lagerfeld's signature high-collared neck.The color palette ranges from soft to shocking pink and grey to noir. Collectible T-shirts and comfortable jackets mixed with crocodile print combine with chic leggings to give the collection a refreshing rock 'n' roll edge.
Q: A lot of buzz is circulating about the big after-party on the 8th floor of Macy's -- what's all in store?
A: Yes. The ARTlandish after-party on the 8th floor of the Macy's Downtown Minneapolis store will be just that. Transforming the space into something that amazes and dazzles Glam guests is always fun. This year, various art interpretations lend to the décor theme. You can relax in ultra-cool sponsor lounges. Interact with fun activities from a unique photo op to muddling your own mojito. In addition, guests can enjoy a vast array of delicious foods and drinks served in a fun setting.
Q: I heard it takes more than a year to plan Glamorama, what is it like for you to see all that work finally come together?
A: There is a great sense of accomplishment. It takes a real team effort to create and produce such a big event. And to see all those involved come together and work on this throughout the year, is just fantastic.
Q: Obviously, at the core of this show is raising money to benefit the Children's Cancer Research Fund. How does that inspire the scope of this event?
A: We are proud to partner once again with Children's Cancer Research Fund as their impact in the fight against childhood cancer affects children and families in the Twin Cities and around the world. All of us that work on Glamorama hold CCRF near and dear in our hearts. The work they do is truly amazing.
Glamorama By The Numbers:
-- 6 semi trucks transport the show and party to each city.
-- 43 models from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco will participate in all four shows.
-- 150 outfits and pairs of shoes will walk down the runway.
-- 80 fashion professionals help get the models ready.
Gallery: Behind The Scenes Of Glamorama
Tickets to Glamorama are on sale now and can be purchased through by calling (952) 893-9355 or by visiting www.ChildrensCancer.org/Glamorama. Tickets can also be purchased at the State Theatre Box Office, or by calling Ticketmaster (1-800-982-2787) or through www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets range in price from $60 to $1,000.
