Glamorlicious with Beyoncé
Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL – September 29, 2006
by Adam Bielawski
Macy’s tagged this year’s Glamorama as “Chicago fashion revolves around the Glamosphere, the multi-culti, global fusion of fashion and music featuring Gammy-award superstar Beyoncé Knowles.” So true, as Chicago’s elite, celebrities and fans flooded State Street in front of the Chicago Theatre. Many arrived to catch a glimpse of high fashion in Chicago as well as to be a small part of the festivities for the night. The elite of Chicago came dressed up for the occasion to experience the vision that only Macy’s Glamorama can present. The choreographed Macy’s Glamorama 2006, hosting fashion, music and Beyoncé Knowles. The seats were hot and sold out. Eager fans waited outside as stretch limousines approached to drop off the celebrities and the lucky who had tickets. Ticket sales were to benefit the Auxiliary Board and Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago. Over the past several years, Glamorama has raised almost $2 million for the Art Institute, funding special events and community outreach programs in Chicago.
The red carpet festivities kicked off the event hours before any celebrities walked the floor. Camera crews, celebrity journalists and photographers lined up on one side, to prepare for anyone who walked Macy’s Glamorama 2006 Red Carpet. The red carpet show was MC’d by InTouch’s magazine fashion expert Bobbie Thomas, who herself was dressed up for the occasion meeting and interviewing guest that walked the carpet. The red carpet brought the movie, music and television talents such as Tyler Florence (Food Network), Lauren Holly (actress), Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Tommy the Clown, Ozomatli (Grammy Award Winners), Rockmond Dunbar (actor) and the Knowles Family including Tina, Solange and Beyoncé Knowles. While the celebrities took pictures and talked, a friend of mine had a brief vibe going with Rockmond Dunbar about the winning show “Prison Break.” The question raised, “How the hell the FBI can’t find you, but you can find another convict on a motorcycle?” Dunbar with excitement replied, “Man, we were shocked as well when we read the script, who’s going to believe this stuff. But the episode was great.”
Just a few weeks back, Macy’s took over Chicago’s Department giant, Marshall Fields. The Chicago Icon’s doors officially closed on Friday, September 8, 2006 and opened back up on Saturday, September 9, 2006 as the new Macy’s on State Street. Protesters paced up and down State Street , however, the shoppers won as a flood of people came to opening day to Macy’s, not only to check out the conversion but to get the first store discounts.
Glamorama kicked off with a video narrated by Beyoncé herself, introducing Macy’s Glamorama 2006 and letting everyone know that they are about to see a show of shows, from today hottest designers and the latest trends to hit Macy’s. Glamorama is home to Chicago and nowhere else, featuring spectacular theatrical effects, rock concert lighting and sound, and beautiful models and clothes which can only be explained as astonishing. Some of the named designers that were part of the Glamorama were, Just Cavalli, Tuleh, Badgley Mischka, Moschino, Peter Som, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Temperley London, D&B Dolce & Gabbana and Beyoncé and Tina Knowles, House of Deréon collection. Models walked out, step by step, with pure confidence as they hit the stage at the Chicago Theatre. One by one, enough time to touch and go and give the people a taste of what’s coming and the photographers a quick eye to the camera.
In addition to the fashion show, Ozomatli gave us song and introduction the audience to designer lines. Giving the audience a beat and some groove to the models walking up and down the stage. Ozomatli molded the runway models into their act, singing and dancing as the models walked presenting the clothes. Our next performer was Tommy the Clown, brining his famous road show, “The Battle Zone”, to this Chicago audience. Putting style of hip-hop and krunk urban beat and dance with his young crew giving dance moves with precision and fast pace. Tommy the Clown, before leaving the stage, gave some words about his show and the reason why the show exist. It helps bring awareness that violence is not a way out and to show parents and youths in urban areas that there is much more through the arts. The finale of the Macy’s Glamorama 2006 was Beyoncé line of clothes, The House of Dareon. Beyoncé Knowles closed Glamorama with dazzling performance with models taking control of dance and music. As Beyoncé shook and made everyone feel the Vibe, the models walked, danced and performed, presenting the House of Deréon. Beyoncé concluded Glamorama with her latest hit, “Déjà vu” and finale song to close Macy’s Glamorama 2006 with “Crazy In Love.”
Macy’s Glamorama 2006 was sensational and eye-catching. The models were fabulous, the musical acts were impressive and shows theatricals were breathtaking.
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