2014 Macy's Glamorama Rocks Minneapolis
Gallery: 2014 Macy's Glamorama: Fashion Rocks
By: Katie Fraser
Being somewhat naïve when it comes to fashion, but always eager to learn, I was extremely excited to attend the highly anticipated Macy's Glamorama.
This year the event took place in downtown Minneapolis at the State Theater on Hennepin, and the theme was Fashion Rocks!
The choice of having it on Hennepin was very apropos, as Hennepin has long been known as the epicenter for Minneapolis night life.
Despite having attended a few fashion shows in the past, I was unsure of what to expect and, thus, what to wear. Of course, the rule of thumb is you can never be overdressed. But, as this was a rock-n-roll themed show and rock-n-roll often demands disregard when it comes to rules, I felt that that may not apply.
So, dressed in dark-wash skinny jeans, a loose white T-shirt, black tuxedo peep-toe high heels, black spiral earrings and a brass key necklace I headed downtown.
The area around the State Theatre buzzed with excitement prior to the show as mobs of women in peplum dresses, jumpsuits and glittered tops, along with a few suited men, made their way into the theatre.
I should admit, I was extremely underdressed.
But, despite my lack of looking like I had fashion sense, I was excited to take in an evening of great clothes for a great cause.
(credit: CBS)
For those who may be unaware, Macy's Glamorama in Minneapolis pairs with Children's Cancer Research Fund to help raise money for cancer research.
To date, the event has raised $44 million across the country. Friday's show raised roughly $5.4 million.
The show began a few minutes after 8 p.m. opening with the story of this year's child ambassador, Jack Serakos.
Jack, an adorable 6-year-old from Andover, Minn., was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was just three months old. His parents detailed Jack's battle with cancer during a short video prior to the show.
They spoke of Jack's treatment but also of his passion for life and joyful demeanor, which were evident when he came on stage after the video.
Greeted by a tearful, standing ovation, Jack took a bow and told the crowd thank you, which, of course, elicited more tears.
Before exiting, Jack told us, boisterously, to enjoy the show.
And enjoy we did!
The show opened with Tommy Hillfiger setting the trends for fall fashion.
(credit: CBS)
Structured jackets, chunky ankle boots and leggings seemed to once again dominate fall trends.
Statement pieces were another trend, which most of the nine designers of the show incorporated into their lineups.
Geometric shapes, strong lines and bright colors contrasted the typical navy, browns and blacks of fall/winter fashion.
My favorite designer of the show was I.N.C. The line incorporated bold colors with classic trends, as an outfit of bright, floral shorts paired with a structured, white-lace top showed. It also had a fun, 70s flair to it.
(credit: CBS)
The evening also included two musical guests, Before You Exit and Jason DeRulo.
Before the show DeRulo had told media that they can expect a high energy performance with a lot of dancing.
"I've known this is what I wanted to do since I was four," DeRulo said. "It's been a good time for a good cause."
Before You Exit was a young boy band that won the chance to perform in the show after winning sponsor iHeartRadio's Rising Star contest.
I must admit, my expectations for the brother band was low, but they did a fine job.
They reminded me a lot of the Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC, which made me very nostalgic. While not necessarily my taste, I can see them being the new Jonas Brothers for the next generation. And they got the crowd out of their seats, which is a feat in and of itself.
Jason DeRulo took the stage at the end of the show.
(credit: CBS)
His performance was high energy and the crowd loved his hits, "Wiggle" and "Talk Dirty To Me."
But the best musical number was by far the Hello Kitty dance number.
(credit: CBS)
The young girls that danced across the stage were incredibly talented, mastering moves I would never even be able to attempt, and at more than half my age.
They flipped and pirouetted across the stage in cute outfits with tons of contagious energy.
If it wasn't for the Diesel lineup, which just featured all the male models in underwear, they would have stolen the show.
The evening didn't conclude there.
After the finale, the Minneapolis glitterati traveled to Macy's eighth floor for drinks, food and dancing.
All in all, Glamorama was a major success on stage and off, raising millions for the Children's Cancer Research Fund, and I look forward to getting to attend another year of the glamorous fashion event again.
