Glamoramathe fashion show that features musiconce again brought its stunning visuals and sounds to the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, Aug. 21. The event, produced by retail giant Macy's, benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities ( RMHC ) , specifically the organization's efforts to build "the world's largest" Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago.
So how do you sell tickets for an over the top fashion show? Well, you bill a Grammy award winning R&B singer like Ne-Yo, invite the biggest diva, the fabulous Miss Piggy, and feature sexy models in Papi underwear.
An introductory video played various stories of everyday people using services by RMHC. The organization has plans to open the largest house here in downtown Chicago in 2012. Michael Leppen who was in attendance with a group of friends said he was at this years event because he supports "Ronald McDonald House, a wonderful charity, what they do is incredible."
Others, like 17-year-old Tabitha Cortez, 17, were there to see singer/songwriter Ne-Yo. "I really enjoy listening to his music, I like his voice, it's [ a ] very calm voice," said Cortez, who came from the suburb of Lombard with her family.
The fashion show opened with a brief introduction by legendary muppet Miss Piggy, wearing Marc Jacobs to introduce the first collection of the night by the same designer as models sashayed to RuPaul's "Cover Girl" ( not to be mistaken for his other hit song, "Supermodel" ) . It wasn't long before Ne-Yo was on stage, looking dapper in his signature suite and fedora, singing his hit song "Miss Independent."
Later, male and female models came together for the Robert Cavalli line Just Cavalli, as the designer put both sexes in biker looks with studded ripped jeans and leather boots.
The jazz trio The New Standards covered Britney Spears' "Toxic" in a sensual rendition of silk fabrics and cream colors by Sportmax. The barrette is definitely a fall accessory to look out for; multiple designers featured the headpiece.
Latina singer Jadyn Maria, still relatively unknown, performed her latest single, "Good Girls Like Bad Boys." The beautiful Nashville native of Puerto Rican descent is mostly known as a model who has been featured in Herbal Essence commercials.
This fashion party seemed to be for gay men and straight women. Sure, there were some things for the ladies who like ladies, but seeing Ne-Yo serenade his hit song "Closer" wasn't enough for a finale. The show concluded with the song "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls while male models wearing only Papi underwear briefs,flexed under a rainfalla visual for the senses. It was all in the name of fashion, of course.
Other lines and designers featured included MaxMara, CNC Costume National, Jean Paul Gaultier, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Sonia Rykiel.