Macy’s Glamorama is an annual event benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Featuring a huge fashion show and performances by Macy Gray and Eric Hutchinson—as well as a massive after-party encompassing an entire floor of Macy’s on State—Glamorama is one serious party for charity.

Overall, the tightly-planned event was dynamic in its presentation. The fashion show’s choreography—done by Myron Johnson—was impressively vast, emphasizing both the show’s theatrical elements as well as the varied moods of each collection . Showcasing a diverse array of looks—Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sportmax, Hugo Boss, Sonia Rykiel, Material Girl, Just Cavalli, Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti, Marc Jacobs, Issey Miyake, Felina and 2(x)ist—no matter what your style, there was something for everything in the show’s combination of sportswear, classic Americana, luxury ready-to-wear and lingerie.

I’m not much of a concert person, and am not terribly familiar with the music of Macy Gray and Eric Hutchinson, but both artists lent a distinctly personal touch to the evening—engaging the audience, and paying homage the heart of the event: the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Project Runway final contestant Chris March, who designed the show opening, was on hand and in the audience—what fashion show is complete without a celebrity sighting?

The after party was fabulous—a hopping dance floor, complete with day-glo hula hoopers; an incredible array of food, including an enormous buffet of See’s Candies; and enough cocktail options to keep the party going well into the night. With nearly 25 food and drink bars available throughout the floor, party guests were kept in substantial, and delicious, food and drink.

This was my first Glamorama, but it definitely won’t be my last. Fashion, party, and charity? Count me in.

models getting ready!

jean paul gaultier

nothing like some good, model-off-duty style

hugo boss: glorious men in green

sonia rykiel! a personal fave of mine

an absolutely gorgeous gown by marc jacobs

being silly at the after party with my friend brandon, of twentythirtyforty.net. she’s looking gorgeous in orange, and i’m the one rocking the sequins

we got to hang out with the fabulous “so you think you can dance”ers before the show!

…and we couldn’t resist peeking through the garment racks before the show

can’t wait for next year!

–Amanda Aldinger