LA's true answer to NY Fashion Week, Macy's Passport Fashion Show 2011

By Laura Medina

Videos courtesy of Macy's & Showbiz Networks

In a quick breather immediately following New York Fashion Week and the Emmys, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama charity fashion show sprint out of the gate, fresh on their fashionable high heels.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor originated this true blue Los Angeleno society tradition, with Macy's help, as a fun fundraiser to support AIDS research and awareness.

Now, in its 29th year running, it is Hollywood's not-to-be missed tradition. Every invitee say it is an honor to be invited, participate, and watch the latest of this year's Fall fashion being paraded firsthand, happily provided by Macy's.

Many of the celebrities being interviewed on the red carpet, feel like as though they are carrying Ms. Taylor's torch for AIDS support, awareness, and education while upholding this local-only tradition of the City of Angels doing an Hollywood-worthy fashion production.

From the left: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sara Rue, Nick Verreos, & the Far East Movement.

Red carpet videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPefwmoRkWk, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st4Q74UuBxw&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeQKOBw9Wso&feature=related

Jennifer Love Hewitt attended as a promise to a dear friend who had passed away a long time ago to AIDS. If there is anything she can do for the cause, she will do it. Plus, she is really excited to see Cee Lo Green perform. She is a big fan. Ms. Hewitt call this a great night for a great cause.

Sara Rue is thrilled to follow Elizabeth Taylor's footsteps...

"When I think about Elizabeth Taylor, I first think about her beauty, her talent, and her works in AIDS Awareness. She was one of the pioneers. She was one of the first actors, one of the first celebrities to say have to do something in the community."

For Nick Verreos, it is another form of awareness..."There's education to let people know about the Fall Fashion trends...the entertainment...all the high fashion...the models. Los Angeles is the biggest red carpet and the biggest catwalk in the world. In this historical theater, the Orpheum Theatre, Macy's is the place to be."

For Far East Movement, this is the best of both worlds. Not only do they find it a great honor to be invited to perform at the city's best fashion production, they live a few mere blocks away from the Orpheum Theater. After being on tour for three to four months, they find it a relief to be able to roll out and rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBlHu297we4

This year's theme for Macy's Passport Glamorama is ARTrageous where each designer or brand is paired with an artist that best suits the brand's or the designer's mentality.

The show opens with models in life-sized picture boxes and the models, obviously, are life-sized dolls strutting in Tommy Hilfilger's current varsity/collegiate pullovers, sweaters, caps, scarves, and knits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBlHu297we4

Nevertheless, the dominating theme on the stage is the "Foxy Femme Fatale," best strutted out by Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese.

Rachel Roy sexed up the early to mid-Sixities "Mad Men" factor by jazzing up sheath dresses in today's sequins and tweed trimmed with (hopefully faux) fox fur. Most of the outfits are topped by pill box hats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGDTQK519PM&feature=related

Tracy Reese amped up the foxiness factor by spotlighting on what was fierce about the Seventies and the Women's Liberation Movement-strong, sultry, and sexy.

Again with the fur trim, but the powerful leopard prints brings out the Diva from the Disco Era.

Far East Movement provided the much needed break between the fashion marathon but Mr. Cee Lo Green brought down the house as the finale. Macy's saved the best for last.

Cee Lo Green's "Big City, Big Lights," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW89OKUqS9Y & "Forget You/Smells Like Teen Spirit," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_g2zbvnyu0.

A children's dance troupe, decked in Day-Glo Keith Haring graffiti-squiggled sweats, accompanied Cee Lo belting "Forget You" then rocked the house with his version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

This spectacular night was tied up with a bow of an after-fete and much-needed refreshment and food. There is only so much a dashing fashionista can go on an empty stomach. Glory be! Stations of gourmet Americana hamburgers and crispy straw french fries and Japanese barbecue of grilled steak and wheat noodles fueled the party late into the night.

Macy's Passport Glamorama fed the heart, the soul, the eye balls, and the tummy. A night to remember.