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Approximately 1,600 guests and celebrities gathered at the
Barker Hangar Air Center in Santa Monica for the 26th annual
Macy’s Passport on Thursday, September 25th. The Gala opened with an exclusive cocktail party with catered gourmet cuisine and cocktails presented by
American Express.
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Inside the gala
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Macy’s Passport is a unique and powerful fashion fundraiser in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year Macy’s Passport Los Angeles joined forces with their generous sponsors, partners, community organizations, and some of the biggest names in fashion, bringing
“Fashion & Compassion” to raise awareness and funds that will go towards HIV/AIDS prevention, research, and treatment.
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Interviewing Kathy Ireland on the red carpet
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After the gala, the main event started with an introduction by supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur
Kathy Ireland and legendary
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who is the Founding Chair and philanthropist of Macy’s Passport in 1996. A live auction followed, hosted by actress, producer, and
AmfAR's global fundraising chairman,
Sharon Stone.
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Elizabeth Taylor arriving on the red carpet
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Sharon Stone hosts the live auction
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The Fashion Show, featuring some of Macy's most popular brands, was the highly anticipated event of the evening. Kicking off the show was
Tommy Hilfiger, who showcased a patriotic theme of “Iconic America” as he sent dainty blouses, checked oxfords, high-waist stove-pipe pants, fitted knit cardigans, fancy plaids, and trendy-cut coats in a variety rotation of aqua, white, red, and khaki down the runway. Music led by special guest performer,
The Lovemakers.
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Tommy Hilfiger
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Segment Two themed "Dark Shadows" led by
Impulse follows with an edgy, darkly romantic vibe. Black denim, black tops, black leathers, black bombers, black vinyl, black blazers, black leggings, black minis, and black headpieces flooded the catwalk—mixing feminine silhouettes with tough biker-style and proving that the very racy monochromatic black is, indeed, back and sexier than ever. Featured pieces by
BCBG Maxazria, D&G, Foley & Corinna, Just Cavalli, La Rok, Laundry, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mint, and Poleci
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IMPULSE
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ALFANI jazzed up the evening—literally, with exciting dance choreography, choreographed by the talented, Brian Friedman, accompanying the menswear Red Label suit collection. The dancers waltzed with twists and turns in flawless sequence, modeling the clean, sharp, modern and sophisticated collection that speaks versatility, practicality, and most importantly, style.
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ALFANI Red
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Segment Four, themed “Figment of Your Imagination,” presented featured guest performers,
Jabbawockeez and fashions by
Artful Dodger, Ave LA, Inc. B Darlin, Baby Phat, BCX Girl, Beautees, Dereon, DKNY, Epic Threads, Guess, Guess Jeans, Harajuku Lovers, Hurley, Jessica McClintock, L.A. Kitty, Morgan & Co., O’Neil, Puma, Quiksilver, Rare Editions, UB Free, Volcom, XOXO, and Zoo York
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Guest performance by JABBAWOCKEEZ
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With
Adrian Young, drummer from acclaimed pop group,
No Doubt, leading the music,
Ben Sherman, the brand that emphasizes the British youth culture, style, and attitude showcased a wide selection of chic and stylish casual wear. From fitted, narrow pants for men to inspired-menswear for women, Ben Sherman is the prodigy of what is hip, relaxed and cool. Focusing on three primary colors of mustard yellow, red, gray, and deep purple, the catwalk presented spring’s must-have trends such as the high-collared jacket, safari trench, big vest, tweedy coat, earthy fedora, and solid blazer— complemented with texture and patterns of checkered, argyle, solid hues, and many more.
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Ben Sherman
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When
Calvin Klein took center stage, one would expect nothing less than glamour and elegance. The collection flourished with charming simplicity as the show presented all the timeless classics: the fitted, slim pants, the wide-leg trouser, the casual jeans, the crisp white blouse, the cropped cardigan, the tailored blazer, and the figure-hugging suit dress. Career professionals, artists, students, and anyone in between can share in this collection of effortless chic. The final piece was an elegant, sparkling yellow evening gown that not only stole all attention, but validated Calvin Klein’s resume of impeccable taste.
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Calvin Klein
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Channeling an urban, pop-culture energy,
Levi’s charged the runway with a New York theme. Representing “SoHo” and “Brooklyn” with loud, bold colors, playful ruffles, and cropped, cuffed jeans paired with bright corsets to “lower-East-side” and “Time’s Square” with mixtures of twill and cotton, golf hats and baseball caps, shrunken vests, sporty ensemble, and multi-pattern scarves.
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'Passport' volunteers
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I*N*C
International Concepts, the national fashion brand that is only available at Macy’s, set in motion their manifesto of fashion with a hot and captivating salsa dance rendition, led by Fox’s “ So You Think You Can Dance,” Alex Da Silva. The collection featured sexy, silky halters, animal prints, floral, lace, transparent, and origami-cut tops in all shades of bold jewel-tones.
I.N.C concludes with a gorgeous, traditional little black dress and a beautiful bohemian, slinky floor-length dress.
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INC show
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2(X)IST, the men’s designer underwear line, revealed that fashion can be provocative, fun, and functional. With an array of colors and designs, this undergarment label assures us that fit, material, and cut are all equally important to be fashionably sexy and comfortably practical. Definitely a win-win situation.
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2(X)IST model
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2(X)IST
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Marilyn Monroe, played by actress
Merilee Brasch, opened the
Ed Hardy show with a dazzling, Hollywood theme. Known for the rich, multi-color schemes and signature graphic skulls,
Christian Audigier, designer of Ed Hardy, really knows how to make a statement. His unique take on style and trend has won the hearts of fashion-lovers everywhere, including many major celebrities.
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Merilee Brasch impersonates Marilyn Monroe
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Ed Hardy Show
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“Hardywood” took the stage by storm, with intricate designs, elaborate colors, dragon-prints, and bright animated skulls on graphics tees, sweaters, hats, strapless dresses, one-shoulder tops, and high-rise minis. The collection also included a great selection of jeans, fitted Capri, cropped jackets, and decorative blazers. Ed Hardy is exuberantly a walking piece of art and the ultimate definition of Hollywood glam.
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HARDYWOOD
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The fashion show wrapped up with a stunning finale and closing walk-out with Mr. fabulous himself, Christian Audigier.
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Ed Hardy designer, Christian Audigier
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Macy’s Passport is, without a doubt, an event to remember. Not only for its great source and influence on fashion, but for the big heart that goes out to a notable cause. With over 33 million people affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide, Macy’s Passport's mission and vision is to use fashion as a means to raise awareness, support, and funds to change the future of HIV/AIDS and those suffering from it.
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Grand Finale
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The inspirational intersection of great fashion and tremendous compassion raised over 27 millions dollars in the last 26 years, proving that Macy’s Passport is a bona fide and remarkable organization. And while the gains are promising, the struggle to eliminate HIV/AIDS is far from over, so we applaud Macy's continued pursuit and dedication in fighting this global epidemic.
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Dame Elizabeth Taylor
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"I implore you to keep fighting with your hearts, with your resources, and with the most powerful weapon of all... hope." -- Elizabeth Taylor
For more information on Macy's Passport, please visit www.macys.com/campaign/sitelets/passport2008
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