By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
August 15, 2004
In the most visually stunning moment of the evening, a model languidly “flew” high across the stage wearing a luxurious red gown with a 45-foot train trailing behind her. Was she a bride or a member of Cirque du Soleil?
Or was she simply the piece de resistance to this year’s Glamorama, held Friday evening at the Chicago Theatre?
She was a little bit of all of these things. And had it not been for the inclusion of Patti LaBelle, the lithe model would have been the most memorable element of the gala.
But the 60-year-old diva had some tricks up her exotic sleeves. Kicking Glamorama off with a fiery rendition of “New Attitude” (then ending the show with “Lady Marmalade”), LaBelle ripped off an obi-less kimono to reveal an orange micro-miniskirt and a matching blouson.
All of the fashionistas have declared minis as not being in vogue this season. But you know what? LaBelle looked fabulous. And from the audience, actors David Schwimmer, Kelly Hu and Garcelle Beauvais were seen ogling the star along with the rest of the crowd.
Glamorama — which made its Chicago debut in 1999 as Fash Bash — has become an annual staple in Chicago’s fashion circle and has raised more than $1 million over five years to benefit the Art Institute of Chicago. This year, it succeeded as an event, but its components had the feeling of something that had been thrown together at the last moment.
LaBelle and percussionist Sheila E. were nothing short of amazing and should have been the evening’s only entertainment. Jerry Hall made a brief appearance to model a red gown. But the choice of a Lionel Richie-less Commodores was a little odd. Though they performed well and gave an enjoyable performance, their songs didn’t complement a fashion show.
A better choice for live music would have been snaring a band like Jet, whose “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” blared over the speakers as models strutted down the runway wearing pieces by English designer Matthew Williamson. His frisky pieces were fresh and eye-catching. Williamson has a meticulous eye for detail, as evidenced in his sweet fur poncho and the little charms that adorned the pockets of his jeans.
As for Jennifer Lopez’s new lingerie line, the plain pieces looked more J. Crew than J. Lo. Calvin Klein’s austere collection did little to flatter even the gorgeous models’ figures. And Michael Kors’ retro ’70s boho look was repetitive.
But just when you were beginning to give up hope of seeing something truly gorgeous, there were Marc Jacobs and Sonia Rykiel’s lines, which were full of old-school glamor. The long, flirty dresses and hip-flattering pencil skirts drew appreciative “oohs” from the audience.
On a purely functional level, a level stage would’ve been preferable to the downhill setup that made it appear as if the models would pitch into the first few rows of the audience. Wearing flat shoes, the male models had little problem. But the women had four-inch heels to deal with and, in some cases, paper-thin dresses with complicated trains as they commandeered their way around the runway.
Raunchy humor found its way into this year’s show, as well. As a trio of male models strutted their stuff wearing little more than briefs, a voice over the speakers asked, “What’s for dinner?”
The Peninsula Hotel’s Greg Haider, who was invited onstage, got his what-for when he playfully touched LaBelle’s dress in an inappropriate area. Faster than you could say, “Oh no, he didn’t!” a bodyguard about the size of a small truck grabbed the man by the collar and was about to throw him out before LaBelle intervened.
Gitchy gitchy ya ya, indeed.
