Photos courtesy of internationalmediatv.com and Shelah Moody

            Bringing together the hottest trends in fashion and music and technology, Macy’s Passport presented their “Artrageous” Glamorama Sept. 30 at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.

            Prior to the fashion extravaganza, model/actress/entrepreneur Kathy Ireland, former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, hip-hop group Far East Movement, guest designer Tracy Reese, and the grandchildren of  Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Naomi and Tarquin Wilding were some of the celebs who appeared on the red carpet. Curiously absent from the red carpet as well as press and photo ops was the night’s headliner, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Bruno Mars, who closed the show with his hit song, “Just the Way You Are” accompanied by an dancers and a shower of confetti.

 Hip-Hop group Far East Movement

            Reese, a San Francisco native and graduate of Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, NY, wore a glamorous little black dress, which she described as a “multimedia beaded number” from her fall collection.

“It’s an honor to be here; to be a part of Glamorama, to help in the fight against AIDS and HIV,” said Reese. “It’s all so important, but this is an evening that’s all about fun and being informed and having a great time and supporting this cause.”

It was a grand night for upcoming green designer Tuan Tran, who was not in the show but had a chance to showcase his creations-- a multi-tiered dress, modeled by Michele Gates, (a writer for examiner.com), made entirely out of recycled telephone wire. Tran also designed matching pants for himself out of telephone wire and hopes to get his designs to Lady Gaga.

“It’s definitely a show stopper,” said Gates, about her dress.  “It’s comfortable, light weight, and it’s fun.”

It was also a great event for supermodel Sharaun Brown, who worked the runway in designs by Tracy Resse, Rachel Roy and Tommy Hilfiger. Brown hails from Chicago, IL and currently lives in Los Angeles. She has worked with Macy’s Passport for the past three years.

“It was an awesome show,” said Brown. “I’m a little bit of veteran now.  It’s a big family, a great community, it’s great to see each other every year  and it’s for a good cause.”

For the past 29 years, Macy’s Passport has raised millions of dollars for the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, supporting organizations such as Project Open Hand, the AIDS Emergency Fund and GLIDE in San Francisco.

            During the show,  Kathy Ireland honored AIDS/HIV activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away this year, as Macy’s Passport’s Founding Chair. Ireland then introduced Taylor’s grandchildren, Naomi and Tarquin Wilding. 

“We are proud to be here tonight to honor our grandmother,” said Tarquin. “She loved this event, and more importantly, she deeply loved delivering her message of honor, compassion and hope on behalf those living with HIV and AIDS.”

“Our grandmother committed her life’s work to HIV and AIDS, sharing her message with Macy’s Passport every time she could,” said Naomi. “If she were here tonight, she would say that we have not won the battle and the fight must go on. We ask you to please help us continue her legacy and her work for HIV and AIDS.” 

By Shelah Moody