Glamorama offers art of style

Some art is just too lively to hang on the wall.

That's an understatement at this year's Glamorama, where the "Artrageous" theme will show off fall fashions that are suitable for framing.

Friday's 19th annual Macy's-sponsored fall fashion, music and dance extravaganza features performances by Bruno Mars and Far East Movement and runway looks by Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel and Marc Jacobs.

The art theme is a perfect fit, according to Laura Schara, Glamorama's fashion director and Macy's fashion and trend correspondent.

"Fashion is art," she said. "When these designers are designing these collections, that's their artwork."

The wearable artistic statements will be going from runway to reality with fall clothing already arriving in stores. This season, the designers went for a distinctive palette. Unlike fall's typical dark and muted feel, Schara homed in on 2011's "bright, bold colors," including red, mustard yellow and teal. Adding to the vibrance, you'll find a lot of shine, metallics and patterns from plaids to polka dots.

Here's a preview of some fall trends straight from the Glamorama runway.

This Marc Jacobs look shows off his major graphic statement for fall: polka dots. "What's more ladylike than polka dots?" said Schara, citing Minnie Mouse and Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman." Schara also noted the nipped-in fit: "All of [the Marc Jacobs] looks define the waist and hips," she said, a nod to the still-hot vintage "Mad Men" look.

This monochromatic Tracy Reese ensemble takes on new life thanks to the combination of shiny sequins and a leather skirt. Schara also likes how it showcases this season's popular shades of rust. "It's such a rich color," she said.

The dressed-up motorcycle jacket, such as this one by Armani Jeans, has been a trend with staying power. If you don't have one in your closet yet, Schara suggests getting colorful. "Dark green, mustard or chestnut rust are new and fresh for guys, too," she said.

These lace-up Tracy Reese shoes will look great with dresses and pants. There are real perks to the return of the pointed toe: "They really elongate your leg," said Schara.

The vintage shape with a flap and top handle of this Sonia Rykiel bag is the season's it-bag silhouette. "Structured handbags are big," said Schara. "Clothing and accessories are not quite as soft as a couple of years ago. This is a moment of classic dressing and buying things for your closet that you will have for a long time."

Sure, gloves are a necessity in Minnesota, but Schara sees their potential as more than just functional. "There are so many options, from fur cuffed to long leather to fingerless gloves," she said. "Remember you can make a statement with gloves by adding texture to a dress or outerwear."

Music by: Bruno Mars and Far East Movement.

Fashions by: Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tracy Reese, Sonia Rykiel and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress creatively, reflecting the "Artrageous" theme. Proceeds benefit Children's Cancer Research Fund.

When: 8 p.m. Fri.

Where: Orpheum Theater, 910 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.

Far-out fashions for Far East Movement Glamorama brings music and fashion together. Kev Nish of Far East Movement (FM), which will perform on Friday night, called in with some of his tips for looking cool, "Like a G6."

Far East Movement's typical style

It's definitely free wired [also the name of the current album], inspired by L.A. and all of the freaks in L.A. We call it free wired, because there are no specific boundaries.

Have a signature

We had 10 of the same jacket made. We wear the same thing like Batman for every show and in every picture. It was inspired by superheroes, when we were actually watching "Dark Knight." Imagine if Batman came to rescue you and he wasn't wearing what he always wears -- you wouldn't know who it was.

Lately I've been in Snoop Dogg mode, in a smoking jacket, a lot of those classic West Coast vibes mixed with horror movies and hippies. Pro has been rocking suspenders and is more punk rock, Splif loves work jackets and DJ Virm is more into the Japanese graphics.

Fashion and music

We're extremely inspired by fashion. We believe in the visual aspect of music. It's 50 percent of what you wear and 50 percent of what you see. You look at every band -- Kiss, Lady Gaga and Snoop Dogg -- the visual helps to understand exactly what they're supposed to sound like.

Top three style tips

1. Make sure your shirt and tie are fresh, free of any stains!

3. Smell good.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela for Opening Ceremony at Grethen House, 4930 France Av. S., Edina, 952-926-8725

There's a cool new collaboration in town. Launching on Thursday, high-fashion utilitarian line MM6 Maison Martin Margiela has created a capsule collection for edgy New York retailer Opening Ceremony, which will be available locally at Grethen House. The concept for all of the pieces is three-in-one. Every single item can be turned into three different things, from bags that adjust to different sizes to jackets with detachable lining.

Peace Pavilion Kick-Off: Preview the exclusive peace symbol-covered collection before it makes its way to the State Fair. Items include handbags by Belle Vache, jewelry by Heinz Brummel, tees by 1 of 1 Clothing and much more.

Tara LaTour sample sale: Local wedding dress designer Tara LaTour will offer 50 to 70 percent off of samples. The event will include one-of-a-kind bridal and evening pieces along with short gowns and a preview of the latest collection. Realia Jewelry also will be selling samples of vintage repurposed accessories.

For two days only, take 50 percent off everything in the store.