Fun Facts About Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Wardrobe from Costume Supervisor
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Kimberly Montgomery, head of costume operations for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, has shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about the wardrobe for the iconic event. The parade, now in its 99th year, has over 4,000 costumes this year, all meticulously planned and coordinated by Montgomery and her team.
The planning for the parade starts over a year in advance, with Montgomery designing costumes that complement the floats and balloons chosen for the event. Drawing inspiration from Broadway, she ensures that each costume fits the role perfectly. For balloon escorts, functionality is key, with clean and simple designs to allow them to focus on their duties. Meanwhile, float escorts get more elaborate costumes designed to be visually appealing.
Montgomery outsources the costume building process to various companies in New York City and New Jersey, coordinating timelines and production to bring the designs to life. With the parade growing each year, she estimates adding 20% to 25% more costumes annually, including new designs for floats and characters.
Organizing thousands of costumes requires meticulous planning, with color-coding to streamline the process on parade morning. Volunteers are matched with costumes of various sizes, accommodating different body types to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included. Despite recycling many costumes from previous years, around 700-750 new costumes are added annually.
On the day of the parade, volunteers gather at nearby hotels, where over 200 individuals assist with dressing and makeup. The preparation is orchestrated with military precision to ensure a flawless execution. After the parade, the substantial task of laundering and organizing all costumes begins, taking several weeks to complete.
Kimberly Montgomery’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in bringing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to life year after year. From coordinating with builders to managing volunteers, her attention to detail and passion for the event shine through in every costume displayed during the iconic parade.
It’s fascinating to peek behind the scenes of such a grand event and appreciate the immense effort and creativity that go into every aspect of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The teamwork, precision, and dedication involved in showcasing thousands of costumes on such a grand scale truly make it a remarkable spectacle for spectators worldwide.