Costume Commander: 26 Years of Thanksgiving Magic

Kimberly Montgomery, head of costume operations, has spent 26 years ensuring the dazzling array of outfits for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her team's meticulous planning begins over a year prior to the event, drawing inspiration from Broadway. They collaborate with illustrators and third-party builders to bring designs to life, managing complex production timelines to outfit thousands of participants. Each year, over 4,000 costumes are involved, with a focus on reusability, featuring around 700-750 new designs annually. Montgomery's strategic organization includes color-coding and size inclusivity, ensuring a seamless experience on parade day.