Cannes turns up the glamour for amfAR gala to raise money for AIDS research
ANTIBE, France (AP) — With a guest list that equals wealth, fame and glamour, amfAR returned to the French Riviera on Thursday for its Cannes gala to raise money for AIDS research.
Queen Latifah hosted the 29th edition, with Eva Longoria, Fan Bingbing and Rebel Wilson among the stars who walked the red carpet. Also in attendance were models Elsa Hosk, Heidi Klum, Coco Rocha, and Wynne Harlow. The gala attracts many of the top names attending the nearby Cannes Film Festival.
Attendees arrived at the renowned Hôtel du Cap, Eden Rock, where the evening began with sunset drinks and canapés overlooking a giant super yacht moored in the bay.
This was followed by a dinner of asparagus and truffle starters and a seared salmon main course while guests enjoyed a night of performances by Gladys Knight.
Bebe Rexha and Adam Lambert also performed.
“I’m so honored to be singing for this cause tonight and to see amazing people on the carpet and beautiful fashion in the name of raising money for… HIV, AIDS, research,” Lambert said before the gala. “
Halsey closes the show.
The auction included artwork, diamond jewelry and a range of experiences.
The centerpiece was a unique Aston Martin sportscar, the first of its kind in the world, which was auctioned by Eva Longoria and sold for 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million).
The engine cover is signed by F1 drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso and the car will be presented at a Grand Prix of the buyer’s choice and then delivered anywhere in the world.
Other top lots included white gold Chopard earrings set with diamonds and emeralds that sold for 275,000 euros ($295,000) and a Damien Hirst portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio reaching 1.2 million euros ($1.29 million).
DiCaprio, an amfAR regular, went unseen by the cameras to enjoy the entertainment, but did not appear on stage to present the winning bidder with his prize.
The annual runway show, curated by Carine Roitfeld, was dedicated to designer Vivienne Westwood this year and saw a trail of top fashion models showcasing a range of designs on a temporary catwalk through dinner. The ‘Jewelry and accessories are not part of this lot’ listing said the entire collection was auctioned off to the sound of Tina Turner’s “The Best” to an impressive 600,000 euros ($644,000).
Guests ended the night dancing into the wee hours at an afterparty hosted by the hotel’s swimming pool.
AmfAR, the AIDS Research Foundation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $600 million in its programs and awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams around the world.
