ANTIBES, France — With a guest list boasting equal wealth, fame and glamor, amfAR returned to the French Riviera on Thursday for a Cannes gala to raise funds for AIDS research.
Queen Latifah hosts the 29th edition with Eva Longoria, Fan Bingbing and Rebel Wilson among the stars walking the red carpet. Also in attendance were models Elsa Hosk, Heidi Klum, Coco Rocha and Winne Harlow. The gala attracted many of the top names attending the nearby Cannes Film Festival.
Attendees headed to the popular Hôtel Du Cap, Eden Roc, where the evening began with sunset drinks and canapes overlooking the massive superyacht moored in the bay.
This was followed by a dinner of asparagus, a truffle starter and a pan-fried salmon main course while the guests enjoyed a night of performances that Gladys Knight had started.
Bebe Rexha and Adam Lambert also performed.
Lambert said before the gala: “I am honored to sing tonight for this cause and to see amazing people on the carpet and … beautiful fashion in the name of raising money for HIV, AIDS, research.
Halsey ends the show.
The auction showcases a wide range of artwork, diamond jewelry and experiences.
The focal point is the unique Aston Martin sports car, the first of its kind in the world to be 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 showcased at a Grand Prix selected by the buyer and then delivered anywhere in the world.
Other top shipments included a pair of Chopard earrings in white gold with diamonds and emeralds that sold for €275,000 ($295,000) and a Leonardo DiCaprio portrait of Damien Hirst that sold for €1.2 million. 1.29 million USD).
DiCaprio, a regular amfAR participant, snuck in undetected by cameras to enjoy the entertainment, but did not step onto the stage to present the prize to the winner.
This year’s annual runway show, curated by Carine Roitfeld, is dedicated to designer Vivienne Westwood and sees top fashion models show off a series of designs on the makeshift catwalk between the diners. The “jewelry and accessories not included in this shipment” in the catalog states when the entire collection was auctioned off to the highest bidder for an impressive amount of 600,000 euros ($644,000) according to Tina’s sound. Turner “The Best”.
Guests end the night of dancing in the early hours after the party, held by the hotel’s pool.
AmfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $600 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research groups worldwide.
