MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK KICKS OFF WITH amfAR
By:  Monique Nolan, Writer/Blogger Photographer:  George Whylie, Maxine -Nolan- Whylie  ÂMercedes-Benz Fashion Week  began the showing of the Fall 2013 Collections in celebrity style on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
The stars braved the cold to make their way to Cipriani Wall Street not only to celebrate the beginning of another spirited fashion week but also to unite in the fight to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, a celebration of amfAR.
For a media event this monumental, it seemed only fitting that Mayor Michael Bloomberg kicked off the festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Â Some of the most respected names in the design industry came out to lend their moral and financial support to a worthy cause.
Seen on the Red Carpet making their way into Cipriani were Michael Kors, Donna Karan, amfAR honoree Kenneth Cole, Heidi Klum, Derek Blasberg, Lily Donaldson and Zac Posen.
Also seen sharing the spotlight were Cuba Gooding Jr., Brad Goreski, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lindsay Lohan, Alan Cumming, Jenna Elfman, Alexa Chung, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Janet Jackson, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Harry Belafonte, Carine Roitfeld and Cee-Lo Green. Â Ashley Greene and Marie Claire’s Creative Director, Nina Garcia, were enjoying snapping photos as a keepsake of the eventful evening.
Many of these celebrities were also guest speakers urging their fellow fashion fanatics to “get involved and make a difference”.
One of the big sponsors of the evening was Belvedere Vodka, the world’s first super premium vodka.  They carried the evening to its magical finish.  Of course, fashion will be the hot topic on the streets this week and you could feel it in the atmosphere in the ballroom.  Some of the designer gowns seen on the stunning stars were Giambattista Valli and Roberto Cavalli.
Entertainment was the highlight of the evening as Santigold performed “Disparate Youth”. Â Cee-Lo Green closed the event with his 2006 Gnarls Barkley hit, “Crazy”. The dance floor came alive as DJ Ruckus and DJ Dalton began spinning the tunes.
The night wasn’t just about flashy festivities. Â It was a time to recognize those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fight against AIDS. Â While sipping on Belvedere Vodka cocktails and savoring superb cuisine, a live auction of luxury items and a special amfAR tribute was held. Â Cee-Lo Green was feeling particularly generous as he contributed $10,000 to the live auction. Â Michael Kors lost in a bidding war over a coveted print of John Lennon and Liza Minnelli.
This night brought fashion and philanthropy once again to the forefront in an effort to make AIDS history and kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013.
PHOTO CREDITS: Â George Whylie
