THE GLAMOUR OF CINEMA AGAINST AIDS XX
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Cannes has been the center of attention for over a week now. The energy has come to a climactic end but it was a week of awesome magic. With enchanting premiere films, an impressive ‘who’s who’ list of attendees and scenery right out of a storybook, it is difficult not to focus on the magnetism of the moment.
On Thursday, May 23, 2013, the amfAR 20th Annual Cinema Against AIDS Benefit took place at Cap d’Antibes, France and in every sense of the word, it was a star-studded evening. Glamour took to the Red Carpet in breathtaking jewels, emerald and sapphire necklaces, diamond cuff bracelets and stunning earrings worth their weight in diamonds adorned on celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Alessandra Ambrosio.
This was not just your ordinary benefit. One-of-a-kind items were sold to raise much needed funds. Since its inception, amfAR has supported research into HIV prevention and treatment providing funding to researchers for early-stage projects and giving young researchers the ability to establish their careers studying HIV/AIDS. Through these efforts, some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in AIDS research has ensued and amfAR has supported more than 2000 research teams across the world. The organization has impressively invested more than $366 million in programs since 1985. With packages such as a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio, a private performance by legendary rock icons Duran Duran and a family portrait sitting with the great photographer Annie Liebovitz, the guests were eager to take advantage of these unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. A Bulgari watch that Adrian Brody was wearing was auctioned right off of his wrist.
Not only were attendees elegantly clothed in exquisite gowns from Christian Dior, Zuhair Murad, Emilio Pucci, Halston and Saint Laurent, but glamour took to the stage with “The Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show” featuring forty of the top models today and curated by fashion expert, Carine Roitfeld, a former model, writer and editor of Vogue Paris from 2001 to January 31, 2011. Gold was overflowing in lavishly designed looks and accessorized jewelry from established and emerging designers.
Fundraising chairman is Sharon Stone and amfAR Ambassador is Milla Jovovich. They were a gorgeous duo totally dedicated to a cause that we must all unite to wipe out not just on this special evening but throughout the year.
In addition to all the other activity, Moët & Chandon, the official champagne of the amfAR Gala continues its longstanding support of the international cinema and was part of the extraordinary evening. They took part in the festivities by auctioning off a luxurious coffret of the legendary champagne ‘Grand Vintage Collection 1893’. This treasure to savor was auctioned for €50,000 with proceeds benefitting lifesaving AIDS research.
Heidi Klum gracefully made her way to the stage to toast the crowd with a flute of Moët & Chandon. She was followed by Adrian Brody and Rosario Dawson in a toast celebrating the achievements of another great film festival that has surpassed previous years and an evening of powerful philanthropy.
It was a night of all nights, a great wind down to a perfect cultural event of the year and just in this single evening alone, a record-breaking $25 million was raised as the fight against AIDS continues. Bravo to all the people and corporate sponsors that made it all possible……..
PHOTO CREDITS: Kevin Tachman, Getty Images, Stephane Cardinale
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