Star-Studded Evening in the South of France
The South of France was alive with excitement on Thursday, highlighted by the Louis Vuitton show in Avignon and the prestigious amfAR gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival. Colman Domingo made a striking statement in a custom Valentino outfit, which he had envisioned and collaborated on with the Valentino design team. “I wanted to embody the essence of a bird of paradise,” he expressed regarding his ensemble, which featured an ornate suit, a belted wrap jacket, lace socks, and ballet flats adorned with bows. To complete his look, he wore a Boucheron ear cuff embellished with vibrant feathers. “You have to stand out here to capture attention, but it’s all for a worthwhile cause,” he added, referring to the fundraising efforts aimed at supporting amfAR’s research for an HIV and AIDS cure, which has also aided in developing treatments and vaccines for other viruses like COVID-19. Domingo emphasized the importance of representing meaningful messages through fashion and storytelling with each outfit. “I enjoy creating narratives with my clothing,” he stated, highlighting his collaboration with Valentino’s creative director, Alessandro Michele. “We craft memorable moments together. His maximalist, romantic designs are needed now more than ever. Fashion serves as a powerful reminder to remain hopeful, to embrace fantasy, color, joy, and spirit.”
Fashion Show Highlights and Celebrity Presence
On stage, Domingo hosted a fashion show that showcased stunning pieces from renowned designers such as Alaïa, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Prada, and Saint Laurent, alongside emerging talent like Duran Lantink, Jacquemus, and LaQuan Smith. The collection of outfits was collectively valued at 450,000 euros. The event was coordinated by Taraji P. Henson, who wore an elegant Gaurav Gupta gown. The venue featured a tent adorned with red lanterns and a raised runway, while the fashion show itself had a James Bond theme. Models made their entrance from a white circle, reminiscent of the iconic opening sequences from Bond films. Teri Hatcher, known for her role as a Bond girl in the 1997 film “Tomorrow Never Dies,” captivated the audience in a sleek black gown and playfully posed like a Bond character, energizing the crowd for the bidding process. Hatcher, a longtime supporter of amfAR, emphasized the importance of continued fundraising efforts, especially given recent cuts to research funding for various diseases in the U.S. “Now more than ever, we need significant fundraisers to combat this devastating disease,” she remarked.
Celebrity Contributions and Auctions
Spike Lee, enjoying rave reviews for his film “Highest 2 Lowest,” which premiered at the festival, honored Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or during the event. “He’s unparalleled,” Lee stated, reflecting on his long history with the Cannes Film Festival since 1986. He stressed the critical need for funding research into diseases, noting the detrimental effects of current budget cuts in the U.S. “This cause is more vital than ever,” he asserted. Lee took a moment to clarify that his distinctive chunky white-rimmed glasses were not from A$AP Rocky’s Ray-Ban collection, but were crafted by eyewear designer Jacques Marie Mage. “I’m not one for the ‘sunglasses at night’ style,” he quipped. During the evening, he auctioned off a cameo role in his next film for 400,000 euros, with a buyer eager to gift it to his aspiring actress companion.
Mariska Hargitay, fresh from the premiere of her documentary “My Mom Jayne,” revealed a personal journey about learning her biological father was not who she had always believed. “The experience has been deeply rewarding and fulfilling, albeit bumpy,” she shared, wearing a stunning custom gown by Patou featuring an embellished halter neck. Coco Rocha, one of the event’s co-hosts, dazzled in a sculptural, Asian-inspired gown from It-Spain, which she likened to the innovative designs of John Galliano. Longtime amfAR supporter Adrien Brody, recently celebrating his second Oscar win, opted for a low-profile arrival, expressing gratitude but choosing to keep his comments brief. On stage, he auctioned a collage portrait he created of Marilyn Monroe, highlighting the societal pressures women face regarding beauty standards. The artwork sold for an impressive 375,000 euros.
Notable Artwork and Auction Results
The evening also featured contributions from other celebrities, including James Franco, who presented a painting reflecting his early days in Los Angeles, which fetched 325,000 euros. A signed photograph of Bono by Julian Lennon was sold for 150,000 euros, while the highlight of the night was a painting by George Condo, which commanded an astounding 1.15 million euros. Actress Michelle Rodriguez auctioned the iconic Dodge Charger from the “Fast & Furious” franchise, calling it “American-made muscle,” which sold for 475,000 euros. Accompanied by her friend Mohammed Al Turki, Rodriguez discussed her new role as a producer and her use of AI to enhance her scripts, linking the technology’s potential to disease research as well.
Evening Entertainment and Star Appearances
On the fashion stage, Karolina Kurkova auctioned off a pair of exquisite Chopard earrings featuring a total of 36.28 carats of yellow and white diamonds, which sold for 400,000 euros. “Every girl deserves diamonds. Gentlemen, please consider them for your wives or daughters,” she urged, addressing the diverse audience. Auctioneer Simon de Pury commended Chopard’s co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele for her enduring support of amfAR. The evening was anchored by Taraji P. Henson, who commanded attention in her sweeping Gaurav Gupta gown, often needing to quiet the lively crowd to focus on the auction items. Ciara, who had transformed her hairstyle from a short bob to long blonde locks for the event, opened the musical performances. Adam Lambert followed with a medley of Queen hits, while Duran Duran closed the night with their classics. As a surprise, the guitar played by John Taylor during the performance was signed by the band and auctioned off, selling for 25,000 euros to a familiar face in the audience, Leonardo DiCaprio, who shyly declined to take the stage. Other notable attendees included Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Robin Thicke, and Kevin Spacey, who walked the red carpet but remained seated during the event.
