The 26th annual event of foundation for aids research, amfAR Gala Cannes 2019, at the fabled Hôtel du Cap on May 23 raised $15 million in support of amfAR’s efforts to develop a cure for HIV.
The event featured performances by Mariah Carey, Sir Tom Jones, Dua Lipa, The Struts, Charli XCX and Austrian tenor Andreas Schager, and a spectacular fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld. To date, this star-studded event has raised more than $235 million for amfAR’s life-saving research programs and has helped keep the fight against AIDS in the global media spotlight.
The star-studded black-tie event held at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, during the Cannes Film Festival, was presented by Chopard, JOLLYONE, and Young Merry Real International Group.
Event Host Chris Tucker welcomed guests and introduced longtime amfAR supporter and amfAR Ambassador Milla Jovovich, who emphasized that funds raised during the evening directly impact amfAR’s lifesaving research efforts, which are “bringing us closer and closer to a cure.” She then thanked the event’s sponsors for their generosity and welcomed amfAR Chairman of the Board William H. Roedy to the stage.
Roedy shared the staggering fact that in the past year, over one million people died of HIV/AIDS, which remains “the worst pandemic in modern history.” Guests took Mr. Roedy’s words to heart and bid generously in the evening’s live auction, which included a variety of one-of-a kind luxury items and experiences, many of which were introduced by celebrities in the room. Simon de Pury and Aileen Agopian were the auctioneers. Highlights of the auction included Takashi Murakami’s platinum Yume Lion sculpture that sold for $2 million, a Vita electric power boat that sold for $1.2 million, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, which sold for $670,000; and a Gualtiero Vanelli marble Mickey Mouse sculpture, which sold for $500,000.
A stunning feature of the evening was the We Can Be Heroes Collection fashion show curated by longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld. The collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world’s most celebrated fashion houses. Participating designers included Balmain, Bosideng, Celine, Chanel, Dior, DSQUARED2, Fendi, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Off-White, Prada, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Versace, and more. The show was accessorized with High Jewelry by Chopard. Some of the world’s top models participated in the runway presentation, including Cindy Bruna, Winnie Harlow, Elsa Hosk, Martha Hunt, Kendall Jenner, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampaio, Josephine Skriver, and more. The We Can Be Heroes Collection was auctioned off in its entirety for over $1.15 million.
