PRESS
Hot on the heels of AIDS research foundation amfAR’s recent Cinema against AIDS party, the Inspiration Gala New York 2013 was held on the evening of Thursday, June 13th at the landmark luxury Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue.
Those serving as Chairs for amfAR’s events have always tended to be inspirational in their experience, success, creativity and vision, and this year’s line-up is no exception. Among those taking the role of Chair this year were Rebecca Wang, Maria Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli and Thakoon.
Rebecca Wang is a Hollywood executive film producer who is a devoted patron of the arts and a committed supporter to a number of significant charities. In 2012, Rebecca Wang Entertainment acted as a sponsor for the successful amfAR Paris Inspiration Gala. Wang is a member of the Academy Circle for BAFTA, the Directors Circle for the Victoria and Albert Museum, and a patron to Tate Modern, Serpentine and National galleries in London. Maria Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are joint creative directors at the fashion house of Valentino since the founder’s retirement in 2008. The aforementioned joined upcoming young Thai-US designer Thakoon whose creations have found huge success, most notably with the ultimate endorsement from Michelle Obama. amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, widely known for his use of fashion as a medium to promote social conscience, and John Demsey, Group president of Estee Lauder, Chairman of M.A.C Funds, and renowned for having his finger on the pulse of the most contemporary trends also chaired the event.
Three awards were given during the evening. Designer Valentino received the Award of Inspiration to commend his lifetime contribution to the world of fashion as well as for the work done by his association L.I.F.E for the support of AIDS related patients. The Humanitarian Award was presented to actress and singer Jennifer Lopez who has supported a range of causes, including charitable activities post September 11, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the American Red Cross. Scottish actor, writer, producer and director Alan Cumming OBE added the amfAR Award of Courage to his many professional awards. Cumming was recognised for his promotion of LGBT and AIDS issues as well as for his longstanding support for Human Rights Campaign, amfAR and Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS.
amfAR holds a fierce reputation for creating spectacular events that brim with first-class entertainment and fun activities that support and raise funds for its aims and programs. The annual Cinema against AIDS party was held during the Cannes International Film Festival at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes in May. Sharon Stone hosted the evening that saw guests including Kylie Minogue, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Chastain and Roberto Cavalli treated to the Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show, which was presented by Carine Roitfeld and paraded by forty international top models. The show was followed by an auction which raised a staggering $25 million and saw one individual make a successful bid of $1.2million to take a space trip with Leonardo DiCaprio.