Movie Stars & Fashion Icons Come Out To Support AIDS Research at the AmfAR Gala

By Dana Linett-Silber
February 11, 2011

amfar

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, drew the prominent and the passionate out into the New York cold last night for a black-tie gala benefit at Cipriani Wall Street to honor Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and others who have contributed to the fight against AIDS. The amfAR Gala was the unofficial kick-off to the 2011 New York Fashion Week, which begins today.

American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, outgoing French Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld and top fashion designer Michael Kors were just a few of the big names in fashion to attend the amfAR Gala. Also there: Chelsea Clinton with husband Marc Mezvinsky; Woody Allen and wife Soon Yi; model Carol Alt, looking absolutely fabulous at 50; Richard Gere; and Blake Lively, to name a few.

The 2011 amfAR Gala featured a reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder. The song has raised over $3 million to benefit AmfAR since it was recorded as a charity single back in 1985. Last night’s event raised more than $1.5 million for AIDS research.

While the purpose of the amfAR Gala was undoubtedly a charitable one, the event nevertheless provided an opportunity for guests to try a few of the latest eveningwear looks on for size. We RSVP a resounding "yes!" to these cocktail-chic trends.

Show Some Leg!
The high-as-you-dare slit is a surefire way to make a bold, sexy, out-on-the-town statement!

show some leg

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images), Model Elisa Sednaoui (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images), Maggie Rizer (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

Roll over items for details

New Open Back High Slit Evening Dress

(buy it now price, $38.85)

New Jovani High Slit Gown & Train

(buy it now price, $300)

New Jovani Halter Top High Slit Formal Dress

(buy it now price, $400)

New Super High Slit Black Velvet Evening Gown

(buy it now price, $119.95)

Movie Stars & Fashion Icons Come Out To Support AIDS Research at the AmfAR Gala

Lighten Up!
Even the coldest, slushiest New York winter doesn’t preclude a stylish woman from rocking a fresh, spring fashion trend for evening.

lighten up

Sofia Sanchez with top fashion designer Alexander de Betak (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images), actress Rose Byrne (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images), Sarah Sophie Flicker and model Karen Elson (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

New Nataya Chiffon & Tulle Fairy Dress

(buy it now price, $140)

New White Beach Chiffon Dress

(buy it now price, $118)

New Evening Chiffon Strap Cocktail Long Dress

(buy it now price, $15.99)

New Gossip Girl Evening Gown

(buy it now price, $70.77)

Dress It Down!
Unexpected sporty looks like a jean jacket, shorts or pantsuit convey a sexy confidence that can leave the Little Black Dress in the dust.

Model Raquel Zimmermann (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images), Gaia Repossi (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images), Helena Christensen (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)