After touching down in Cannes and checking into the Carlton on the Croisette, it was time to buckle up and start the preparations for amfAR. Hair, makeup, manis, pedis—you name it—it was all systems go!
Stylist & muse both wearing Raquel Diniz and APM jewellery
Photo: Lodovico Colli di Felizzano
Not only was I attending amfAR with the stunningly beautiful model Chantal Monaghan, but I was also styling her for the first time. Only a month ago, I was in Mustique with my longtime friend and fashion designer Raquel Diniz, who showed me a delicate woven material adorned with clear sequins. Together, we co-designed a showstopper of a gown—and Chantal couldn’t have been a more perfect fit to wear the first custom piece from Raquel Diniz down the red carpet. The high-neck, low-back fishtail design was flawlessly crafted by the team at Raquel Diniz. I, myself, had asked Raquel to create one of her signature RTW designs in a chocolate and white polka dot, which I wore on the night. Both Chantal and I were adorned in APM Monaco, the highly successful brand from Kika Prette, whom I became friends with while living in Hong Kong.
Behind the scenes getting ready on the phone to designer Raquel Diniz
Kirstie, the amazing pro makeup artist from the Charlotte Tilbury team, did my makeup—I literally left everything to her, and she created a flawless finish. I decided to go with a slick high-bun updo, instantly creating a face-lifting effect! For Chantal, to complement her dress, we opted for long mermaid waves and a no-makeup makeup look. Chantal looked exquisite, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Her vibrant energy kept the mood high, and her beauty shines as much on the inside as it does on the outside.
Ahead of the fashion trend — embracing the return of the polka dot
Photo: Marco Bahler
Then it was time to make our way to the event, held each year at the Hotel du Cap. From the moment you arrive, the night is always electric—celebrities, models, and philanthropists mingling together along the epic and vast walkway of the hotel that we all know so well. Leonardo DiCaprio in his signature baseball cap, his stunning girlfriend Vittoria, Adrien Brody and girlfriend Georgina Chapman, Heidi Klum, the iconic Ellen von Unwerth, and our very own Beatrice Ho and Antonia Li were all in attendance.
Drinks flowed—from sake to champagne—as the auction items were displayed. Some of the mega auction items included one-of-a-kind artwork by George Condo, Chopard earrings, and even a walk-on role in Spike Lee’s upcoming film.
Then, it was time to head into the man-made marquee that hosted all 900 attendees. Each year, a concept anchors the entire visual narrative. The theme is the brainchild of Emanuela Santi, who lived and worked in Hong Kong and set up Event Republic Studio. Past themes have included Bohemia, Intergalactic Lilac, and last year’s Cinema: amfAR for the iconic 30th anniversary in Cannes. This year, the theme was Whispers in Midori Haze—a poetic blend of Japanese aesthetics and modern minimalism. “The Japanese setting encourages stillness,” says Emanuela. “It’s about stepping away from the chaos of everyday life to embrace something quieter, more intentional. We immerse ourselves in everything from traditional textiles, inks, and paper to Noguchi lanterns, ikebana, landscape art, and stage design when imagining the setting.”
The highlight for me every year is the carefully curated extravaganza of a fashion show: the From Cannes With Love collection, curated by longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld. This year’s show paid homage to the iconic characters of international spy thrillers—powerful and mysterious. The collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world’s most celebrated fashion houses, including Alaïa, Balenciaga, Chanel, Courrèges, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Jacquemus, LaQuan Smith, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Prada, Richard Quinn, Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, and Valentino.
But most importantly, we were all there to support an incredibly vital cause. amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $935 million in support of its programs and has awarded over 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.
Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, hosted the first amfAR Gala Cannes in 1993 at the Moulin de Mougins, the benefit has become the most coveted ticket of the Cannes Film Festival. To date, it has raised nearly $315 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs.
Editor
Olivia BuckinghamCredit
Lead Image: Marco Bahler
