PARIS – Cannes‘ biggest fashion show, better known as the amfAR Gala, will be hosted by Taraji P. Henson for its 31st edition.
The annual Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser is traditionally the biggest party during the Cannes Film Festival, held at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
“I am proud and excited to be supporting amfAR at this year’s Cannes benefit gala,” said Henson. “AIDS is far from over and we must continue to stand together and support the lifesaving research that is our best hope of finally ending this deadly pandemic.”
“We are so excited to have the iconic Duran Duran back with us at amfAR Gala Cannes and we are grateful for their longstanding support of our work,” said amfAR cheif executive officer Kevin Robert Frost. “We are also thrilled that the incomparable Taraji P. Henson has graciously agreed to act as host for the evening.”
Duran Duran will perform during the event, which also hosts a live auction that raises money for AIDS research.
The news comes as things are getting into gear for this year’s film festival, following the news that Ami Paris will join the Critics’ Week as the main sponsor of its top prize, further solidifying the ties between film and fashion.
A look from last year’s amfAR fashion show.
Getty Images for amfAR
Once again, the event will host a fashion show curated by longtime supporter Carine Roitfeld.
Last year’s edition boasted a cinema theme, with the gala decorated as a movie theater marquee. Roitfeld’s fashion show leaned in with looks inspired by fairy tales and featured contributions from some of the industry’s biggest names. Last year’s collection included looks from Giorgio Armani, Dior, Valentino, Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, Moschino, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Alaïa, Off-White, Richard Quinn and Miu Miu.
The event raised $16 million. Key items included a triptych of Cher portraits by Mert & Marcus that went for 125,000 euros, while a package of an autographed copy of her 1982 Interview magazine cover and dinner with the star in Malibu went for 150,000 euros.
A walk-on role in the (not yet officially announced) season five of “Emily in Paris” went for 250,000 euros.
A pair of Chopard earrings, previously worn by Demi Moore, fetched 400,000 euros, while the collection of designer looks that replicated costumes from fairy tales went for 500,000 euros.
The gala will take place on May 22.
