What:
Founded in 1985, The American Foundation of AIDS Research, or amfAR, is the world’s leading nonprofit organization aimed to end the global AIDS epidemic through supporting innovative research and combating societal stigmas associated with being HIV positive. amfAR has invested nearly $617 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams around the globe. Every year, a celebrity fundraising gala takes place to further support research and grow awareness. This year’s gala took place at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, and was generously sponsored by Paramount, Limitless and Picticular. Although this year’s attendees were chilled by LA’s fall winds, nothing could stop a lively night of spirited giving. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner, photo booths, and a live art auction.
Who:
Our editor in chief of The LA Girl, Erika De La Cruz, attended a star-studded fundraising gala by the American Foundation of AIDS Research, otherwise known as amfAR. Four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and executive producer Kelly Rowland was the main honoree of the night, accepting the amfAR Award of Courage. Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon was presented the amfAR Philanthropic Leadership Award by award-winning writer, director, and producer Ryan Murphy. Live performances were sung by Aloe Blacc, Madison Beer, and Tinashe. Top Gun star Jay Ellis hosted the night’s events, while many more celebrity chairs such as Chelsea Handler and Michelle Rodriguez presented throughout the night.
What They Wore:
An ongoing theme for this luxurious affair was the trending black floor-length silhouette. The LA Girl Editor in Chief donned a contour black gown fashioned by Australian designer Steven Khalil. Her trailing gown was fabricated with black velvet entangled with a diamond studded mesh fabric. The night’s main honoree, Kelly Rowland, was spotted in a black mesh silhouette gown. Her grand feather shawl spanning across her arm length also matched the feather bottom lining of her dress. Some of our other favorites include Chaley Rose’s leather glove ensemble, Jenna Dewan’s sequined mermaid style dress, Mary Fitzgerald’s sheer cutout silhouette, and Kimora Lee Simmons’ off the shoulder lace corset with a single leg peekaboo.
A special close-up on our Editor in Chief’s red-carpet ensemble: diamond jewelry and a Steven Khalil gown.
Join The LA Girl and every celebrity in helping boost AIDS research efforts by donating here!
A special thanks to Dan Curtis for our beautiful photos.
Curious about more exclusive LA events? Check out our special night at Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards, celebrating entertainment teams behind the cameras.