Daily Front Row

2009 February 13

All Out for amfAR

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(NEW YORK) The titans of American fashion were out in full force--with a few notable exceptions--for the annual American Foundation for AIDS Research gala at the ballroom at Cipriani on 42nd Street. “amFAR has done some great research in the world of HIV to the point where we believe that a cure is not that far away,” said Kenneth Cole. “There’s a whole understanding that there is validity in science and in fact based as opposed to faith based research.” In addition to Mr. Cole, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein came out to sip bellinis and lend their support.
 
Despite a proud showing of ladies in Louis Vuitton--including Rose Byrne, Michelle Monaghan, and Teen Vogue’s Amy Astley--creative director Marc Jacobs failed to show along with his hunky boyfriend Lorenzo Martone. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the Marc Jacobs show,” said stylist and reality show star Rachel Zoe, who has made the cut despite the show’s invitees being slashed by 1,300.
 
Though the benefit was in support of AIDS research, Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen (glowing in Marchesa) dished about her lack of research skills. “I’m really kind of Internet incompetent when it comes to research. I don’t know. You’d have to go through my Google to find out what I look at.”

The other eye candy of the evening came in the form of a gaggle of top models: Lily Donaldson in Balenciaga, Anja Rubik in J. Mendel, Doutzen Kroes in Vintage Dior, and Jessica Stam in Dior. The A-list crew noshed on appetizers before sitting down for dinner and a live auction, including hotel packages at the Mandarin Oriental during Art Basel Miami Beach. The gala was a luxe opener to a frenzy-filled week of fashion.
ADAM P. SCHNEIDER