Crypto and Couture Collided at the 2022 amfAR Gala Cannes
If you recognized one of the necklaces auctioned at this year’s amfAR Gala Cannes, it might be because it had a grand debut at another megawatt benefit fundraiser: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit. At the Met Gala, it was looped around the neck of Lauren Remington Platt but last Thursday, it was worn by Indya Moore onstage at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d Antibes, enticing bidders to raise their paddles to fundraise for amfAR’s foundation for AIDS research.
Sculpted in 18k white gold and Palladium alloy, the semi-enclosed neckpiece, when worn, appears as though a shooting star is traveling around your neck. The star is composed of 12 ct white and blue diamonds arranged subtly into the four blocks that make up the logo for FTX—the Crypto derivatives exchange. (Remington Platt is the head of global luxury partnerships at FTX, which largely sponsored this year’s glittering gala.) In the end, an eager buyer nabbed the necklace for $133,827. And yes, of course, amfAR accepted cryptocurrency as payment.
In total, over $19 million was raised. “Your generosity enables us to support the dedicated researchers around the world, who are applying their skill and ingenuity to cure HIV,” said amfAR Board Co-Chair T. Ryan Greenawalt, onstage with Kevin McClatchy. “They re getting closer and closer but there are still some hurdles to overcome.”
Set at the hallowed Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, amfAR Gala Cannes closed off nearly two weeks worth of film premieres and red carpets that buzzed with hype for Elvis and Top Gun: Maverick. If Cannes takes the prize for best dressed film festival, then amfAR Cannes can most certainly be awarded the most glamorous amfAR event. Robert DeNiro was honored; Ricky Martin, Charlie XCX, and Christina Aguilera all performed; and the guest list was as long and photogenic as the stretch of lawn that juts from the Hotel du Cap down to the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Among the gala-goers were Tom Hanks, Casey Affleck, Eva Longoria, Ciara, Vanessa Hudgens, Baz Luhrmann, Cynthia Erivo, Zoey Deutch, Lakeith Stanfield, Tommy Hilfiger, Edgar Ramirez, Alton Mason, and more. And let’s not forget the models! As in years past, they arrived in head-turning ensembles and included Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn, Milla Jovovich, Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne, Coco Rocha, Stella Maxwell, Winnie Harlow, and more. One of the most memorable looks came courtesy of Campbell, who made an entrance in an embroidered Schiaparelli haute couture cape (it would come off at dinner to reveal an elegant strapless gown.) Diplo offset his dapper look with an ice-blue dye job; Cindy Bruna wore a slinky cut-out gown by Dundas that was more flesh than bodice; and Charlie XCX looked ever the emo diva in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture by Glenn Martens.
The program was long and jam-packed with so many highlights it felt like a sizzle reel. There was DeNiro, onstage auctioning an architectural painting by his father, Robert DeNiro senior. There was Vanessa Hudgens, encouraging Matteo Bocelli (son of Andrea) to serenade the room. Ricky Martin sang “Livin La Vida Loca.” Luhrmann surprised the room with a last-minute auction item: A guitar signed by the cast of Elvis. Carine Roitfeld organized a bridal-esque fashion show entitled Let’s Get Married! That was filled with top models and top designers. All 40 looks from the show (which was inspired by amfAR founder Elizabeth Taylor’s knack for tying the knot) were up for auction. So too was a portrait of Taylor—part of a ten-piece lot from photographer Christopher Makos. All the while, auctioneer Simon de Pury wielded his auction gavel with an incredible enthusiasm that encouraged bidders to prove the extent of their deep pockets in the name of charity.
The alfresco cocktail hour kicked off at around 5:30 p.m. The early start time gives guests ample time to document their black-tie looks in front of the distinguished hotel, which was built as a writer s haven in 1869 by France s Le Figaro newspaper, Hippolyte de Villemessant. After ample photos were taken and several promenades back and forth on the lawn—where many of the night’s auction items were displayed—guests meandered over by the hotel’s tennis courts. A can’t-believe-it’s-not permanent tent was erected for the occasion, filled with dozens of tables that were dressed in pale pink linens, jacquard napkins, and mini-lampshaded candlelight centerpieces. The effect was as though you were sitting in the casual dining room at your friend’s country estate.
De Pury’s auction stretched into midnight and just as soon as he declared his last “sold!” the room rearranged itself from seated gala dinner to concert. Guests crowded the stage waiting for Aguilera. “You guys are up late tonight,” she joked, greeting the audience before singing some of her hits like “Fighter,” “Lady Marmalade,” and “Beautiful.”
“Let s all celebrate tonight. Let’s be grateful for all being here together,” she said between songs. Her adoring listeners did just that. After she took her bow, everyone relocated to the after-party, situated on the waterfront poolside terrace. Call it a nightcap at the Hotel du Cap.
Photo: German Larkin1/28Lauren Remington Platt
Photo: German Larkin2/28Helena Gatsby, Coco Rocha
