Models, Muses and Musicians Celebrate the Global Gala for the King's Trust

Last night, two international icons of creativity—American singer Lionel Richie and British editor Edward Enninful—co-hosted the fourth annual Global Gala for the King’s Trust. The grand ballroom of Casa Cipriani, the members-only club perched along Manhattan’s East River, shimmered with anticipation as a crush of photographers swarmed outside, eager to capture the A-list arrivals. Inside, the scene was no less dazzling.

With the Met Gala just days away, the crowd skewed fashion-forward: models, designers, and style stars mingled under the vaulted ceilings. Burberry’s Daniel Lee, ever the minimalist, paired a sleek tuxedo with a casual blue T-shirt, channeling quiet charisma on the carpet. Vetements’ Guram Gvasalia kept his signature shades on while posing alongside Heidi Klum—both dressed in moody monochrome. Gayle King, newly returned from a trip to space, opted for a floral-embroidered frock firmly grounded in earthly delights.

Iman stunned in a gold-and-black gown that caught the light like armor. She was joined by Adut Akech, Teyana Taylor, and Precious Lee. Elsewhere, legendary model and industry trailblazer Bethann Hardison held court with Savile Row’s Ozwald Boateng. Supermodels Carolyn Murphy and Karen Elson conferred in hushed tones, while Helena Christensen drifted through the room in a cloud of pink petals, arm-in-arm with designer Georgina Chapman.

Three of America’s brightest design talents—Christopher John Rogers, Christian Cowan, and LaQuan Smith—shared a table near the back with Ukrainian model Taras Romanov and nightlife fixture Steven Badius. Beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury, ambassador to the Trust’s Enterprise program, presided over a table of glamour that included Glamour’s Samantha Berry, model Brooks Nader, and influencer Meredith Duxbury.

Founded in 1976 by King Charles III—then the Prince of Wales—the King’s Trust was established to support young people lacking access to education, employment, or training. Last night’s gala marked a decade since the charity expanded beyond the UK. Now active in over 20 countries, including the U.S., the Trust has provided more than one million young people with life-changing opportunities.

The evening opened with a haunting performance by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, their voices rising through the candlelit hall like a hymn. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, casting a warm, flickering glow.

A video message from King Charles played across the room on towering screens. “This is an occasion where we come together to celebrate the remarkable work carried out by the Trust across the globe,” he said. “From Detroit to Delhi, lives are being transformed through the tireless dedication of the Trust team and its invaluable partner organizations.”

Then came a brief comedic interlude. Enninful took the stage alone—Richie, it turned out, had made a poorly timed detour to the men’s room.

“As you heard from His Majesty,” Enninful began, “the Trust has supported hundreds of thousands of young people across the globe, and its mission continues to inspire me every day.”

Reentering to laughter, Richie added, “We were supposed to walk out together. Of course, I decided to go to the bathroom—and they introduced me...”

“Three times,” Enninful interjected.

“Three times!” Richie echoed, grinning. “Anyway, Edward has said exactly what we feel. Tonight is about family—our global family—and the importance of giving young people hope.”

Guests dined on sole alla Carlina and lemon meringue tart, with fine wines and Champagne flowing freely. Some slipped onto the sprawling terrace to enjoy a cocktail, a cigarette, or the warm spring breeze.

A spirited live auction followed, featuring standout lots like Round Silver Earrings (2021), an oil painting by Amoako Boafo, whose work is held in the collections of the Guggenheim and LACMA; a private portrait session with fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth; and perhaps most dazzling of all—a private dinner for 30 inside the Tower of London, complete with an after-hours tour of the historic site.

To close the evening, Grammy Award winner Nile Rodgers lit up the stage with a hit parade that included “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” As the crowd danced and the music swelled, the night ended on a note of joy, generosity, and unmistakable forward momentum.