Prior to joining Aston Martin as their guest at the amfAR Gala 2023, I headed to the infamous pool vista of the Hotel du Cap for a private dinner and the unveiling of their next generation sports car— the DB12. Celebrating Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, the party was packed full of celebrities to witness the arrival of this new icon of a car. The stars of cinema all came out in support including Academy Award winners Catherine Zeta-Jones, Micheal Douglas and Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performance in Killers of the Flower Moon wowed critics earlier this week. Music was in full flow with live performances by British chart topping singer Rina Sawayama and international DJ Peggy Gou.
It was truly an honour to be a guest of Aston Martin (the proud partners of amfAR – The Foundation for AIDS research) for the glittering amfAR Gala the following night. Staying at the fabulous Maybourne Riviera with spectacular views over Monaco, it was time to get my glam on and get ready for the hottest ticket in town. With make up done by the world renowned make up artist Geraldo Frazao, I slipped into my crystal encrusted Roland Mouret gown and headed once more to the Hotel du Cap for an evening of performances, the highly anticipated fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld and, most importantly, an auction to raise funds for The Foundation of AIDS Research.
As we made our way into the mega venue we all took to our tables. My wing women of the evening were Jessica Wang, Michelle Salas and Amy Jackson.
The mastermind behind the production of this epic event was Emanuela Santi Peña, founder of Event Republic Studio. Emanuela and her team had the huge task of putting together the fabulous stage production, design features, and the sensational table settings. A total of seventy-one tables hosted the 852 guests attending within a tent that covered the two tennis courts of the legendary Hotel du Cap. The result was innovative and futuristic. The tent was adorned with a full mirror ceiling, creating a modern and space age feel with its mirrored views of the event. This aesthetic quality continued into the table setting, where tablecloths were crafted from an iridescent fabric and and even the centrepiece floral arrangement of anthuriums had small beaded pearls stuck onto them. No detail was left unturned which provided spectacular visuals that can only be dreamt of.
Grammy award-winning and Academy Award-nominated artist Queen Latifah hosted the evening. We were treated to incredible performances by Adam Lambert, the “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight, Bebe Rexha and Halsey.
Guests and celebrities enthusiastically and generously bid throughout the night in the hugely successful auction led by the inimitable Simon de Pury. Raising US$17 million dollars and the Aston Martin DB12 raising US$1.7 million dollars! The energy in the room was incomparable to anything I have ever witnessed before…
One of my highlights of the evening was the ICONS COLLECTION fashion show curated by longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld, which was introduced by my new favourite person of all time model Ashely Graham, and fashion designer Jeremy Scott. The sensational collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world’s most celebrated fashion houses including Tom Ford, Moschino, Versace, Dior, Prada, and Armani, all accessorised with CHOPARD jewellery.
It was a fabulous evening for a great cause which I shall treasure forever. Thank you amfAR and Aston Martin for a night to remember. Little hints for an amfAR return to Asia could be on the cards so watch this space!
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Olivia Buckingham: A Night To Remember With Aston Martin At The AmfAR Gala
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Lead image: Max Earey