amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research, will launch the Inspiration Galas – a series of fundraising events celebrating all aspects of men’s style – this week. The series, produced by Josh Wood Productions, will take place in New York, Paris, and Los Angeles.
Kylie Minogue, the international pop star and style icon who is preparing to release her eleventh studio album, will host the inaugural Inspiration Gala at the New York Public Library on Thursday, June 3, 2010.
“I’m honored to join the list of prestigious designers as the host of amfAR’s inaugural Inspiration Gala at the historical New York Public Library and to help raise awareness and funds for AIDS research,” she said.
Jean-Paul Gaultier and Ricky Martin will be the first recipients of the amfAR Award of Inspiration, presented at the New York Inspiration Gala. Gaultier, who will attend both the New York and Paris events, will be honored for his lifetime contributions to menswear design and for his enduring humanitarian spirit.
Ricky will be honored for his extensive philanthropic endeavors through the Ricky Martin Foundation, including constant advocacy for the health and welfare of children around the globe and recent rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
“I’ve been looking forward to this special night since amfAR first reached out to me a few months ago,” he said. “Their pioneering research has been a key factor in nearly eliminating the transmission of AIDS to infants at birth, and I strongly believe that amfAR’s continued research, prevention and treatment efforts are an essential part of the continued fight to help people at risk throughout the world.”
Grammy-winning singer and rapper Estelle will perform a special DJ set during the runway show, and will debut her new single as part of the set.
The Inspiration Galas will revolve around a new style theme each year: The 2010 design theme is “Black Tie/Black Leather.” Global leaders in menswear design will present their inspirations in runway shows in New York and Los Angeles. Simon Doonan will then lead an auction of the designer runway items, with proceeds to benefit amfAR. A formal dinner will follow, featuring the presentations of the amfAR Award of Inspiration.
The Paris Inspiration Gala will be held on June 25, 2010, and Los Angeles event will be held in October 2010.
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $307 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
