On Thursday, June 9, 2016, amfAR will hold its seventh annual Inspiration Gala New York at Skylight at Moynihan Station, honoring Naomi Campbell and Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director, Kim Jones, with the Award of Inspiration for their longtime support of the fight against AIDS.
Emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, the black-tie gala will also feature an auction of one-of-a-kind luxury items, a menswear runway show, and a performance by Jason Derulo.
Actress and iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell has been a devoted amfAR supporter for more than two decades. She has lent her celebrity to amfAR’s galas across the globe, helping to raise much-needed funds for AIDS research. Similarly, Kim Jones is adding to the legacy of support from Louis Vuitton, which has contributed generously to amfAR events for many years, most notably by creating unique pieces and experiences for auction at the galas.
amfAR Trustee R. Martin Chavez and Adam Norbury will serve as Event Hosts. Marc Jacobs, Quincy Jones, Michael Kors, Kate Moss, Zac Posen, Rihanna, Mario Testino, Riccardo Tisci, and Dwyane Wade will serve as Honorary Chairs. Event Chairs include Mert Alas, Jim Clerkin, amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole, Fran Cutler, Alan Cumming, John Demsey, Paolo Diacci, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby, Bethann Hardison, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Nayla Hayek, Cheyenne Jackson, Brian C. Kelly, Shayne Oliver, Marcus Piggott, and Vincent Roberti.
Harry Winston, M·A·C Viva Glam, and The Points Guy are the Presenting Sponsors. Microsoft and Moët Hennessy are the event’s Signature Sponsors.
Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline Partner. Moët Hennessy is the Official Wine and Spirits Partner.
The amfAR Inspiration series, produced by Josh Wood Productions, celebrates all aspects of men’s style and revolves around a new design theme each year. This year, the world’s top menswear designers will offer looks for the travel-inspired runway show.
Participating designers in the “Jet Set”-themed fashion show include Acne Studios, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein Collection, Diesel Black Gold, DSQUARED2, Givenchy, Helmut Lang, Kenneth Cole, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Thom Browne, Todd Snyder, Valentino, and Versace, among others.
The runway looks will be styled by Benjamin Sturgill. Makeup will be provided by M·A·C Cosmetics, and hair styling will be provided by Rodney Cutler for Hairdressers Against AIDS. Runway Production and Casting will be provided by Trew Productions.
The Inspiration series was launched in 2010 by amfAR and Josh Wood Productions to celebrate men’s style and fashion while raising funds for the Foundation’s lifesaving AIDS research programs. Inspiration galas have taken place in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, Miami, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, raising more than $26 million to date for amfAR’s programs.
Last year’s event honoring Miley Cyrus and Andy Cohen raised $1.5 million, and previous Inspiration New York honorees and participants include Matt Bomer, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, Heidi Klum, Kenneth Cole, James Franco, Uma Thurman, Alan Cumming, Michael Kors, Ricky Martin, Valentino, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Inspiration New York galas have also featured stunning performances by renowned artists such as New Order, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Liza Minnelli, Courtney Love, Scissor Sisters, and Cyndi Lauper.
