EVENTS

Anyone who is anyone has been spotted at the annual amfAR Galas held in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival. This year, on May 26, amfAR will again be bringing big names in entertainment to the stage for its 28th amfAR Gala Cannes.

Please read on for some pertinent information about this important foundation and what you can expect at the gala which will be brimming with performances and other events you won’t want to miss.

amfAR’s Beginnings

Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Most everyone in the world knows her name. Not only was she a brilliant actor, but a humanitarian and philanthropist beyond measure who, after her close friend, Rock Hudson, died of AIDS, began her formal fight against the disease.

“I kept seeing all these news reports on this new disease and kept asking myself why no one was doing anything. And then I realized that I was just like them. I wasn’t doing anything to help,” she said of HIV/AIDS.

So, in 1985, Elizabeth joined with Dr. Mathilde Krim and a small group of physicians and scientists forming the non-profit American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). As amfAR’s Founding National Chairperson, she became the new organization’s principal spokesperson and titular head. For many, it was Elizabeth Taylor who brought the issue of HIV/AIDS into the mainstream. She said, “I have dedicated my efforts, above all, to the thousands of men, women, and children throughout the world who have died of AIDS, or are currently fighting for their lives.”

For the rest of her life, Elizabeth Taylor continued the fight for a cure for this heinous disease which has claimed the lives of so many.

amfAR Today

Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $617 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams worldwide to find a cure for HIV/AIDS. From 2015 to 2020, the foundation invested close to $53 million in 109 cure-focused research projects in 15 countries. Grants and fellowships support teams of scientists pursuing innovative strategies including cell and gene therapy, shock and kill, and post-treatment control.

Raising Much-Needed Funds

Through its many fundraising efforts like its yearly gala at Cannes and other international benefit galas, amfAR raises vital funds for research and much-needed visibility for the fight against HIV/AIDS. amfAR Gala Cannes has raised more than $245 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research. This success has enabled the foundation to make critical research investments that have brought the world within reach of a cure for HIV.

This Year’s amfAR Gala Cannes

The gala this year will feature live performances by Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Charli XCX, with legendary actor, director and producer Robert De Niro serving as the evening’s honored guest. Longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld will curate the annual fashion show, including looks from the world’s top designers.

The exclusive black-tie event includes cocktails, dinner and an exciting live auction led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury. The auction, sponsored by FTX, will include all show styles, along with a collection of contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind luxury items and experiences. The theme of this year’s fashion show, “Let’s Get Married,” will include looks by Oscar de la Renta, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton Men, Givenchy, Gucci, Chanel, Saint Laurent, De Fursac, Balenciaga, Fendi, Tom Ford, Jacquemus, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Armani, Alaia, Burberry, Versace, Alled Martinez, Monot, Nensi Dojaka, and Dior, among many others worn by some of the world’s top models.

Chairpersons include Baz Luhrmann, Carine Roitfeld, Caroline Scheufele, Cynthia Erivo, Ever Gabo Anderson, Kate Hudson, LaKeith Stanfield, Laura Linney, Lauren Remington Platt, Michelle Williams, Milla Jovovich, Mohammed Al-Turki, Sam Bankman-Fried, Vanessa Hudgens, amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy, and amfAR Trustee Vin Roberti.

Presenting sponsors are FTX and Red Sea International Film Festival. FTX is the official cryptocurrency partner for the gala. Signature sponsors include Chopard and Jelenew, who are working with fashion designer Stéphane Rolland to create a custom dress to be worn at the event. The official beauty partner of the fashion show is Charlotte Tilbury which will provide skincare and make-up products as well as professional make-up artists.

Extraordinary Château de Villette

When attending such a first-class event as the amfAR Gala Cannes, it is fitting to be staying in an equally grand residence and what could be more impressive or elegant than staying in a castle? Château de Villette has been under the stewardship of the French government since 1942, recognized as a site of immense cultural and historical significance. Artifacts come from the finest collections from Sotheby's, Christie's, and Royal provenance. You, and up to 12 guests, will be greeted by the octagonal Grand Salon, pivoting between the formal dining room and the grand staircase. Set on 180 hectares of manicured woodland, complete with two lakes and a magnificent cascade fountain, Château de Villette dazzles with the Imperial glory of the Ancien Regime. Revel in the unadulterated luxuries of a different era. This château offers the very pinnacle of highlife living. As always, your stay with LVH includes full services and support whenever you need it.

amfAR Gala Cannes at a Glance

• Date: May 26, 2022
• Cocktail reception: 6 p.m.
• Dinner, live auction, fashion show and performances: 8 p.m.
• Let’s Get Married Runway Show curated by Carine Roitfeld
• Special performances by: Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Charli XCX
• Honored guest: Robert De Niro
• After party at Eden Roc: 12:30 a.m.

There is still time to plan an exclusive vacation to attend this year’s amfAR Gala Cannes. LVH will work to secure a table and tickets for you to this illustrious fundraising event. We will also fashion a detailed, custom itinerary for you with other experiences you will relish based on your preferences. Your vacation should be filled with moments that truly matter. After all, your time is one of the most important assets you have and we want to fill it with those things that create life-long, cherished memories. We invite you to reach out to an LVH client relations professional who will begin planning your time in France to attend the amfAR Gala Cannes.