amfAR hosts the 5th-Annual Inspiration Gala

Last night, guests migrated slowly inside the Plaza Hotel to celebrate amfAR’s fifth-annual Inspiration Gala, which raises money for AIDS research. Honoring Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Michael Lombardo and HBO, and Calvin Klein Collection’s Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli, the evening brought together boldly dressed guests including the Brant brothers, Karolina Kurkova, and Fergie, who wore a sinewy white Calvin Klein Collection dress and Brian Atwood shoes. “I love seeing all these wonderfully festive people dress elegantly,” said Kenneth Cole, chairman of the board at amfAR, “knowing that in the end they are doing good.”

That sentiment was shared by designer Thom Browne, who lent looks for the runway show. “I think it’s great that everyone came out to support the organization tonight.” Sporting a more traditional look was Matt Bomer, in Calvin Klein Collection, who presented the designers with their award.

Bomer said of Zucchelli, “I love Italo dearly it’s an incredible honor and a distinct pleasure to present the award to him.” Also taking in the evening were Peter Som; actor Zachary Quinto, looking distinguished in a white dinner jacket from Calvin Klein Collection; and models Valentina Zelyaeva, in Ralph Lauren, and Jamie Bochert, in vintage. “I’m looking forward to the fashion show and the auction,” exclaimed Bochert before slipping into the Oak Room for cocktails.

Music was blasting as Dennis Basso, host Josh Duhamel (also in Calvin Klein Collection), and Alan Cumming took their seats in the Palm Court for the 55-look runway show. “I had to up my fashion game,” said Duhamel as he introduced the presentation. “This is my moment to shine, and then someone else wore my outfit!” At that moment, a photo of Rihanna in the custom Adam Selman bejeweled bodysuit she wore to last week’s CFDA Fashion Awards appeared on the television monitors, and guests broke out into laughter. Editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani presented HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway with her award and said, “No one is more deserving of this she’s always been an inspiration. She is natural, unconventional, and unique.

She sees everyone with her heart.” Then Sarah Jessica Parker in a fluttering Schiaparelli dress and assorted jewelry from Fred Leighton introduced the third honoree and said, “Behind HBO’s growth, success, and socially conscious programming is Michael Lombardo.” The network has been on the forefront of portraying the AIDS epidemic with films including And the Band Played On, Angels in America, and the documentary The Battle of amfAR. Humbled and proud, Lombardo succinctly said, “I and the company felt passionately that our programming should inspire and enlighten.”

After a quick live auction presided over by Alexander Gilkes of Paddle8, the evening continued with the Calvin designers receiving their honors before English rock band New Order performed, with Marjorie “DJ Mad Marj” Gubelmann waiting in the wings to keep everyone moving. “I worked for amfAR in 1995, when I was first in New York,” said Gubelmann, in a brightly printed evening dress from Carolina Herrera and jewelry from Bulgari, “and I’m DJ-ing tonight the whole thing is going to make me cry!”