Celebs kick up their heels to support AIDS research
By Ryan Emberly
The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and its loyal band of celebrity supporters made a splash once again with the charity’s third annual Hong Kong gala. Co-chaired by Charlize Theron, the recent Studio 54-themed event at Shaw Studios in Hong Kong raised over $3.5 million (USD) this year—bringing its three-year total past the $10 million mark.
Theron, clad in a dazzling black Saint Laurent gown, walked the red carpet alongside Naomi Campbell (in Ralph & Russo) and Charli XCX (in Stella McCartney). Kenneth Cole, Mark Ronson and Jackie Chan rounded out the star-studded guest list.
Chan, it turns out, is an excellent auctioneer. In two languages and with his signature sense of humour, the Hong Kong movie legend expertly auctioned off a number of big-ticket items, including a stay in Leonardo DiCaprio’s Palm Springs villa, and an appearance in an upcoming Sylvester Stallone movie that fetched $300,000.
Following musical performances by K-pop singer/rapper CL and British pop star Charli XCX (her fourth time performing for amfAR), Brit DJ Mark Ronson and supermodel Naomi Campbell helmed the turntables and kept the affluent attendees dancing late into the night.
RYAN EMBERLY is one of Canada’s premier event photographers. He shoots top-tier press launches, galas and private functions both nationally and internationally. In 2015, the Toronto Star dubbed Ryan the “younger-gen’s go-to snapper.” His photos have appeared in Vogue and W Magazine, among others.
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