VIPs in attendance included Paris Jackson who received the LIFE+ Award on behalf of the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation (ETAF), Patti LaBelle who performed her Grammy Hall of Fame hit single, “Lady Marmalade” and a rendition of “Do-Re-Mi” as part of the themed program, amfAR’s EpicRide to Life Ball riders Adrien Brody, Ian Bohen, JR Bourne, Michiel Huisman, Gilles Marini and Katee Sackhoff, in addition to celebrity guests and participants including Caitlyn Jenner, Sophia Hutchins, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Petras, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, August Getty, Yasmine Petty, Jeannie Mai, Patrika Darbo, Gus Kenworthy and more while Austrian superstars Conchita Wurst and Herbert Föttinger presented the Opening show.
Video messages from Gwen Stefani, Bill Clinton and Elton John were featured during the opening ceremony which carried messages of support for the great work the LIFE+ organization and its international partner organizations have done in the fight against HIV and AIDS for the past 25 years. In addition, Charlize Theron who previously accepted the Swarovski Crystal of Hope Award on behalf of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project on Thursday in Vienna, also appeared via video as part of the opening ceremony.
This year’s LIFE BALL signature fashion show, curated by Robert Rabensteiner, featured new and archival pieces from 25 fashion houses presenting their ideas for the most beautiful day in life (wedding day) including stalwarts like Jean Paul Gaultier, Alberta Ferretti, Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Dsquared2, N°21, Maison Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Thom Browne, Francesco Scognamiglio, Blumarin, Elie Saab, Diesel, Emilio Pucci, Kenzo Memento, Vionnet, Viktor & Rolf, Lavin, and Tostmann Trachten. Gigi Gorgeous wore one of the featured designs and walked the runway with Nats Getty and this year’s models.
