FASHION PLAY
After a star-studded San Francisco kick-off, Macy’s Passport 2000 fashion extravaganza made its way to town. Hundreds of style watchers packed the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica for a dazzling show worthy of European runways. Cindy Crawford and Magic Johnson returned as this year’s hosts. Also on hand, the event’s legendary chairwoman Elizabeth Taylor (in lavender, white diamonds, looking fabulous).
Before a multi screen video backdrop, the Children of Uganda got the ball rolling with an eye-popping dance performance complete with traditional African instruments and costumes.
The theatrics continued with contemporary collections by Guess?, Kenneth Cole and Wonderbra.
With black lights, lasers and strobes setting the stage, brooding male models with very buff bodies stomped down the catwalk stopping to pose like Michaelangelo’s David. Lingerie-worthy women strutted their stuff in black leather, python prints and rhinestone bras. The glittering show’s grand finale was given by the Sumin Ballet company.
Since 1988, these yearly celebrations of fashion and compassion have raised more than $12.5 million for HIV and AIDS related charities.
GO TAKE A HIKE
With the Passport bash behind her, Cindy Crawford is gearing up for another one of her favorite causes — UCLA & USC’s annual Take a Hike for Breast Cancer. Cindy teams up with fellow celebs Tea Leoni and Richard Roundtree for a Malibu afternoon in the great outdoors on Oct. 14. Adults and kids of all ages and fitness levels will hit the trails at 8 a.m. and enjoy a few hours of exercise, fun and entertainment. More information may be obtained by calling 213.486-4558.
A TASTE OF MALIBU
It was a breezy bash to remember at the Broad Beach home of Carol and Sheldon Appel. With waves crashing in the distance, their 22 guests got barefoot on the sand and munched on fresh seafood delicacies, courtesy of caterer Gai Klass. The evening included a tour of the couple’s stunning newly rebuilt retreat with its impressive collection of prints and modern masters. Billy Al Bengston was the gathering’s special guest, offering insight to the L.A. art scene. As the evening wore on, the gang took their seats and tucked into a tasteful spread featuring heirloom tomato salad, rosemary chicken and grilled sirloin.
The previous day, neighbors Carole and Ted Slavin rolled out the red carpet. They opened their doors to another group of art lovers and got a chance to show off a spectacular collection with works by Hockney, Warhol and Dubuffet.
The parties were just two of 57 exclusive dinners held across town to raise money for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Each had a different theme and cuisine ranging from casual clambakes to formal five-course meals. They were the hottest and priciest tickets in town, with dinners fetching anywhere from $400 for a night at the beach to $25,000 for a fancy feast and photo session with famed shutterbug Annie Leibovitz. The always tasteful event helped bring in more than $500,000 for the museum’s special exhibition programs.