WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
It was pups, Patron and a whole lot of hair care as mane-man John Paul DeJoria opened up his expansive ocean-view estate to benefit the animal rescue organization, Much Love. Founded in 1999 by Nicki Wior, Much Love is a nonprofit no-kill charity that finds homes for dogs and cats about to be destroyed at L.A.-area animal shelters. The Los Angles-based designer says she spent so much time picking animals off the street and giving money away to animal rescue organizations, she decided to start a group of her own. Today, Much Love is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and “foster parents” that have placed more than 2,500 animals in loving homes.
Despite a few A-list no-shows, the evening drew a pack of the fashionable folk and furry friends. SNL alum turned “Weeds” star Kevin Nealon and “Nanny” Fran Drescher were among those making the rounds. Honoree Tori Spelling floated in sporting a delicious cranberry chiffon creation while “Wayne’s World” babe Tia Carrere looked dynamite in denim (schwing). But these Hollywood pets had to share the red carpet with the real thing. Tori became fast friends with 6-year-old Guido Sarducci, a cuddly chihuahua mix, and gave a little TLC to the other adorable orphans in the crowd.
In the interior courtyard, guests cooled off with tomato gazpacho and tequila-based specialty drinks. Some stopped to marvel at the DeJoria’s fanciful neo-palladian/art-deco/art-nouveau/rococo/gothic-inspired digs with their painted ceilings, stained-glass windows and elaborate inlaid floors. Others cooled themselves by the DeJoria’s ornate Bernini-esque fountain with Neptune, looking a lot like JP and Venus, a dead ringer for wife Eloise.
The silent auction featured everything a well-pampered pooch could pant for. There were doggie treats and jackets, even a custom-made beach bungalow complete with surf board, sand, shells, palm tree and a sign pointing to where else… Dog Beach. People-related items included a Frank Gehry-signed print for art lovers, Paul Mitchell beauty products for the well-groomed and the opportunity to get a script read along with a meeting at Lions Gate Films.
The evening wrapped up with a three-course veggie diner on the green courtesy of Jennifer Naylor and a little night music. It scored more than $100,000 for the organization, plus homes for pooches Jon Paul and Carmello. Little Guido, meantime, is still looking. For more info, check out www.muchlove.org.