AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
By Kim Devore/Entertainment Writer
A-listers, fashion fiends and VIPs joined Actor Tea Leone at Smashbox Studios to raise big bucks for good cause in what was anything but your typical Hollywood fundraiser.
It all started when Leone got 30 high-profile pals to design one-of-a-kind brassieres to be auctioned off for the annual Take-A-Hike for breast cancer.
Each of these treasure chests was a unique treat. Some were sexy, a few were outrageous and others were downright hilarious. Garry Shandling’s wonder bra was fashioned from blue velvet yarmulkes topped by a pair of strategically placed Stars of David. I asked him to model, but Mr. Sanders politely turned me down.
It was an eclectic group to be sure. Bill Maher, who knows a thing or two about brassieres, was among the underwear aficionados as well as celebrity houseguest Kato Kalin, political commentator Arianna Huffington and pregnant beauty Brooke Shields.
But back to the bras. “Laugh-In” fans could complete their wardrobe with Lily Tomlin’s one ringy dingy blast-to-the-past. Her wearable tribute to Ernestine came complete with rotary dials and phone cord straps. And, you gotta hand it to Ed Harris. Malibu’s three-time Oscar nominee got a grip on things with a pair of leather gloves grasping each cup.
“This is great,” crowed Diane Criton, holding the finished product. “Ed Harris’ hands are on my boobs.”
Susan Sarandon, meantime, came up with ultimate groupie bra. Her sizzling tribute to Jim Morrison could light your fire. “I love Jim Morrison,” said a passing admirer. “He fell on top of me at a concert once. That was my big brush with fame.” Sheryl Crow’s creation resembled a pink porcupine covered in pink guitar picks inscribed with the words “rock on.” Derek Fisher’s entry was a slam dunk, NBA style. Cindy Crawford’s effort was covered in sequins, topped by ruby-red lips and her glittering CC signature.
Despite all this star power, everyone wanted to get into Sharon Stone’s bra. Sharon’s glorious garment was aflutter in butterflies. The insect-inspired creation caught the eye of comic Kevin Nealon.
“Now, this bra is much more interesting than it was two months ago,” he quipped. “Back then, they were just caterpillars.”
Stone’s basic instinct for undergarments was the big winner at auction time, fetching a cool seven grand.
The bra auction raised more than $31,000. Now that’s a great way to show support!