London's social scene was ablaze this week as celebrities from music, fashion and acting gathered for a series of high-profile parties. The second annual amfAR Gala at The Chancery Rosewood raised £1.6 million to support its mission of finding a cure for HIV and improving global health, drawing an eclectic mix of guests from London and abroad.
amfAR Gala Honors Jeremy Irons and Philip Treacy
The evening honored Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons and renowned milliner Philip Treacy for their contributions to amfAR's cause. Performances came from Rita Ora and Jamie Miller, while Kelly Osbourne delivered heartfelt remarks about her years of support for amfAR's HIV research.
Treacy, who received amfAR's Award of Excellence, offered a custom hat as a surprise lot in the auction. Other auction items included a sculpture by Madonna's artist son Rocco Richie, a commissioned artwork by Chloe Wise with a lunch and dinner at her studio, and a VIP package at Frieze New York including a stay at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel.
British Museum Ball and HER ACCESS Launch
Sticking to central London, the British Museum Ball hosted a slew of A-listers over the weekend, including Maya Jama, Mick Jagger, Gwendoline Christie and Benedict Cumberbatch. The ball's theme this year was red, which the museum said was a "unifying thread woven through all three of the museum's upcoming displays."
Across town, Sabrina Dhowre Elba celebrated the launch of HER ACCESS, a new global network from King's Trust International supporting opportunities for women and girls, at Marylebone private member's club Home House. The entrepreneur and activist hosted a fireside conversation on investing in women and girls for an audience of philanthropists and business leaders.
HER ACCESS brings together funding, networks and influence to help women and girls access education, employment and entrepreneurship. Its Founding Committee includes model and Malaika founder Noella Coursaris Musunka and philanthropist Omenaa Mensah.
Art and Cocktails at Home House
Home House also welcomed guests for an evening of art and cocktails as artist Harriet Gillett took over the Vestibule Bar in collaboration with Soho Revue. The intimate reception brought together a notable guest list, including India Rose James, Edie Jones, Max Hurd, Edoardo Nappi and Tony Wilkes, for a special presentation of Gillett's playful canvases.
The evening combined art with cocktails inspired by the takeover, including the Equinox, made with Eminente Claro, passionfruit, lime and vanilla, and Symphony in Red, featuring ODD Hibiscus Mezcal, Sarti Exotic, lime and elderflower. The exhibition will remain on view in the Vestibule Bar until January 2027.
