The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha provided a stunning backdrop for a night of high fashion and philanthropy this Sunday, as the Franca Fund Gala brought together a constellation of stars from Hollywood and the modelling world.
Tessa Thompson, Gisele Bundchen, and Tyra Banks were among the headline names who walked the pink carpet, turning heads in an array of breathtaking ensembles for a cause dedicated to advancing medical science.
A Glittering Assembly for a Cause
Actress Tessa Thompson, 42, captivated onlookers in a shimmering green gown, elegantly paired with white evening gloves and heels. She was photographed in high spirits alongside renowned fashion designer Pier Paolo Piccioli.
Meanwhile, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, 45, delivered a show-stopping moment in a sparkly black dress that perfectly highlighted her iconic figure, accessorised with silver earrings and a diamond necklace.
Not to be outdone, Tyra Banks made a powerful style statement in a sophisticated black velvet gown adorned with silver embellishment and complemented by matching evening gloves.
The event also saw stylish appearances from Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer, both 33, in embellished dresses, as well as a bold, edgy display from Azza Slimene, 27, in a corset and long skirt. Hollywood director Regina King and US Vogue editor Anna Wintour were also among the distinguished guests.
Honouring a Fashion Icon's Legacy
The gala's primary purpose was to honour the enduring legacy of the late Franca Sozzani, the revered editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia who passed away in 2016 after a year-long illness.
Franca Sozzani spent a record-breaking 28 years at the helm of the Italian fashion bible, where she was celebrated for creating fascinating and boundary-pushing fashion spreads. Her illustrious career began in 1976 at Vogue Bambini after she graduated in literature and philosophy from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.
She was appointed editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia in 1988, around the same time Anna Wintour took the helm at US Vogue. Wintour, who attended the Doha event, previously paid tribute to their three-decade-long friendship, noting that their bond was one that had to be earned.
Funding the Future of Medicine
The charity was established by Franca's son, Francesco Carrozzini, after his mother's cancer was diagnosed too late for successful treatment. In an interview with Vogue ahead of the gala, Francesco explained his motivation, stating he wanted to collaborate with those who understood his mother's values and her contributions to the arts and fashion.
All proceeds from the glittering event will support The Franca Fund, which operates as a partner to Dr. Robert Green at Harvard University. The partnership is dedicated to advancing critical research in the field of preventive genomic medicine, a pioneering area of science aimed at predicting and preventing disease.
