DUBAI: With social distancing measures still in place due to the ongoing COVID-19, amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, had to get creative for its annual gala and host a fundraising initiative in the digital space, allowing supporters to help raise funds for AIDS and COVID-19 relief from home.
Lebanese blogger and eyewear designer Karen Wazen and her husband Elias Bakhazi took part in the digital initiative, and made sure they were dressed to the nines.
“This year, we are supporting @amfar in a different way… from home,” wrote Wazen on Instagram, alongside a picture of her and her husband, a selfie and a photo of amfAR Gala fragrances.
For the virtual occasion, the Dubai-based fashion influencer wore a red, draped gown with a single shoulder by Ralph & Russo. She elevated the look with matching red lipstick and an effortless updo.
“@amfar has launched the Gala fragrance and with our help we can continue to fund the research and fight against AIDS and now COVID-19. Thank you @amfar for including us in your list of #divinephilanthropists,” she added.
Wazen joins other amfAR “divine philanthropists” such as models Heidi Klum and Elsa Hosk and Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, to name a few.
Wazen attended her first amfAR gala at The Peninsula Hotel in Paris in June 2019.
She wore a heavily-embellished mini-dress from Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika paired with sandals from her younger sister Andrea Wazen’s eponymous footwear line for the special occasion.
The Foundation is dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and the advocacy of AIDS-related public policy.
Last April, the non-profit organization launched the amfAR Fund to Fight COVID-19.
Gala by amfAR, which is available as both a women’s perfume and a men’s cologne, was conceived as a tribute to the philanthropic organization’s founder, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who was the first celebrity to have her own line of fragrances.
The women’s fragrance is a fruity citrus blend of bergamot, blackcurrant and mandarin, with notes of jasmine, Bulgarian rose, white musk and sandalwood, while the men’s cologne is on the huskier side, boasting notes of Australian sandalwood, patchouli and black amber.
Proceeds from the sale of Gala by amfAR will support amfAR’s efforts to achieve a cure for HIV and fund research on COVID-19 treatments
