Jessica Kahawaty with David Koma, Emily Ratajkowski, Derek Blasberg, and Karlie Kloss at the Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
The third edition of the Vogue Paris Foundation took place at Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017 on July 4. The event brought together the biggest names in the fashion and art industries at the Palais Galliera in Paris. Organized with several fashion houses in support of the museum’s contemporary fashion collections, the event saw Bella Hadid, Charlotte Rampling, Marc Jacobs, and Vanessa Paradis take to the red carpet. Lebanese-Australian model Jessica Kahawaty shares her diary of the evening with Vogue Arabia, so you can get an insider tour of the A-list soirée.
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
“I am thrilled that we finally got some sunshine after a few cloudy days in Paris. Visiting the city during Couture Week is always special and intimate; the vibe, the people, the dresses, the shows. There are key events throughout the year that bring the biggest names in the fashion and creative industries together – and the Vogue Paris Foundation Gala, which falls at the heart of Fashion Week, is one of them.
It’s always an honor for me to be involved in philanthropic events and causes and the gala was no exception. The Vogue Paris Foundation raises funds for the development of the collections of the Fashion Museum in Paris. It was an immense pleasure to be invited this year thanks to Mugler by David Koma and Vogue Paris, alongside an incredible table of powerful and inspiring women like Karlie Kloss, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kendall Jenner and, of course, David Koma himself.
Here is an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with photographer Hana Lê Van for the readers of Vogue Arabia as I got ready at Le Royal Monceau for Paris’s most prestigious night. The soirée began outside during golden hour, with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, and continued inside in the incredible hall of the Palais Galliera under the starry Parisian sky.
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
I started my day at the John Nollet Salon, where Thibaud and my manager Luisa convinced me to keep my natural waves for the evening (even though the original plan was sleek and up)! With a little help, Thibaud made sure that the curls bounced all night.
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
When I got back to the hotel, I put on an express 10-minute eye mask, which helps prepare my skin for makeup (while nibbling on some of my favorite Patrick Roger chocolates that I picked up along the way). Sparking our hunger instantaneously, the team and I ordered an incredible healthy lunch for a change in the suite.
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
Oops, got a call. It’s Mr X. Be right back!
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
It’s time for the verdict. I’ve been incredibly indecisive about my two favorite outfits from the show. An electrifying blue or edgy silver shoulders? The consensus was silver. And there it was, an incredible futuristic dress from Mugler’s Fall 2017 collection, natural waves, and party heels.
Jessica Kahawaty’s Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 diary for Vogue Arabia. Photographed by Hana Lê Van. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
Jessica Kahawaty snaps inside the venue of the Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2017 for her Vogue Arabia. Courtesy of Jessica Kahawaty
Magical Paris, it was such a fun and empowering night for an enriching cause. So, à tout à l’heure!”
