UNICEF Honors Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, Draws Mariah Carey, Nicole Kidman

UNICEF pulled out all the stops for its sixth biennial UNICEF Ball in Los Angeles Tuesday night, as guests such as Selena Gomez, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Connelly and Nicole Kidman poured into the ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to honor David Beckham and University of Southern California president C.L. Max Nikias for their humanitarian work. Many of the stars came courtesy of Louis Vuitton, a presenting sponsor and also a new global partner with the charity organization.

“I came to L.A. just for this, because Nicolas asked,” Connelly said. Creative director Nicolas Ghesquière underscored his commitment, saying, “The house of Louis Vuitton is loyal, and they’re happy to enjoy new projects especially when they’re genuine. I think usually when they start something they keep going, and it continues to be this fantastic celebration humanly, financially and professionally.”

He also noted how much he enjoys designing the custom gowns for longtime friends of the house. “As you get to know them, you know what they like, what kind of feeling they are going for, which makes it even more fun because it becomes a real extreme expression of their personality.”

Also making her debut for Vuitton was Ghesquière pal Léa Seydoux, the brand’s newest ambassador. “It’s not bad,” she said of her custom gown. “No, actually it’s great. I’m very proud. It’s my first appearance in Louis Vuitton and I’m very happy to represent the image.” As for UNICEF, she added, “What they’re doing is great. When you’re such a strong company, it’s good that you’re able to help the children and do.”

As emcee Angie Harmon kept the night moving with many tributes to Beckham, none received as many laughs as Elton John did when he presented the father of his godchildren with the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Leadership Award.

“I know this town is obsessed with blockbuster superheroes, but tonight we’re honoring someone that I know to be a bona fide hero,” John said. “He won 19 major trophies, played in four different countries and won championships for them all. He gave up all of that to be a renowned underwear model.” He continued, “But what is truly extraordinary about David is not the depths of his talent, but the depth of his heart. He’s generous and loving to a fault and the world’s children are much better for it.”

Beckham noted, “I’ve got children of my own. I will not stop supporting this charity because this charity does so much for so many children around the world. I will not stop supporting until I know that all the children are safe.”

Earlier in the evening, all eyes were on Mariah Carey as she serenaded the audience with hits “Always Be My Baby,” “We Belong Together,” and the crowd-pleaser “Hero.”

“She’s gorgeous. It’s so good to see her up there,” Kidman said afterward. “For me, that’s iconic,” said Gomez, who sat front and center. “She’s a legend. We were just jamming away. She has such a great way of transferring emotion.” Although they were on the opposite side of the room, both Lionel Richie and Camilla Belle felt her performance in similar ways. “I needed a fan,” Richie joked of the hot performance and Belle agreed, “I was melting with every word she sang.”

The event raised $2,565,012.35 through the auction of items such as water pumps and SUVs that will benefit UNICEF’s efforts to continue their work.

Golden Globes After Party 2016: The Weinstein Co. and Netflix Bash With Chanel Iman, America Ferrera and Cate Blanchett

Shortly after the Golden Globes ceremony ended, Heidi Klum arrived at The Weinstein Co. and Netflix’s annual fete, sippable Moët bottle in hand. “I can’t believe any of this,” she said of the party’s guest list, which included Jamie Foxx, Rooney Mara, Kate Bosworth, Angela Bassett, Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren.

“I love Harvey because he’s always supported me,” Chanel Iman gushed. “The energy is alive and the music is good. This is the spot to be at,” the model said. She was one of the first to showcase her moves on dance floor as well as first to arrive hours earlier for the viewing party, where the editors of Marie Claire, who sponsored the bash, attempted to win the voting pool.

In a far-off corner behind heavy security, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were seen sharing a laugh in Weinstein’s sectioned-off booth while at a neighboring table America Ferrera and Mia Moretti chatted the night away.

Although the DJ played “Let’s Dance” as an ode to the late David Bowie, there were a few who spent much of the evening sitting down, such as Aziz Ansari, Jonah Hill and Andy Samberg, who shared a couch for most of the night.

As she posed for a quick photo with Uzo Aduba and Taryn Manning, “Orange Is the New Black” star Taylor Schilling noted, “It’s all good; now that I’m with my crew, the party is amazing.”

BAFTA LA Tea Party Draws Cate Blanchett, Leonardo DiCaprio

Saturday afternoon proved to be a time for Anglophiles as thespians from Britain, America and across other ponds gathered at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills to celebrate the Golden Globes at the yearly BAFTA L.A. Tea Party.

Although the Earl Grey tea wouldn’t begin pouring until two o’clock, a press-shy Rooney Mara arrived 10 minutes before the other attendees such as “Carol” costar Cate Blanchett, Topher Grace, Priyanka Chopra, Brie Larson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Saoirse Ronan, Emilia Clarke and Danny Strong. While the “Carol” actress’ punctuality could have been a nod to British decorum, the same couldn’t be said for Rachel Bloom.

“I am not a classy, upper class, posh, British lady and I wouldn’t try to pretend that I am,” said the nominated “My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” actress, creator and writer. “All I can do is wear appropriate attire of the day, be myself and hopefully not call the Queen of England ‘dude.’ I don’t think she’s here, but if she were I might call her ‘dude Queen,’ at least.”

But there were a few who defied the “selfie-free zone” sign just around the corner. “My daughter gave it to me,” said a smiling Jane Seymour as a crowd gathered around to marvel at her selfie-enhancing illuminated iPhone case while she snapped away.

With the personal photography ban out the window, Caitriona Balfe hadn’t forgotten propriety. “I will have you know that Irish people are very sophisticated,” she said. “My mother taught me well. I know my manners. I think.” On her “Lead Actress in a TV Drama Series” nod, Balfe commented, “I can’t really believe it. I go from thinking it’s hilarious to being really excited about it.”

“I’m actually a naturalized British citizen,” said “Carol” screenwriter Phyllis Nagy. “I lived in London for about 15 years. So I love everything about the culture and hope to go back and live there permanently one day.”

In agreement, “Flesh and Bone,” star Sarah Hay mentioned her appreciation for British culture, saying, “I live in Germany and they still have tea time, they still have cake time. I think that it’s so important to take time out of your day to just relax and be calm for five minutes at least.”

Mark Zunino Celebrates New Atelier With Beverly Johnson, Fran Drescher

“It’s funny, some people don’t know about me,” said designer Mark Zunino, who was tucked away in the office of his new Beverly Hills atelier Thursday night. “I’m the guy they go to when they want something exclusive.” However, lavish dresses in the store windows, a red carpet overflowing onto the sidewalk and incessant camera flashes might have tipped locals off to the opening party. The space is normally shielded from prying eyes by opaque windows.

“We’re private,” Zunino said. “So whoever has the appointment has the entire building catering to them. It’s a very exclusive atmosphere.”

The 5,500-square-foot building, featuring marble floors and mirrored walls reaching 18-foot ceilings with crown moldings, drew admirers such as Stassi Schroeder, Lucy Walsh, Donna Mills, Fran Drescher and Beverly Johnson, who professed, “I love, love, love this,” as she stood among the models holding petite “Mark Zunino” placards.

With a client list that has included the late Elizabeth Taylor as well as Sophia Loren, Serena Williams, Angelina Jolie, Sofía Vergara and Halle Berry, it’s no surprise that the atelier received a couple of pre-fete visitors during its move.

“Right as we were boxing up at our old location Beyoncé came in,” Zunino said of dressing the star for the first time. “My staff is calling me like ‘Hey, get in here, Beyoncé’s here.’ I thought they were kidding, and I didn’t go in at first. I went to the gym. They called me again and said ‘Beyoncé’s here’ and I said ‘Stop the jokes.’ It turns out Beyoncé was there.”

The designer also recalled a similar moment with another luminary. “The very first day that we were moving in, Julia Roberts was shooting a Lancôme commercial and didn’t like the wardrobe that was made for her. Within a day and a half, we came up with clothes for the shoot.”

Although the location is equipped with a sewing room and staff outfitted in white smocks to create dresses, which start at $5,000, there were no fashion emergencies on opening night. Guests gleefully floated from room to room with mini Moët bottles in hand and the option of caviar, tuna tartare, steak crostinis and mini hamburgers to keep them occupied while fawning over the gowns. Lisa Vanderpump even considered wedding dresses saying, “I might have to get married again.”

With the 73rd Golden Globe Awards days away, and two nominated clients, Laverne Cox and Lily Tomlin, confirmed to wear his work, Zunino plans on watching the ceremony with friends in his home. There’s also the possibility of three other starlets walking the carpet in his work, but “they also have another designer,” he said. “So there are two designers rivaling it out to see who’s going to wear what which also makes it exciting.”

Lionel Richie Launches Home Collection With Dinner in Beverly Hills

As guests stepped into Lionel Richie’s Beverly Hills home on Wednesday, they weren’t greeted with a “Hello” from the host, but rather by the aroma of scented candles from the singer-songwriter-record-producer’s new home collection.

“This is really something that I do,” Richie said, standing near the dining table tinkering with candlelight where a four-course feast was about to be served. Plenty of Dom Pérignon helped the digestion process (the brand cohosted the meal).

“We’ve been working on this for two years,” said Richie’s girlfriend Lisa Parigi. “He’d get off of stage and say, ‘Hey, I think I have an idea.’” With a full range of product from high-end dinnerware, glassware, and vases to scented candles and accessories retailing from $56 to $1,500 on his Web site, Richie’s dreams finally came true, but not before a couple of test runs. “We’ve done this twice already just as a warm-up,” Richie said during his pre-dinner toast. “The only problem I’m having out of this whole launch is that I get here, and there’s no band. In case I make a mistake, there’s no cymbal crashing.”

Luckily, any faux pas were muffled by the endless supply of vintage Champagne and guest Kevin Spacey’s spot-on impersonations of Johnny Carson and former President Bill Clinton that sent the room into a roar. “Listen, I got your invitation even though you sent one to Hillary as well,” jested the “House of Cards” actor. “She replied and out of habit she immediately deleted it.”

One guest who didn’t miss the spread of caviar, salad, rainbow chard risotto and lemon polenta cake was Richie’s daughter Nicole, who arrived with husband Joel Madden and brother-in-law Benji Madden. “Nicole came over and whispered in my ear, ‘Oh my God, this is good Dad,’” the elder Richie said. “This is the first time she’s seen it, and I got the little pat on the back, which is very comforting because she’s a tough cookie.”

She’ll soon have more approving to do. “This is just a start,” he said. “We’ll have Lionel Richie Loft and Lionel Richie Studio. In Loft we have some things for the apartment where you actually find the fun stuff, ‘Hello, is it brie you’re looking for?’ ‘Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?’ You know that kind of stuff.”

Brooks Brothers and St. Jude Holiday Fete 2015: Tony Goldwyn, Rachel Zoe, Matt McGorry

Let the holiday party season begin. On Saturday, Brooks Brothers welcomed a crowd of celebrities and their kids to its annual holiday bash to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“This is like my home on Rodeo,” quipped “Black-ish” starlet Yara Shahidi while standing near a Christmas tree made entirely of ties while Dan Bucatinsky, Ariel Winter, Jack Falahee and Lyn Paolo poured in.

“I’m going to have to sneak away from my family and hope that they don’t see me [shopping],” continued Shahidi, who also modeled in a campaign for the clothier, which was donating 10 percent of sales to the hospital. “The bow ties are my favorite. I put on my brothers’ bow ties for them.”

Elsewhere, Matt McGorry, who recently made his campaign debut, was extolling the merits of Brooks Brothers’ thermals and tank tops. “People would text me pictures [of the ads] on cabs. I get distinct memories of seeing Adam Driver in the Gap campaign and thinking ‘Wow, that’s pretty f–king cool, that’s a big thing’ and then here I am. It’s a little surreal.”

Tony Goldwyn, who’s often outfitted in custom Brooks Brothers “Fitzgerald” cuts for his presidential role on “Scandal,” mentioned his plan was, “really seeing the kids and some old friends.”

Luckily, he didn’t have to look too far. Children were scattered across the store taking pictures with Santa Claus, having their portraits illustrated, decorating cookies with Camilla Belle or creating ornaments like Rachel Zoe’s sons Skyler and Kaius. “They love this event,” Zoe said. “We came last year. I think we were the last ones to leave, but we can’t do that this year because they ate so much candy and Kaius needs to go to sleep.”

As the hot cocoa flowed freely, servers wearing “Nutcracker”-inspired costumes kept guests like Ashley Tisdale, Jesse Metcalfe and Cara Santana stocked with sweets. Nearby, Ed Weeks admired an emerald shirt for his mom while Margaret Qualley walked out with Christmas gifts possibly for her dad and brother. Already holding her purchase, Abigail Spencer said, “I love this coat.”

GQ Men of the Year Bash Turnout: Kylie Jenner, Wiz Khalifa, Taraji P. Henson, Amy Schumer

A clutch of stylish men, and quite a few women, gathered around Chateau Marmont’s pool on Thursday night for GQ’s 20th Men of the Year bash. Judd Apatow, Kylie Jenner, Wiz Khalifa, Taraji P. Henson and Amy Schumer were among those who turned out for one last pre-holiday Hollywood party.

While attendees like Ed Weeks, Larry David, Jimmy Kimmel, Chadwick Boseman, Topher Grace, Zach Braff, Terry Crews and Donald Glover probably knew that caviar-topped blinis, cucumber martinis and shoulder brushes with stars were all sureties, newbie Bryshere Y. Gray had no idea what to expect.

“It’s all new to me,” the “Empire” star said of the celebration before stopping Anthony Anderson of “Black-ish” for a snap. Conveniently, his plus-one pal happened to be a photographer.

Shortly after, a friend of Gray’s said, “Tell him that Kim or Kanye could show up to this.” Although there were no guarantees, a hopeful “really?” slipped from Gray’s mouth before he posed with fans of his own.

While the Wests didn’t make it, Jenner and Tyga were there. After cameras captured her in an embrace with her beau (surely to prove the breakup rumors false), Jenner fell into deep conversation with model Lucky Blue Smith while Tyga found himself next to a collection of black ottomans near the DJ booth.

“Hey, what’s up fool?” Wiz Khalifa yelled a few seats over. “I’m trying to keep it GQ with the suit,” Tyga responded with a smile.

Keeping the playful spirit alive, Wiz Khalifa offered those around him a chance to light up. “I keep it in here so it stays fresh,” the rapper said of the robust orbs of cannabis he stored in a mason jar.

Although the number of those who partook was slim, an expanding crowd grew around the rapper throughout the night. Many were male fans like Mayer Hawthorne, who said humbly, “Hey, you probably don’t remember me, but I was in the studio with Jennifer.” Tyrese, French Montana and Meek Mill also came over to take a photo.

Nearby, Michael Keaton and Scott Cooper chatted while Paul Scheer and Apatow talked stand-up comedy. “Aziz [Ansari] did that massive coliseum,” Scheer said. “He really makes me laugh. I like what he’s doing.”

Shortly before midnight, the music began to lower and the crowd of women such as Serayah McNeill, Anna Camp, Sarah Silverman, Tinashe, Sarah Hyland and Naomie Harris began to taper off. While there were still small clumps of marathon talkers stationed poolside, Scheer gave in, “I’ve got to go. Five a.m. call time.”

Max Mara, Allure Celebrate Shonda Rhimes Shows

Fall, it seems, has turned into awards season for those behind-the-scenes in television and movies, as InStyle, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and WWD have all inaugurated events this year. Allure was the latest to do so, partnering with Max Mara on Saturday night at its Rodeo Drive store to honor the hair, makeup and wardrobe teams behind Shonda Rhimes’ hit shows. Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, Ellen Pompeo, Darby Stanchfield, Liza Weil, Scott Foley and Bellamy Young were among the stars of “Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How to Get Away With Murder” who turned out.

Upon Rhimes’ arrival, Washington danced and chanted, “Shonda, Shonda.”

“Oh, there goes my hairstylist,” said “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Camilla Luddington. “We’re talking about you,” she said, pointing to Melanie Smith.

“Scandal” actress Katie Lowes perhaps picked the wrong time to debut a new hair look.

“I walked in and Shonda was like, ‘What the hell? What did you do?’” she said of her faux bob. “I was like, ‘No, no, no, I didn’t cut it. I didn’t cut it.’ It’s just tucked up underneath. When you want to go through a major look change you’ve got to talk to Shonda about it for your character.”

“I often ask Lyn [Paolo] for her advice,” Young said of the “Scandal” costume designer. “I’m very New York-minded and very ‘black is black.’ But I so enjoyed having all the bright power colors with Mellie on the show that I’ve started buying that stuff.”

Toward the end of the evening, Jeff Perry of “Scandal” tapped a glass of water and lime with a pen to settle the crowd. “Us actors, we hog the attention and I just want to say this idea, wherever it started, is brilliant and we need to have one every four months. God bless you guys. Hair, wardrobe and makeup, thank you.”

Britannia Awards 2015: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Orlando Bloom, Amy Schumer

Meryl Streep was the woman of the hour Friday night at The Jaguar Land Rover British Academy Britannia Awards, which also honored Amy Schumer, Orlando Bloom, James Corden, Harrison Ford and Sam Mendes. While none of the recipients are strangers to prestigious awards, they seemed like amateurs compared to Streep, which prompted director Stephen Frears, who recently worked with the Academy Award winner on “Florence Foster Jenkins,” to joke, “I’m here to give an award to Meryl Streep, who hasn’t had an award for five to six hours.”

Since the Britannia’s inception in 1989, the Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film has seen all male recipients, making her the first woman to win. With her speech in hand, the pantsuit-clad actress deadpanned, “I’m really honored to receive this award and to join this distinguished list of men and women. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m honored to receive this award that has been given to the distinguished list of men and men. I wore the right dress, didn’t I?”

When Schumer took to the stage to accept her Excellence in Comedy award, she quipped, “I want to thank God, and by God I obviously mean Meryl Streep.”

Robert Downey, Jr., who presented Orlando Bloom with the Humanitarian award for his work with UNICEF, also took the opportunity to chide him about an alleged fist-swinging altercation. “Orlando Bloom is doing amazing work to improve the lives of children all over. He’s passionate, supertalented, yet totally down to earth when he’s not swinging on Justin Bieber or hooking up with Kendall Jenner.”

“I wanted the opportunity to clear this up,” Bloom said afterward. “I actually did not connect with Justin Bieber and I don’t know Kendall Jenner either. But if anyone’s got her number, I’d love it,” he said with a smile.

A Hollywood Remake: Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic With a Feminist Statement

One of the allures of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is free-flowing Champagne, but both regulars and newcomers to the sixth annual fete on Saturday were in for a few surprises. Upon arriving at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Gwyneth Paltrow, January Jones, James Marsden, Langley Fox Hemingway, Camilla Belle, Rachel Zoe and other guests spotted a giant Veuve Clicquot sign reminiscent of the landmark white letters towering over Hollywood. Then, they noticed a feminine addition to both polo teams.

After cheering her husband, respected player Nacho Figueras, throughout the years, Delfina Blaquier got her chance to slip into riding pants. Although she has been a teammate of her husband and 15-year-old son in private, the day opened up the sport for her professionally. “It’s my first time playing in front of 7,000 people,” the slightly nervous Blaquier said. “This opportunity for me was [Veuve Clicquot USA senior vice president] Vanessa Kay’s idea. She thought it would be special to bring women on the polo field. It’s great. I feel very responsible for that.”

Emboldened by the headlines streaming out of Hollywood regarding Jennifer Lawrence, Lena Dunham, Amy Schumer and other A-list actresses taking a firm stand on issues affecting women, several guests at the sun-drenched soirée got a kick out of watching Blaquier thunder down the field on horseback with mallet in hand.

“Delfina is handling it better than I would,” said Bellamy Young, who knows a thing or two about stressful situations from her role as a Hillary Clinton-style presidential hopeful on “Scandal.” “She was lovely as a normal human and then we saw her stride by in her uniform and we were like, ‘Wait, what?’”

Rachel Roy loved the thought of a new role model for her daughters, who have become young philanthropists. “We’re so pro-girl around here, you can’t even imagine,” said the designer, who prepped her daughters for the game with riding lessons. “That’s going to be great news for my seven-year-old Tallulah.”

Inside the VIP tent, amid oversize Champagne bottles and floral chandeliers, other celebrities adopted the swanky venue for play dates. “The first one that I went to is when I met one of my best friends Selma Blair’s baby for the first time,” said Jaime King. “I brought my kids today so they can all hang out together.”

Among the childless guests, getting together for giddy party chatter fueled by unlimited bubbly caused them to overlook the action on the field. “You know, I actually took a minute to watch what was happening,” Caroline Vreeland said. “The sport is really sexy.”

Those who came with intentions to watch and root for Figueras were Ashley Madekwe and her clique of Cara Santana and Aimee Garcia along with Nina Dobrev and Victoria Justice, who threw the ball for the match.

No matter how much time the starlets actually clocked watching the match, they all rushed off the white couches through the white picket fence to stomp the divots during the break. “I did, like, four,” Lauren Conrad said. “I don’t know that I was super productive out there, but I really did make an effort.”

This article was published on October 19, 2015 for Women's Wear Daily.