Designers Fight AIDS
Monday June 01, 2009 | Contributor: Jennifer Wright

Sometimes the best things in life really do come cheap. The smile of child, a glorious sunset, or, perhaps, an H&M T-shirt! While the glory of a sunset may not pale in comparison, these fashion basics are especially delightful at the moment as proceeds from many of the latest designs go toward fighting AIDS. Given the spectacular turnout at the Designers Fight Aids Event held at H&M this week, I was not alone in my T-shirt fixation.



No sooner did I arrive than I ran into the cult icon (and French Vogue cover model) Andre J clad in a striking leotard and mink stole that perfectly set off his beard. Of course, one leotard was hardly enough and Andre performed a costume change midway through the evening, switching from the dashing grey choice to a brown selection – though he kept the fishnets. Yoko Ono seemed to appreciate the effort, herself fetchingly clad in a vintage kimono.



And then, it was Kelly time! Kelly Bensimon of Real Housewives of New York City renown (infamy? Ask Melissa tends to be Team Bethany) arrived. She hugged, she posed, she stayed for approximately five minutes. But then, since Kelly has stated that showing up at a party for five minutes means that she really respects the occasion, perhaps it is a sign that this event was a good one.



On a happier note, I ran into Alexandra Alexis, the Finnish pop star. She’s eagerly anticipating her new CD, set to drop in August. It’s called “May Cause Shortness of Breath” and will hopefully introduce a new, stateside audience to her music. She was surrounded by other, equally fashionable types such as the stylist sporting a designer swine flu mask. Let’s hope we don’t really need them anytime soon, but, in case the epidemic continues, I’m investing in a bright orange silk one.



Flamboyant publicist Kristian LaLiberte struck a different fashion note for the evening, wearing a rope belt and clothing in various shades that Lily Pulitzer herself might have approved. He defended his choices by explaining that he was just back from the Hamptons (perhaps for the Social Life magazine party?) and was bringing the look to the party. However, while it might stand out in everyday Manhattan life, it was modest when compared to some of the other fashions on display:



That said, nearly everyone at the event ended up awkwardly asking one another if they were wearing H&M and we all looked down, as though perhaps there was some article of H&M clothing that we’d simply forgot we had on, and then admitted we were not. But, we will! The T-shirts on display were amazing, and some people even changed into them during the party (not Andre J, or perhaps I simply missed that costume change). I’m a particular fan of the one by burlesque super heroine Dita von Teese.



Hurry down to buy one while you still can. I hear rumors that Yoko stops by frequently, so you’ll be in good company.

Kelly Bensimon via Getty Images