Paris got a ten-day head start on World Cup festivities with a dinner benefiting French soccer star Zinedine Zidane’s charity ELA, which aids those suffering from rare genetic disorders.
Lapo Elkann and Bordeaux striker David Belion hosted the affair for men’s magazine Optimum and auctioned off soccer shirts customized by designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Dries Van Noten, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Viktor & Rolf, Dolce & Gabbana and Maison Martin Margiela. Not surprisingly, the crowd — which included Giambattista Valli, Tatiana Santo Domingo and Delfina Delettrez — was rooting for the home team.
“We have a shot, but I think Spain is a strong possibility for the Cup,” said Belion’s teammate Michael Ciani.
New Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh showed his team spirit by reorganizing the place cards at his table. “We must be able to sit together,” the young gun said.
Lanvin’s shirt nabbed the highest bid of the night (4,800 euros or $5,870), and altogether, the sale raised 40,450 euros, or $49,450.