It was such an odd pairing—high design meets nudie mag—that beforehand some guests were scratching their heads, but at the actual event, the idea of Playboy hosting a benefit for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (Diffa) made perfect sense.
Planned by Playboy vice president of public relations for global licensing Lorna Donohoe, the event raised more than $50,000 auctioning off one-of-a-kind items from its "50th Anniversary Designer Collection"—including a couture gown by Versace, a hat by Philip Treacy, a bustier by Vivienne Westwood—all inspired by the bunny logo and the bombshell image of Playboy bunnies.
Guests circulated through
checking out the displays, sampling food, and sipping drinks, all of which was created by Tentation, Potel & Chabot. Because this year is Playboy's golden anniversary, a gold motif ran throughout the event. Guests lounged on gold-swathed pillows drinking golden martinis provided by Bombay Sapphire, whom Tentation recruited as a co-sponsor of the event.
Some guests went home happier than others—only one person left with a bunny-print Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress tucked in their gift bags. The rest made do with contributions from Bombay Sapphire, co-sponsor BMW of Manhattan, and—of course—a Playboy DVD.
—Greg Lindsay
Read our coverage of Playboy's 50th anniversary party...
