How to look cool at a ball: A lesson in comfort from the Princess Margaret Hospital fundraiser

Date November 5, 2015

Spilled silk and a pop up supper club – not your average night at the Art Gallery of Ontario. But what fun we had at a fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital earlier this week, featuring Canadian icons of fashion, society and industry.

Two stood out among the power crowd: Emmanuelle Gattuso, the one-woman fundraising force whose many philanthropic successes include the George Invites Margaret event collabs with retailers George and Lisa Corbo – and Verdura, the New York-based jewellery house which was a favourite of Coco Chanel’s.

Gattuso gleamed in a bronze metallic top by Los Angeles-based designer Zaid Affas, who showed laminated knit tees and slouchy gowns that “spilled” dramatically over padded shoulders. “I believe a woman can be relaxed and cool at a ball,” said the designer, who puts pockets in all his gowns.

With models also sporting $750,000 worth of Verdura gold and diamonds, including 11 stunners that made the trip from New York by armoured car, a fashion girl just didn’t know which way to look.

After the show, Jean-Michel Cazabat’s strappy Grecian sandals were sold right off the models’ feet while guests lounged on white sofas munching on boxed snacks, washed down with champagne. You can still catch the Verdura on permanent display at Mindham Fine Jewellery. Designs by Affas and Cazabat are available at George C.

See the party pics from the Princess Margaret Hospital fundraiser below.

Photography by George Pimentel

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura necklace from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura bracelet from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura cuff from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura bracelet from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura bracelet from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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Zaid Affas Spring 2016 from George C and Verdura bracelet from Mindham Fine Jewellery at the George Invites Margaret fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital

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