Earlier this year when we visited Bulgari's Rome headquarters for a story on the jeweler's 125th anniversary, we got a sneak peek at some baubles in the making, including a stunning bib necklace encrusted with gems. Last night, some W colleagues and I attended a celeb-studded Bulgari charity auction at Christie's, where a similar version sold for a cool $350,000.
From left: Morgan Fairchild; Rose ByrneOf course, we were there to gawk, not bid. Fortunately, the evening was full of eye candy of all types, including Jessica Lange, Rose Byrne (in a beautiful ombre Valentino dress), Ricky Martin, model Esther Canadas, Mary McFadden and Ben Stiller (who delivered a greeting by video). Our favorite sighting had to be Morgan Fairchild, who was dressed in a snappy suit from Martine Sitbon. "I've had this for years," Fairchild told us. "I bought it out recently and a girlfriend said I looked hot. So if it's hot... plus, the shoulder pads are still working!"
From left: Ricky Martin; Jessica LangeIn all, the event raised more than $1.5 million for Save the Children's Rewrite the Future campaign, which provides education for children living in war zones and other conflicted areas. (The jeweler has donated over $9 million to the cause thus far.) Similar auctions are being planned across the globe, but for those Bulgari fans without thousands to spare, the house has also designed a limited-edition silver ring and pendant, the proceeds of which go to the charity. They are available for a recession-friendly $290 at shop.bulgari.com.
