LuisaViaRoma for Unicef Gala Capri 2021. Reportage by RUNWAY MAGAZINE.

July 31st, 2021 Capri, Italy

For the very first time Katy Perry and John Legend surprised guests with a dazzling duet performance of Moon River. More than 5 Million euros raised in support of UNICEF Italia.

Last night LuisaViaRoma hosted the fourth edition of the charity event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

Held in the magical Certosa San Giacomo of Capri, the unforgettable event featured a cocktail reception, a gala dinner and a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests from all over the world attended the night and helped raise more than 5 million euros to sustain UNICEF’s work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe.

The event, hosted by Andrea Panconesi, CEO of LuisaViaRoma, Paolo Rozera, UNICEF Italia Executive Director, and Tommaso Chiabra, Fundraising Chairman UNICEF Italia, saw performances by Italian revelation singer Madame, as well as  special live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning artist John Legend.

At the end of the night guests were treated to a very special surprise when John Legend joined Katy Perry on stage for a duet performance of  Moon River.

The attendance of notable guests made the night even more special, amongst them: Orlando Bloom, Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Bakalova, Saweetie, Heidi and Leni Klum, Natasha Poly, Emily Ratajkowski, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Sydney Sweeney, Olivia Culpo, Sabrina Elba, Tina Kunakey, Cindy Bruna, Jon Kortajarena, Frida Aasen, Lais Ribeiro, Dylan Penn, Eiza González, Nat Kelley and Karolina Kurkova.

The incredible live auction, conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s, included amazing lots such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare “Astronomia” watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, Richard Orlinski, and a Pablo Picasso Drawing Notebook; a Yamaha Grand Piano played by John Legend during his performance; a week-long vacation on the new amels 74m superyacht Synthesis and a Portfolio of 10 iconic images from Capri and Amalfi coast by Slim Aarons.

During the evening, a stunning art performance took place, Franchise Freedom by DRIFT, a breathtaking display of hundreds of flying drones over the skies of La Certosa. The extravagant performance left guests speechless. 

In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF’s programs in helping to make every child count. 

“Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.” Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

“We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion doses of vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.” – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

“I am truly proud to stand with UNICEF again this year. Since this adventure began, four years ago, I never thought that we would achieve these significant results and build this priceless collaboration with a partner such as LUISAVIAROMA. I’m so proud of what we built all together and I want to thank UNICEF for welcoming me into its family and introducing me to its tireless work in support of children”. – Tommaso Chiabra, UNICEF Fundraising Chairman.

Photos: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images