On February 8, 2017 I was invited by Harry Winston to attend the annual amfAR New York Gala. Harry Winston not only is one of THE most sought after jewelers in the world, the brand is the presenting sponsor of all amfAR events through 2020 and supports amfAR, to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research.

It was such an honor for me to take part in supporting this good cause together with Harry Winston. So you can imagine, how thrilled I was, when the invitation arrived…

Couture designer Ezgi Cinar created a unique Cinderella dress for me, custom-made, especially for this night. A french lace gown with silk flower and pearl applications from top to toe with a princess train at the back.

What better jewelry could I wear to such a floral gown, than the Winston Cluster collection by Harry Winston. Sparkling diamonds in flower shape, that suggest happiness, joy and life.. the perfect attitude to bring along to an evening at the amfAR New York Gala, right?

4.00 PM
Let the preparations begin, at my suite at The Peninsula Hotel in New York City: Make-Up artist Zann Parker has arrived to glam me up for the night.

5.30 PM
That moment, you put on your beautiful diamond necklace.. Priceless.

5.40 PM
Ready to leave the Peninsula New York.

Cinderella moments…

6.00 PM
The driver is here. In Europe we are used to arrive at Gala events in classic limousines. SUVs are the “new black” in New York. So we followed the trend… 😉

6:30 PM
Arrived on the red carpet at the amfAR New York Gala at Cirpriani Wall Street.

Nel-Olivia Waga attends amfAR New York Gala as a guest of Harry Winston. Copyright: Craig Barritt via Getty Images

7.30 PM
Inside Cipriani Wallstreet, New York City. A romantic set-up for amfAR.

Our stunning table neighbors: Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrossio and Zoe Kravitz, all empowering and inspiring women that generously support amfAR.

Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrossio attend the 19th Annual amfAR New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on February 8, 2017 in New York City/ via Getty Images.

8.30 PM
“Academy Award-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo presented the amfAR Award of Courage to his friend Scarlett Johansson, describing her as a model of grace, compassion, and service to others who is “driven simply by the firm conviction that she should do whatever she can to help those who are less fortunate than she is.” Johansson, in an emotional speech about a family friend, Tony, who passed away from AIDS, acknowledged the more than 37 million people around the world who are still suffering from this disease, and dedicated her award to all those who have lost their lives or the lives of loved ones to AIDS.”

Scarlett Johansson on stage at amfAR New York Gala 2017. Photo via Getty Images.

8.45 PM
“Naomi Campbell presented the amfAR Award of Courage to her friend, Donatella Versace, describing her as a legend of the fashion world who is “renowned for her generosity.”

9.00 PM
Let the auctions begin.
Douglas Kirkland’s 1961 photograph of American icon Marilyn Monroe was sold for $70,000.

21:15 PM
Model Josephine Skriver introduced exquisite Harry Winston Triple Diamond Loop Earrings, with 72 round brilliant cut diamonds and 6 round brilliant cut rubies set in platinum, which sold for $50,000 to Scarlett Johansson.

Josephine Skriver wears Harry Winston earrings during auction at amfAR New York 2017. Photo via Getty Images.

Besides being the presenting sponsor of the amfAR and donating high jewelry pieces for its auctions, Harry Winston will also become a leading supporter of amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020.

For the first time anywhere, Moët Hennessy offered an opportunity to own a Moët & Chandon vending machine, which provides mini bottles of Moët & Chandon Brut and Rosé. With a hilarious demonstration from Alan Cumming, the world’s only in-home champagne vending machine sold for $85,000.

Moet et Chandon Vending Machine at auction for amfAR in New York. Photo via Getty images.

22.00 PM
Ellie Goulding closes up a fantastic, charitable and joyful night.

Ellie Goulding on stage at amfAR New York Gala 2017. Photo via Getty Images.

22.30 PM
It’s time to dance.
Thank you Harry Winston, for having me as a guest at this magical event and for giving me the opportunity to help you raising the awareness to amfAR’s philanthropic activities that aim to find a cure and to help millions of humans all over the world.

Jewelry: Winston Cluster Collection by Harry Winston
Dress: Ezgi Cinar
Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Favorite Press Features:

Nel-Olivia Waga attends the amfAR New York Gala 2017 with Harry Winston. Featured in Vogue Italia.

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Nel-Olivia Waga and Naomi Campbell attend the amfAR New York Gala 2017. Featured in Spiegel.