The amfAR gala kicks off Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week began in style last night with the annual amfAR gala.

By ELLE UK and NonePublished: 10 February 2011

<p>Diane von Furstenberg, Olivier Theyskens and Donna Karan all managed to tear themselves away from their show preparations to watch Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Karen Elson perform.</p><p>Blake Lively, who we're expecting to pop up on many a front ro

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Diane von Furstenberg, Olivier Theyskens and Donna Karan all managed to tear themselves away from their show preparations to watch Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Karen Elson perform.

Blake Lively, who we're expecting to pop up on many a front row this week, also topped the guestlist, sporting a strapless Alexander McQueen dress. She was joined by one of fashion's most stylish mother-and-daughter duo's, Carine (wearing Givenchy) and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, as well as perennial ELLE favourite Elisa Sednaoui.

The party, which was raising money for AID's research, marked the start of a busy New York Fashion Week - keep your eyes firmly fixed on our catwalk channel for up-to-the-minute coverage.

See who wore what at last night's amfAR gala here...

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