Los Angeles turns into a glittering wonderland during the holiday season, and Tinseltown shone even brighter during Rihanna’s second annual Diamond Ball benefiting the Clara Lionel Foundation, which took place last night at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Rihanna, who wore a billowing Dior gown and a necklace of diamond icicles, joined Lionel Richie, Kylie Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith to support and celebrate the ever-impressive efforts put forth by the Clara Lionel Foundation. Named for Rihanna’s grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, the organization funds a diverse multitude of causes—all handpicked by the Diamonds singer—that range from healthcare and research efforts to projects in culture and the fine arts.
The ballroom of the historic, sweeping Barker Hangar, a Westside landmark, was dressed in drapes of violet gauze, dotted with crystal chandeliers and purple calla lilies.
“You all look amazing . . . You’re all dressed up,” Kevin Hart cooed to the crowd at the commencement of the evening. “But for tonight, let’s lose sight of what’s sexy, of what’s cool. This is about the bigger picture.”
And so it was. “Giving back is important to me, and it should be important to everyone, I think. If you have the ability to help and lend a hand, big or small, you should make it your responsibility,” Rihanna said. “In my family, we love and care for each other. And that’s what I want to do with my global family.” She then announced a new educational initiative that’ll provide scholarships to rising college students and go toward bettering schools. At the end of the evening, she presented Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino with the inaugural Diamond Honors Award.
Since its inception in 2012, the charity foundation has accomplished a great deal: It has established the Clara Braithwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and extended educational scholarship programs in Barbados. After last night’s stunning gala and silent auction (which included the sale of a replica of the handmade Dior couture gown that Rihanna wore, a Jeff Koons piece, and one of Bono’s guitars), we can rest assured that the foundation’s massive acts of generosity will continue to ensue in the new year.
“There’s more coming, I promise,” Rihanna said, as she glided off the stage. The night ended with a performance by the iconic Lionel Richie, set on a glowing, golden stage.
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