At The Albies, Amal and George Clooney Make Sure the Real-Life Heroes Take Center Stage

True to its name, the Clooney Foundation for Justice works tirelessly to increase access to justice across the globe. Most notably, the Foundation provides free legal aid in cases defending free speech and women’s rights in more than 40 countries. And of course, it’s a 365-day-a-year effort beyond this one glamorous gala. “What’s interesting about operating a foundation is the amount of work that’s just fundraising,” shared George. “That’s kind of the thing you end up doing most of, just trying to keep the lights on so that you can keep bringing attention to these people.”

George and Amal Clooney

Photo: Clooney Foundation for Justice

With the charm of Amal and George behind it, the evening found many a generous sponsor to support its cause, including Gucci, Microsoft, and Charlotte Tilbury. A close friend of the Clooneys, the legendary makeup artist has been a supporter of The Albies since its first year. This time around, she graced the red carpet in a beaded and semi-sheer Gatsby-esque dress from Rockstar Vintage, paired with a custom belt designed by her friend Stella McCartney, a ring formerly owned by cosmetics magnate Helena Rubinstein, and a beaded evening bag she dreamed up herself. “I design bags quite a lot and I design clothes for myself,” she said. “I design my makeup, design my counters, design my packaging—I’m designing all the time, as I know what I like.”

Alongside Tilbury, the evening’s long list of guests, including Demna, Donatella Versace, Melinda French Gates, Emily Ratajkowski and Romain Gavras, Josh Hartnett, and Isla Fisher, were immersed in a palazzo-inspired scene, as conceptualized by Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck & Van Wyck. Looking to the grand allure of Italian Baroque interiors, the event designer transformed London’s Natural History Museum with colossal floral arrangements, rich draped swaths of emerald-hued velvet, crystal chandeliers, and more than a generous helping of gold finishes.

One had to wonder if a certain couple’s famous Lake Como residence could have played a hand in the inspiration.