Naomi Campbell has a rocky history in the press for a number of crazy things. But she more than made up for it last night in Cannes. Naomi staged an all star Fashion-for-Japan runway show right in the middle of Cannes to benefit survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. And, thanks to a quick last minute idea from mega publicist Peggy Siegal, Naomi convinced Jane Fonda to be the surprise star of the show.
A stunning Fonda –who’s been the belle of the Cannes ball all week as a spokeswoman for L’Oreal– appeared on the runway in a dazzling Marquesa beaded gown after dozens of celebrity models and actresses, including Rosario Dawson, had strutted their stuff. Fonda’s appearance had been kept a state secret. But when she stepped out onto the red runway, entire audience–from Harvey Weinstein and his designer wife Georgia Chapman, to Denise Rich, Ron Burkle, and hundreds of well known faces–all jumped up at once and started applauding. Fonda’s boyfriend, famed record producer Richard Perry, shot the whole thing on his IPhone.
The only other stars to come close were super model Karolina Kurklova and Grace Hightower DeNiro–the latter in a zillion dollar Chopard necklace and slinky Armani gown that Robert DeNiro’s going to want to buy for her when he sees the pictures! As for Jane, when she turned to walk back, Harvey Weinstein pointed to Chapman with a big grin, and mouthed to Fonda: “This is the designer!”
Coincidentally there’s some talk here of Fonda joining a Weinstein film in development. If it works out, expect Jane — who’s also got Bruce Beresford’s “Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding” coming out this fall–to be back in the Oscar business. She already has two of the gold statues at home.
PS Congrats to Naomi–she raised over $1 million with the help of Chopard, Vogue and Westfield malls.
