Shop in the Name of Love

Tons of celebs, great food, plenty of shopping, and all for charity! What could be better? The 9th annual Divine Design "Shop In The Name of Love" fundraising event and gala dinner was held at Santa Monica's Barker Hanger on Nov. 29. The glamorous fête kicked off a four-day fashion, home, and spa shopping extravaganza, which included boutiques from Anna Sui, DKNY, BeneFit, Baby Phat, and FIDM alumni Estevan Ramos.

All of the money raised will benefit Project Angel Food, which provides free and life-sustaining meals daily to more than 1,000 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. Actress Sharon Stone and MAC Cosmetics president John Demsey were honored for their work on behalf of HIV/AIDS charities.

"It's a great excuse to shop," said Will & Grace's Eric McCormack. "I've been involved for three years." Added co-star Debra Messing, "AIDS charities are at the top of my list because I lost a very close acting teacher to the disease. It was a tragic loss." Other celebrities enjoying the VIP gala dinner included songstress Mary J. Blige, actress Jennie Garth, and The West Wing's Alison Janney, who exclaimed, "My goal is to find a pair of high heels!" In addition to the shopping (most of which was severely discounted!) and tasty fare, was a live auction, entertainment by an R&B band, and a drawing for a brand new 2002 Cadillac Escalade! FIDM staff and alumni used Divine Design as a great way to catch up and share their love of fashion!

Shopping is always more fun when it's for a good cause! For more information on Project Angel Food or Divine Design, please call 323.845.1800, or visit them online at www.angelfood.org.