Today’s creative directors for major fashion houses do more than just craft seasonal collections; they’re also expected to design bespoke evening wear for Hollywood’s elite. Then, they must personally preside over the high-profile events where these stunning creations are unveiled.
This was precisely the role played by Demna, the renowned designer who recently became Gucci’s main guy. He was seen at 6 p.m. on Saturday, mingling in the cocktail area of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, attending the institution’s annual Art + Film Gala, an event proudly sponsored by Gucci.
Even when Los Angeles fundraisers aren’t directly tied to the entertainment industry, they consistently leverage the powerful synergy between Hollywood and the fashion world.
This dynamic fuels lucrative sponsorships from luxury brands and attracts A-list celebrities. These stars, often dressed by the sponsoring brand, in turn draw affluent attendees eager for photo opportunities and social media bragging rights.
Despite the black-tie dress code, Demna opted for a notably casual ensemble: baggy black pants, a matching leather jacket adorned with red and green piping, black loafers, and sleek narrow sunglasses. This marked his inaugural attendance at a LACMA party.
Surveying the glittering crowd, which included luminaries like Dustin Hoffman, Elle Fanning, Cindy Crawford, and David Geffen (who has significantly funded new LACMA galleries set to open next year), Demna remarked, “It’s not like the Met Gala. This is more elegant.”
Asked if attendees still found joy in the Met Gala, Demna gave a dismissive shrug. “I hope not. It’s so cringe,” he quipped, before bursting into laughter.
Behind him, in the expansive, hangar-like space, Queen Latifah ordered a drink while a DJ spun Moloko’s iconic Ibiza track, “Sing It Back.” Waiters glided through the crowd, offering vegetarian tempura hors d’oeuvres.
The distinguished guest list boasted an array of stars, including Angela Bassett, Salma Hayek, Park Chan-wook, Demi Lovato, Jacob Elordi, Kerry Washington, Hannah Einbinder, Lorde, Quinta Brunson, Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Hahn, and Kim Petras.
As 8 p.m. approached, guests began moving towards the main banquet hall, navigating the crowded space where one could barely walk a few steps without encountering an A-lister’s elaborate gown.
Among them, Kristen Wiig shone in a delicate Rodarte lace creation, while Demi Moore shimmered in a bedazzled floral Gucci dress.
Ms. Moore had recently taken on a role in “The Tiger,” a Gucci-sponsored short film directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn, where she portrayed a member of the iconic Gucci family.
During the interval between the Asian noodle salad appetizer and a salmon teriyaki-style main course, she was spotted in a lively huddle at a central table with Demna and model Alex Consani.
When a reporter approached, the conversation wasn’t about “The Tiger,” but rather centered on one of Demna’s Gucci handbag designs from Ms. Moore’s personal collection.
“I can’t recall the name,” she admitted.
“The Giglio?” Demna prompted.
“Exactly!” she confirmed. “It can hold a lot. Plus, it’s incredibly comfortable to carry.”
“Do you own the soft leather version with the squishy handles?” Ms. Consani inquired.
“Yes, I have that one as well!” Ms. Moore exclaimed. “In fact, I own it in large, medium, and small sizes.”
A wave of applause and cheers swept through the room. Meanwhile, a man discreetly watched Game 7 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays on his phone.
“It’s over—they won,” announced the man, none other than Edward Norton, Ms. Moore’s Gucci-attired co-star from “The Tiger.”
“Oh,” Demna responded, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Baseball.”
Shortly after, Michael Govan, the museum’s chief executive, addressed the assembled guests. “Now things are getting even better,” he declared, then invited artist James Turrell to the stage to present the evening’s first honoree: 80-year-old artist Mary Corse.
Following Ms. Corse’s speech, which highlighted her 55-year relationship with the museum, Ms. Bassett took the stage to introduce the second honoree: Ryan Coogler, the 39-year-old acclaimed director behind films like “Sinners,” “Black Panther,” and “Fruitvale Station.”
Mr. Coogler expressed his surprise at being honored by a museum so early in his career. “I don’t understand it,” he stated. “I feel like I’m just getting started.”
“I truly want to collaborate with him,” Cynthia Erivo shared enthusiastically.
The evening then moved outdoors, where guests gathered for a captivating performance by the acclaimed singer and rapper, Doja Cat.
Fittingly, she was also dressed in Gucci.