It was a star-studded evening, as friends, family and invited guests gathered high above LA at The Vineyard Beverly Hills for the first annual Diamond Ball to benefit the Clara Lionel Foundation. Founded by Rihanna, the Clara Lionel foundation works to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, education, arts, and culture.
The event began with a lively cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed tray-passed bites by Wolfgang Puck as well as GREY GOOSE Le Melon and D’USSÉ Cognac libations. Cocktail hour was followed by a buzzing red carpet, where Rihanna’s friends, family and celebrity supporters came out to toast the evening. Spotted on the red carpet were Salma Hayek and her husband, François-Henri Pinault, Adrienne Bailon, Big Sean, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Fabolous, the MC for the evening – Jimmy Kimmel, Tia Mowry, Nikki Reed, Cat Graham, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tyrese, Ne-Yo, Ellen Pompeo, Terrence J, and more.
Pandemonium then ensued as Rihanna was last to arrive. Swarms of photographers crowded around the superstar, who donned a pink satin off-the-shoulder gown and sleek pony tail. She posed happily alongside her family, before heading inside for the main event – a dinner and public auction.
Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the dinner reception, introducing the Clara Lionel foundation and providing the audience with some laughs along the way. Rihanna then took to the stage to talk about her foundation a bit more, and officially welcome everyone and begin the auction. Seven lots were up for grabs this evening – highlights include a Damien Hirst piece that Salma Hayek won for a cool $190,000. Big Sean was outbid on a Gucci package, which went to a lucky bidder nearby for $39,000.
Following the auction, special guest presenter, Brad Pitt, took to the stage and the crowd erupted in applause. Brad gave a heartfelt speech about Rihanna, highlighting her countless accomplishments in music, fashion, and philanthropy, and then introduced the woman of the hour once again. As Rihanna took to the stage for a special concert performance, snifters of D’USSÉ XO were passed around to be enjoyed by guests with their dessert course. Rihanna brought down the house with renditions of her most popular hits, including “Shine Bright Like a Diamond,” “Umbrella,” “Stay” and more, all accompanied by a live orchestra.
Big Sean closed out the night after Rihanna took a bow, performing his recent hits “Clique” and “I Don’t _ with You.” Several party guests were spotted dancing nearby as the night winded down, including Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery, Adrienne Bailon, Fabolous, and of course, Rihanna.
