Stars set to glitter at charity event

An exclusive collection of luxury items will be auctioned today at Cinema Against Aids Dubai 2008 at Atlantis The Palm hotel.

Shivani Pandya, Dubai International Film Festival's Managing Director, said a host of international stars would grace the event, being held to benefit the prominent Aids charity amfAR.

Celebrities involved in the auction, part of the week-long film festival, include Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Salma Hayek, Goldie Hawn and Laura Linney, who will preside over the auction event.

"amfAR is an event where the world's most famous faces come together to make a difference, and Dubai's philanthropic connoisseurs will be in the centre of a world-renowned event that has a tangible, positive impact on the world," said Pandya.

One of the exclusive couture pieces to come under the hammer will be the Cartier 'Salma Hayek' Love Handcuff, customised especially for Cinema Against Aids Dubai by Cartier, with its black crocodile leather strap set off by white gold and diamonds.

An engraved, unique version of Cartier's Love bracelet will also be up for auction, as will be a fox fur caplet by Dries Van Noten.

A similarly exclusive limited edition hand-painted dress from Balenciaga's Paris runway show has been offered to amfAR.

The dress took two months to make and is the only piece in the world.

Another lot is the futuristic Suzuki DRZ 400 SM prototype motorcycle used in the in-production film Terminator Salvation, starring Christian Bale.

AmfAR is one of the world's leading organisations dedicated to HIV/Aids research, education, and public policy advocacy. Cinema Against Aids is its flagship event, held at film festivals around the world in the company of the world's most famous people.

The event will be supported by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

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