MAGIC NIGHT: Biennial Italian fundraiser Convivio has raised an outstanding 1.8 million euros this year, beating previous records.
The charity supporting the AIDS/HIV research through a linkup with Anlaids Lombardy ETS, capped off its 16th edition Wednesday night with the traditional gala dinner for about 700 guests, which included Marco Bizzarri, Carolina Cucinelli, Nina Yasar of Nilufar, artist Francesco Vezzoli, photographer Giampaolo Sgura, as well as Italian actors and socialites.
Funds will be channeled into scientific research and educational projects to target the zero new HIV infection goal in the Lombardy region, an objective that Andrea Gori, president of Anlaids Lombardy ETS, defined as achievable and instrumental in fighting HIV and AIDS.
As per tradition, Convivio’s organizing committee enrolled several brands to support the 2024 initiative, including Prada, Moncler, Tod’s, Golden Goose, Giorgio Armani, Elisabetta Franchi and Brunello Cucinelli, among others.
Overall, more than 130 companies donated pieces, including apparel, accessories and footwear, food and wine, beauty products, kidswear, home furnishings and decor, jewels and vintage items for a total of about 10,000 products sold.
The charitable shopping event attracted 40,000 customers between Nov. 7 and 11 at the Fabbrica del Vapore venue in Milan.
A shopper at the 2024 edition of Convivio.
Courtesy of Convivio
The gala dinner was focused on the theme of Magic, with companies such as Chanel, Off-White, Fendi, Gucci, Superga, Max Mara, and more setting up their own tables and reinterpreting the concept. The night was spiced up by the performance of magician Mago Maxim, who mesmerized the audience with his tricks, and Italian pop singer Clara.
Convivio was founded in 1992 by Gianni Versace. Over the last 30 years, in partnership with the Anlaids Section Lombardia ETS, the event has raised 27.6 million euros. The previous edition, held in 2022, raised 1.6 million euros.