When I saw that Cicely Telman (model at Paparazzi Model Management) was on the plane to Vienna to walk the show of Jean Paul Gaultier, I immediately thought: I want to know everything about this. So I sent Cicely a message asking if she would keep a diary for us, and lucky us, she agreed. So without further ado, this is how it went at one of the most special and exclusive events of the year.
Cicely: “Last Saturday I flew to Vienna to walk the show of my favorite designer Jean Paul Gaultier, during the 23rd edition of the annual Life Ball. Life Ball is the largest and most joyful charity event to highlight the fight against HIV and AIDS. The motto of Life Ball is: Fighting AIDS & Celebrating Life!
Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed by the size of the event and the creativity of the decor. I immediately felt butterflies in my stomach, was so nervous, and I really didn't know what was happening to me.
The theme was “Ver Sacrum” (ancient Roman spring festival), the entire area and the city hall of Vienna were transformed into a golden carnival festival. Everyone was beautifully and exuberantly dressed, and people and celebrities were walking around in extravagant costumes; I had never seen anything so beautiful before.
Walking for the French designer Jean Paul Gaultier is always a party, but the fact that the show took place during Life Ball made it extra fun and special. The collection that Gaultier showcased during Life Ball was inspired by the art of Gustav Klimt.
During the fitting, Jean Paul gave me a beautiful green floral dress that I could show off, and I immediately fell in love. The blue wig that was supposed to go with my look had to come off because Jean Paul wanted to see my red hair, so I got to walk the catwalk with my own ginger hair, score!
While outside 25,000 dressed-up visitors were watching performances by Mary J. Blige, Conchita Wurst (winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014), and speeches by Charlize Theron and Sean Penn, it was a madhouse backstage, and I met extravagant types including Amanda Lepore, Yasmine Petty, Kelly Osbourne, and burlesque queen Dita von Teese.
After the show, we continued to party at the afterparty in the city hall with all the models, stars, and 5000 dressed-up visitors.
It was a very cheerful, crazy, creative atmosphere, and I saw and met so many lovely people that I am still buzzing from it. The next morning, I flew back to Amsterdam. The spectacular Life Ball for a good cause felt like a dream; this was truly a fantastic adventure.”
Photos: Jarno Boom & Cicely Telman
