Hosted by FT CEO John Ridding, FT editor Lionel Barber and How To Spend It editor Gillian de Bono, the event marks this week’s launch of a How To Give It commemorative fundraising issue and auction, available in FT Weekend on 29th-30th November.
In an industry first, each item and experience pictured in the magazine will be auctioned by Christie’s in an online sale between 29 November and 11 December. All proceeds will be donated to Save the Children, the charity that helps children in areas of natural disaster, conflict and abject poverty.
In a speech to guests, Lionel Barber paid tribute to Gillian de Bono for her unique vision and to her talented editorial team. They “consistently produce a magazine that is not only beautiful to look at but underpinned by excellent journalism,” he said.
Gillian de Bono thanked everyone involved in the How To Give It fundraising issue – from the luxury brands who generously donated one-of-a-kind lots and Christie’s who waived their fee to her team who pulled out all the stops to deliver this industry first.
Guests included Roberto and Eva Cavalli; Christopher Kane; John and Simone Rocha; Marcus Wareing, Maria Grachvogel, Ozwald Boateng; Nick Hart; Stephen Jones; Melissa Odabash, Anton Mosimann; and Patrick Grant. Drinks were provided by Krug.
How To Give It features interviews with Colin Firth, Marc Newson, Stella McCartney, Rene Redzepi and Lapo Elkann. Star lots include a £93,300 limited edition Chopard Tourbillon watch made of Fairmined 18ct rose gold; a £32,000 holiday for two on North Island, Seychelles; one-of-a kind handbags by Prada and Gucci, each worth in excess of £20,000; and a champagne-paired dinner for six people hosted by Olivier Krug in his childhood home in Reims, worth £15,000. Preview the lots here.
