Fashion's Finest Raise More Than $1 Million at London's Love Ball

Tuesday in London, the fashion, music and art glitterati stepped out in their best duds to help supermodel Natalia Vodianova raise money for her charity, The Naked Heart Foundation, at the Love Ball. Vodianova co-hosted the event with Lucy Yeomans, the editor of Harper's Bazaar UK, and DeBeers Jewelers at The Roundhouse.

As Tonic previously reported, Vodianova started The Naked Heart Foundation "following the atrocious school attacks in Beslan, Russia in 2004 where 186 children were killed." The supermodel, who was born in Russia, felt an immediate need to help her countrymen. She founded The Naked Heart Foundation with a clear and simple mission: "provide a safe and inspiring environment in which to play for every child living in urban Russia."

Love Ball kicked off London Fashion Week on Feb. 23 with a message of kindness. Party attendees such as Elizabeth Hurley (who wore quite the revealing sari), Diane Von Furstenberg and Kate Moss were able to bid on jewelry from DeBeers and original artwork by Jeff Koons, Tracey Emin, Peter Blake and other nouveau artists.

Guests were more than happy to bid and help raise money for a good cause. Tracey Emin shouted, "That's an absolute bargain," after a piece by the Chapman brothers sold for $208,000. In addition to the auction, Love Ball attendees were treated to performances by X Factor winner (and Avatar-theme crooner) Leona Lewis and English songstress (and all-around zany dresser) Paloma Faith. Lewis tweeted from the event "Just performed at 'Love Ball' proud 2 b involved in a great charity event. Thanks Lucy Yeomans at Harpers Bazaar & Natailia Vodianova. U ROCK!"

The Love Ball raised $1.54 million for charity last night, and Vodianova and The Naked Heart already have another fundraiser on the horizon. They'll be holding another ball in Moscow this April on the charity's home soil. The Naked Heart Foundation began in 2006 as one woman's vision and has built 39 parks and smaller playgrounds in 30 Russian cities.

Photo by Georges Seguin via Wikimedia Commons.