The American Foundataion for AIDS Research (amFar) event the Cipriani 42nd St. was what we in the biz like to call MAJOR.

Julian Schnabel, Carine Roitfeld and Bobby Shriver were honored for their outstanding efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS by a bevy of models, designers, TV stars, reality folk, singers, directors and magazine editors clad in black tie and ball gowns.

There was even a special performance by Barry Manilow. All my life I have made fun of his songs, but as he stood there before me I silently said I was sorry cause he has somehow transcended hoki-ness. You know, if you can’t fight it join it!

The crowd screamed for Roberto Cavalli, but that could have been because there were molte Italian camera crews in town for Fashion Week. When Bobby Shriver spoke, it was with the Kennedy/Shriver eloquence. Inside Edition was on the scene asking everyone about Britney Spears' recent predicament. Evidently, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, who live near Spears, saw the helicopter swoop down to take her away. They expressed their concern and seemed genuinely horrified about what has happened to her and said she was a great role model in the past for their kids. I told them I overheard two young girls ask their mother over lunch the other day if they could still like Britney!

Jennifer Esposito and Charlotte Ronson

The Louis Vuitton crew; Bobby Shriver and Ed Burns

Barry Manilow and Vito Schnabel

Julia Restoin Roitfeld and Roberto Cavalli