Photographed by Luis Ruiz, courtesy of Pia Jauncey
For her third appearance at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2026, Pia Jauncey takes Vogue Philippines behind the scenes of her final fitting for her Rami Kadi Maison de Couture look.
One of the highlights of the social season, when the glitterati and jet set descend on the South of France, is the annual amfAR Gala at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc during the Cannes Film Festival. Founded in 1985, with Elizabeth Taylor serving as its Founding National Chairman, the American Foundation for AIDS Research has raised nearly $950 million with high-profile fundraising events in support of HIV/AIDS research, treatment, prevention, and advocacy programs.
First launched in 1993, the benefit has become synonymous with A-list performances and an extravagant live auction featuring luxury fashion, rare experiences, fine art, and one-of-a-kind collectibles with editions in Cannes, New York, Venice, and Hong Kong. This year’s gala included performances by Robbie Williams, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress and the 2026 gala chairs included Pedro Almodóvar, Pamela Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Angela Bassett, Rachel Brosnahan, Olivia Colman, Sofia Carson, Emma D’Arcy, Colman Domingo, T. Ryan Greenawalt, Elizabeth Hurley, Scarlett Johansson, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Kevin McClatchy, Demi Moore, Vin Roberti, Coco Rocha, Roitfeld, Caroline Scheufele, Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Wright, and Michelle Yeoh.
“What I love most about amfAR is that it’s more than just a glamorous evening,” Pia Jauncey said about the gala. “There’s a real purpose behind it.” For this year’s edition, Pia wore a strapless embroidered dress by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi from his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection.“I admire how Rami Kadi approaches couture in such an artistic and modern way,” she says. “There’s drama and craftsmanship, but it still feels very wearable and feminine.”
According to Rami, the design immediately resonated with Jauncey’s energy and presence. “The Scarlet red color has a strong energy to it, confident, elegant, and very direct, which reflects her personality beautifully.” The gown’s silhouette stayed “clean and feminine,” while embroidered tassels added “a certain freedom and lightness on the carpet.” Styled with black-satin pumps by Roger Vivier and a clutch by Judith Leiber, the Eastern-inspired crystals and swirling beadwork caught and reflected the Riviera light, striking what Kadi describes as “the right balance between glamour and modernity.”
Being in the South of France also meant embracing the resort town’s infectious atmosphere during high season when the city’s population triples for the summer. “Honestly, I love just soaking everything in,” she shares. “Cannes has this very cinematic energy during the festival.” Between fittings and events, she enjoys “walking around, people watching, discovering little cafés, and spending time by the water when there’s a quiet moment.” For Jauncey, Cannes remains one of the rare places “where fashion, film, and culture all collide, so every day feels exciting.”
But beyond the glitz and glamour, what she values most about the gala is its wider impact for the future, “bring[ing] together people from different industries to support HIV research and awareness, which is something very close to my heart because of my own advocacy work,” she continues. “Of course, the fashion and atmosphere are incredible, but what makes the night meaningful is knowing it contributes to something bigger than all of us.”
For the Beirut-based designer, dressing Jauncey for the gala means more than just red carpet. “She has such a strong international presence while remaining deeply connected to the Philippines, and we love that balance about her,” the maison says. “Seeing a Filipina woman represent herself with that level of grace on a global stage is truly inspiring.”
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Photographed by Luis Ruiz, courtesy of Pia Jauncey7/7
Photographs by Luis Ruiz. Stylist: Perry Tabora, Hair: Jeck Aguilar, Make-up: Justin Soriano. Jewelry from Bulgari, Make-up from L’Oreal Paris, Shoes by Roger Vivier, and a Judith Lieber NY clutch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pia Jauncey?
Pia Jauncey is a Filipino actor, model, philanthropist who was titled Miss Universe 2015. She was Vogue Philippines‘ cover star in 2024.
What is the Cannes Film Festival?
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious international film festivals, celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema.
What is the amfAR Gala?
The amfAR Gala is a high-profile fundraising event that brings together celebrities, fashion personalities, and philanthropists to support HIV/AIDS research.
