Fashion & Beauty

Stars put on their ‘heals’ at amfAR

A-listers from entertainment and fashion blew off a blizzard last night to gather for the glittery kick-off to Fashion Week at amfAR’s annual New York Gala.

The American Foundation for AIDS Research’s black-tie dinner and auction, in its 12th year, paid tribute this year to Louis Vuitton CEO Yves Carcelle, Elton John and his partner, David Furnish.

VIDEO: GAGA, MERYL STREEP PERFORM AT AMFAR’S

PHOTOS: AMFAR’S ANNUAL NY GALA

The three received amfAR’s Award of Courage for their charity contributions and efforts to educate people about the killer disease.

A special tribute to amfAR trustee and actress Natasha Richardson, who died last year in a skiing accident, was presented by three notables: the charity’s founder, Mathilde Krim; Richardson’s mother, Vanessa Redgrave; and Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep.

The high-wattage crowd at Cipriani 42nd Street was serenaded by “Poker Face” hitmaker Lady Gaga and singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Other stars who braved the cold to heat things up included actress Brooke Shields, model Iman, actor James Gandolfini, “Avatar” star Zoe Saldana, and “Dollhouse” actress Eliza Dushku.

Previous amfAR honorees have included Clive Davis, Richard Gere, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Quincy Jones, Donna Karan, Patti LaBelle, Lorne Michaels, Liza Minnelli, Rosie O’Donnell, Sharon Stone, Anna Wintour and Robin Williams.

The organization says it has invested more than $307 million in programs and awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.