NY Fashion Week Kickoff Parties

Mary J. Blige and Donna Karan

The stars were out as the annual Foundation for Aids Research black-tie benefit at Cipriani 42nd Street kicked off Fall 2009 Fashion Week. R&B superstar Mary J. Blige congratulated designer Donna Karan, who received an Award of Courage for the role she's played in furthering amfAR's mission. "This is not about me," Karan said, noting that the fashion industry can contribute even more to the cause. "This is about we."

Taylor Momsen and Kenneth Cole

Gossip Girl actress Taylor Momsen (in Marchesa) joined amfAR chairman designer Kenneth Cole at the star-studded event. Though this is Momsen's first Fashion Week, she had a pretty spot-on idea of what's to come: "It's a whirlwind! I've seen some of the behind-the-scenes with the designers when they are putting the shows together...and it's like they have to plan a wedding every six months! I don't know how they do it. It's so much effort for such a short time, but it's really something special."

Eliza Dushku and Rachel Zoe

Dollhouse

star Eliza Dushku and stylist Rachel Zoe wore long and sleek gowns to the black-tie amfAR gala; Dushku paired her platinum beaded, one-shoulder Kaufman Franco gown with a Rene Caovilla clutch and Loree Rodkin earrings. The evening also included a live auction-items up for bidding included a Lorraine Schwartz necklace, a Louis Vuitton vanity case, a stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami and New York City, and 20 Cartier Love bracelets. amfAR chairman Kenneth Cole (not pictured) asked 20 people to bid $5,000 for each bracelet, noting that the payoff, in addition to the bracelet, would be having a picture taken with one of the evening's other guests of honors, the legendary Liza Minelli.

Chanel Iman, Helena Christensen and Joy Bryant

Runway favorite Chanel Iman (in Donna Karan), Helena Christensen and actress Joy Bryant (in Missoni) hit the Vogue/BMW red carpet to celebrate the new 2009 BMW 7 Series.

Minka Kelly

Friday Night Lights

beauty Minka Kelly joined Lipstick Jungle's Lindsay Price and Mad Men's Christina Hendricks at a J.C. Penney fashion show in N.Y.C. The models wore items from the store's spring lines, designed by Nicole Miller, Allen Schwartz, Charlotte Ronson and other top designers.

Keira Chaplin and Monet Mazur

Actresses Keira Chaplin and Monet Mazur attended a luncheon at La Grenouille in honor of Jonathan Saunders, Pollini's new creative director. The event, hosted by Italian fashion group Aeffe, also drew actress Eva Amurri and InStyle favorite, Simon Doonan.