Designers go wild for elephant charity

Top designers like Manolo Blahnik, Christian Lacroix, Diane von Furstenberg, Matthew Williamson, Mario Testino, Missoni, Dita Von Teese, Faberge, Cartier and Swarovski Elements prove that conservation efforts can be extremely stylish.

For the Animal Ball, a charity event at Lancaster House in London on July 7th, promoting the protection of Asian elephants and their habitat, designers, photographers and artists have created bespoke animal masks that range from exotic and opulent designs to the unusual and abstract.

"Picasso said that the elephant is evidence that God is an artist and it is this quote that is the starting point for anything we do at Elephant Family. The animal kingdom is the ultimate inspiration for any creative mind," explained Ruth Powys, CEO of Elephant Family, the charity behind Animal Ball that teamed up with Habitat for Humanity for a new partnership for wildlife and people.

Animal Ball will be London's party event of the year

The Animal Ball promises to become London’s most magnificent event and all guests will be required to wear animal masks. "Elephant Family is known for working with the most esteemed fashion and design luminaries in the world in exciting and engaging ways to raise awareness for our cause and we wanted to create the ultimate sense of occasion with our next venture," adds Powys.

But not only that – set designer Michael Howells will transform each of Lancaster House’s 24 rooms into an indoor jungle, with each room being dedicated to one endangered animal. There will also be an Animal Disco for those who would like to shake a leg and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra for musical entertainment.

Those who would like a preview of the unusual animal masks can do so at Sotheby’s until May 15th where they will be on public display. More information about the Animal Ball and tickets can be obtained from the Elephant Family website.

Image: Horned mask by Natalie Ellner for Ellsewhere