Renowned French footwear designer Christian Louboutin is hosting a circus-themed fundraising dinner in Cairo tonight. To do this, he's teaming up with his half-Egyptian goddaughter Elisa Sednaoui Dellal- a model, actress, film-director and social entrepreneur.
The gala's proceeds will go to Sednaoui's >Elisa Sednaoui Foundation, which tackles creative education in Egypt.
Open to all ticket-buyers, the "Life's a Circus" fundraiser will be held at Nineteen Twenty Five in the Nile City Towers.
According to Cairo Scene, Egyptian actress Yosra will be the guest of honor at the gala dinner, which features a lineup of local and international entertainment.
"The surreal circus spectacle is going all out; there will be an explosion of kaleidoscopic color around you while you indulge in your gourmet wine and dine experience," Cairo Scene, whose mother company MO4 Network organized the event, revealed.
Guests will also have a chance at going home with luxurious raffle prizes, including hotel stays, Gucci bags, Dior makeup and cashmere Burberry scarves.
Louboutin is no stranger to Egypt and he actually owns a home in Luxor, right next door to where Sednaoui grew up.
"Our relationship is really tied to Egypt and specifically the countryside (in Luxor). [...] When I was a kid, he wasn't that famous," Sednouai told Hollywood Reporter.
"I saw him become what he is. He's always been a mentor- supportive and inspiring."
Louboutin has supported Sednaoui's charity since she founded it in 2013. Operating in Egypt, the foundation offers creative educational and cultural programs to children and youth, along with creativity and skill-development programs that increase adults' employability.
Sednaoui told >Elle that the people of Luxor have limited access to creative outlets in their daily lives, especially at local schools. "Creative learning cultivates the minds and the hearts. It opens up imagination and nurtures the soul," she said.
Born to an Egyptian father and an Italian mother, 29-year-old Sednaoui made a name for herself in the fashion industry and has fronted Armani, Cavalli, Chanel and Diane von Furtstenberg campaigns.
She has also co-directed a documentary called "Kullu Tamem" (Everything is good), which was shot in Luxor. It highlights freedom of expression by telling the stories of Egyptian citizens in a new light often ignored by the media.
Last year, Sednaoui began serving as an official supporter of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).