Birthday girl Naomi charges guests £1,100 to come to her party in a Cote d’Azur castle
THE good news for Naomi Campbell fans? You don’t need to be an A-list star to party with her.
The bad news? You will need rather deep pockets...
The supermodel is said to have charged non-celebrity guests more than £1,100 to attend her lavish 45th birthday party on the Cote d’Azur last weekend.
The event, attended by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and singer Mary J Blige, was held at the exclusive Chateau Saint Jeannet hotel, a castle near Nice, where a week’s stay costs up to £100,000.
But an insider who attended the bash claimed that wealthy visitors were asked to make the payments in order to attend and to mingle with the stars.
The invitation had reportedly been sent out to try to draw guests who had been in town for the Cannes Film Festival and a gala for Aids charity amfAR.
Speaking to the New York Daily News, one claimed: ‘People paid to get on the guest list. Naomi wanted to capitalise on the prestigious group of people that were at the Cannes Film Festival and amfAR.’
Some attendees were said to be underwhelmed by the celebrity turnout and the fact that Miss Campbell didn’t arrive until three hours into the party. The source added: ‘A lot of the billionaires were a bit upset because she didn’t show up until midnight. Everyone else started arriving at 9pm.’
An email invitation, seen by the US publication, was reportedly sent out by a private concierge company and read: ‘Naomi will be attending with a guest list of up to 200 of her close personal friends.’ It also promised an ‘open bar and celebrity performances from renowned deejays’.
Miss Campbell, dressed in a striking Versace gown, shared a series of photos from the event on her Instagram page, including a giant birthday cake decorated with a macaroon tower. Later, she posted: ‘Best birthday in the world. Thank you all who made it happen.’
Her spokesman said: ‘Some guests were invited to make a donation to support her charity, Fashion For Relief, in conjunction with their attendance at the event. Fashion for Relief provides ongoing support for disaster situations around the world.
‘There has been an unofficial invitation circulating with incorrect information, including guest names that were apparently due to attend the event.’