The VFDE Charity Concert Dinner hosted by Franca Sozzani at the base of the Burj Khalifa

Performances, celebrities and a spotlight on the issue of global hunger

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Image: Fashiontomax

Last night Franca Sozzani and His Excellency Mohammed Alabbar welcomed a host of celebrities, designers and fashion insiders to a beautiful setting beneath the world’s tallest skyscraper – the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai

With a 'Hippy Chic' dress code and a setting inspired by Arabic traditions, Vogue Italia's editor-in-chief and Emaar's chairman opened their charity concert dinner event to celebrate the second edition of VFDE and shed light on Sozzani's campaign to end global hunger, in support of the World Food Programme.

Sozzani took to the stage with the evening's MC Farida Khelfa and delivered an inspiring speech, explaining how she wants "to help those that aren't as fortunate as us" and put a stop to global hunger. The Vogue Italia head honcho was made a United Nations Ambassador for the 'Against Hunger' campaign earlier this year in May.

Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme who was also in attendance at the gala last night – showcased and praised the work that Sozzani has done to help end world hunger, and inspired the crowd to take action and join the important cause.

Gala dinner under the Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience (14 photos)

The evening's guests also enjoyed a variety of performances – including French actress and singer Emmanuelle Seigner who delivered a beautiful performance of classic hits, Soko, and the Arab pop singer Latifa Arfaoui, who got supermodel Karolina Kurkova up to dance with her at one point during her set. To round up the evening's entertainment, the famous American singer and personal friend to Franca Sozzani, Ciara, closed the show.

Today marks the final day of the second edition of VFDE, and will kickstart with a talk by Alberta Ferretti on the subject of the strength of tradition at the Armani hotel at 3pm.

Gala dinner under the Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience (photo 1)