John Varvatos Draws Chris Pine, LL Cool J to 12th Annual Stuart House Benefit
When John Varvatos attaches his name to something, you can expect plenty of rock stars and sartorially savvy dudes to be involved. Such was the case on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles with the 12th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit held at the intersection of Melrose Ave. and Robertson Blvd., outside the menswear designer’s boutique.
Designed to support the Stuart House program at the UCLA’s Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica (close to $1 million was raised by the time it was over), the outdoor charity affair drew 1,500 attendees of all ages in the name of a good cause. Guests including Kate Walsh, David Schwimmer, Ben McKenzie and Ray Romano turned out for the family-friendly street festival, including a live auction followed by a lively performance by Ziggy Marley.
"I’ve been to this event four or five times," said LL Cool J, who wore John Varvatos for the occasion. "I just believe in supporting charities that help kids. As a child I went through rough periods," he admitted. Honorary chair Chris Pine arrived moments before taking the stage to speak passionately about the organization, while Rachel Zoe along with hubbie Rodger Berman and their two sons, Skyler and Kaius Jagger, made a beeline for the carnival-themed kids tent. It was also a family affair for the Cyrus brood, with Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish showing their support, along with daughter Noah (Miley was nowhere in sight).
"Stuart House is a safe house for a lot of folks that need hope and trust," said Billy Ray, adding, “John Varvatos is a great humanitarian, not to mention the definition of cool."