Typically wearing sleek, black Alaïa and the sharpest heels, Carine Roitfeld’s style hardly screams school teacher.

But for this yr’s fashion show on the annual amfAR gala in Cannes, she hopes to teach people about among the most iconic looks of the contemporary age, sharing the back story of the big-shouldered Giorgio Armani suit Grace Jones selected for her landmark 1981 album “Nightclubbing,” and of the short, white metallic Paco Rabanne shift Françoise Hardy donned for the quilt of Elle in 1966.

Choosing a sharper, more focused show this yr — she has spearheaded the event since 2012 — Roitfeld plans to parade only 17 looks, sharing the back story of every and casting iconic models for extra fashion oomph.

The French stylist and fashion entrepreneur occasionally slides some light fashion education into her CR Runway spectacles, as she did for a 2019 event in Florence that incorporated some ’90s vintage and Christian Lacroix couture gowns.

“Each dress must have a history,” she said of her selections for the twenty ninth edition of the amfAR Gala Cannes on May 25.

Versace’s famous safety pin gown, originally worn in 1994 by Elizabeth Hurley and recently reprised in a tweed incarnation for Anne Hathaway on the Met Gala, is ready for the display.

Meanwhile, a landmark Vivienne Westwood dress will probably be modeled by the late British designer‘s model granddaughter, Cora Corré.

Other participating fashion houses include Dior, Valentino, Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, Moschino, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Alaïa, Off-White, Richard Quinn and Miu Miu.

To summon a second, more serious educational moment, Roitfeld has conscripted designer Jeremy Scott.

“I would like him to elucidate how he lost a whole lot of friends to AIDS,” she said ruefully. “The brand new generation perhaps doesn’t care. They think AIDS is finished. In America and Europe, they may think it’s an old disease, but it surely’s still an enormous problem in Africa and in some parts of Asia.

“Possibly people will not be using protection and I would like to insist that this young generation join the combat,” Roitfeld continued. “Unfortunately, it’s still a really dangerous disease. I’ve lost so many friends from the style world.”

To exalt the long-lasting dresses she commissioned, Roitfeld called on many fashion friends to assist, including casting director Piergiorgio Del Moro, hairstylist Sam McKnight, makeup artist Terry Barber and DJ Michel Gaubert.

“I hope people will listen, look, learn and be surprised,” she said, noting the looks will probably be sold as one auction lot. “Fashion is about dreams.”

Well-known auctioneer Simon de Pury will lead the live charity auction, with a singular Aston Martin automobile up for grabs, together with contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind luxury items and experiences.

The exclusive black-tie event on the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc spans cocktails, a seated dinner, live performances by Halsey, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert and Bebe Rexha, plus an after party.

The Foundation for AIDS Research, more commonly referred to as amfAR, conscripted Queen Latifah because the host of the evening. Sponsors include Aston Martin, The Red Sea International Film Festival, Chopard, RVLV and The h.wood Group.

Chairs of this edition of the gala include Alexander Skarsgård, Angela Bassett, Coco Rocha, Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, Ethan Hawke, Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, Jeffrey Wright, Milla Jovovich, Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson, and Troye Sivan.

AmfAR Gala Cannes has raised a cumulative total of greater than $245 million for AIDS research.