Art & Style

(PHOTOS) Wearable Art Gala’s Lion King Theme Takes Guests on a ‘Journey to the Pride Lands’

Published on June 10, 2019

Inspired by this year’s CGI update of Disney’s “The Lion King,” the third annual Wearable Art Gala featured today’s biggest stars draped in memorable jungle and royal-inspired clothing.

Hosted by co-artistic Directors Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles Lawson, more than 750 guests recently gathered at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica dressed in couture works of colorful and textured art that was inspired by The Lion King, which hits theaters July.

The night’s program was hosted by Tiffany Haddish, who opened the evening with a promise that it would be filled with surprises, twists and turns. Haddish brought the laughs with her timely humor. The program also included a performance from Broadway’s famed production, “The Lion King”, including fan favorite “The Circle of Life.”

This year’s gala incorporated a “Journey to the Pride Lands” theme to celebrate The Lion King release on July 19. The event raised over $2.4 million for WACO Theater’s programs which help Los Angeles youth explore the arts.

The gala also honored several people for their commitment to the arts, including Felicia Horowitz, who received the “Everyday People” Award for her philanthropic efforts to “promote the welfare of others.”

Writer/director Tyler Perry received the “Trailblazer Award,” which he was presented by actress Viola Davis.

Artist Betye Saar was honored with the “Art Icon Award.” Saar is one of the artists who ushered in the development of Assemblage art, a symbolically rich body of work reflecting on African American identity, spirituality and the connectedness between different cultures across political, environmental and historical lines.

Richelieu Dennis, founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Sundial Brands, received WACO Theater Center’s “Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.”

Guests also enjoyed an electric performance by Maxwell, who sung a melody of his hits.

Among the attendees included Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, Bianca Lawson, La La Anthony, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, who all served as Honorary Chairpersons for the gala.

See photos from the third annual Wearable Art Gala below.