The Glamorous Franca Fund Gala: A Night to Remember
The Franca Fund Gala, held on November 23, radiated elegance and sophistication as it unfolded at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. While the event attracted numerous stars and luminaries, it was the Spencer twins—Ladies Amelia and Eliza Spencer, the beloved nieces of Princess Diana—who truly captured the spotlight with their show-stopping fashion choices.
Mermaid Chic Takes Center Stage
Embodying a style one might expect from a fairy tale, the Spencer sisters stunned in exquisite gowns designed by the renowned Manish Malhotra. Drawing inspiration from the mystical world of mermaids, they embraced vibrant metallic hues that shimmered under the gala’s lights.
Lady Amelia Spencer took the stage as a modern-day goddess in a luxurious gold strapless gown adorned with intricate beading and radiant jewels. Her golden locks were elegantly styled in a half-updo, allowing her statement diamond jewelry to take center stage. The glimmering details complemented her striking appearance, ensuring that she was among the evening’s fashion highlights.
On the other hand, Lady Eliza Spencer dazzled in a stunning silver gown, showcasing scalloped beading and a captivating bejeweled halter neckline. Her platinum blonde hair was deftly arranged in a chic ballet bun, accompanied by bold statement earrings that added an extra layer of glamour to her ensemble.
Behind the Looks: Styling Vision
The successful aesthetic achievement of the Spencer twins was no mere coincidence; it was the result of careful planning and collaboration with their stylist, Siân Gabari. Speaking to HELLO!, Gabari shared insights into the thought process behind their looks: “We wanted two very elegant but impactful styles for Doha,” she explained. She elaborated on the luxurious materials and craftsmanship that went into the gowns, praising the beautiful stones and jewelry they had access to for the event. Gabari’s vision emphasized a harmonious blend of brilliance and refinement, perfectly suited for the gala’s theme.
“Manish Malhotra is one of the most prominent designers of the East,” Gabari remarked, highlighting the significance of showcasing such craftsmanship at an international event that attracted guests from around the globe. The pairing of Eliza in silver and Amelia in gold was not just a fashion choice; it was a celebration of global culture and artistic expression.
A Purpose-Driven Evening
In addition to its glamour, the Franca Fund Gala served a noble purpose: raising funds for ongoing preventative genomics research in memory of the late Franca Sozzani, former Italian Vogue editor, who passed away from lung cancer in 2016. The event aimed to honor her legacy while making strides in medical research—a cause that resonated deeply with attendees.
Stunning Looks Beyond the Gala
Following their spectacular appearance at the Franca Fund Gala, the Spencer twins continued to impress with additional looks during their trip to Qatar. They also graced the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Awards ceremony. The sisters swapped their dazzling gowns for stunning creations by designer Zuhair Murad, another culturally relevant choice that aligned with the event’s Middle Eastern setting.
Lady Amelia opted for a floor-length mauve ball gown featuring an asymmetrical shoulder strap and shapely cut-outs at the waist, while Lady Eliza wowed the crowd in a pale teal number. Their stylish adaptations continued to reinforce their status as fashion icons and trendsetters.
A Star-Studded Evening
The two events not only marked a significant moment for the Spencer twins but also featured a plethora of stars, including the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Emma Roberts at the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards. The gala attracted a diverse crowd of notable figures from across the globe, each contributing to an atmosphere bursting with creativity and talent.
Through their remarkable fashion choices and contributions to important causes, the Spencer twins have carved out a space for themselves in the fashion world, combining elegance with purpose in a dazzling display that continues to inspire admirers worldwide.