A fruitful night! Brooke Shields and Lisa Rinna compete for style plaudits in vibrant evening gowns as they lead glamour at Alzheimer's fundraiser

Brooke Shields and Lisa Rinna competed for top billing on Tuesday evening as the 31st annual Rita Hayworth Gala kicked off at New York’s Waldorf Astoria.

The glamorous attendees caught the eye in equally vibrant evening gowns upon their arrival at the yearly event, held on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Opting for a zesty orange variation with a plunging neckline, voluptuous Brooke, 49, looked half her age as she posed for photos before making her way inside for the initial cocktail reception.

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Orange is not the only fruit: Brooke Shields and Lisa Rinna led the glamour as the 31st annual Rita Hayworth Gala kicked off at New York City's Waldorf Astoria
Orange is not the only fruit: Brooke Shields and Lisa Rinna led the glamour as the 31st annual Rita Hayworth Gala kicked off at New York City's Waldorf Astoria

Orange is not the only fruit: Brooke Shields (L) and Lisa Rinna (R) led the glamour as the 31st annual Rita Hayworth Gala kicked off at New York City's Waldorf Astoria

The American actress rounded off her look with strappy heels, while her brown locks were nearly pulled away from her face, thus revealing a pair of extravagant statement earrings.

Meanwhile Lisa, 51, caught the eye in a sweeping yellow gown with an equally generous neckline ahead of her attendance at the reception and ensuing dinner.

With a distinctive embellished design the popular TV presenter’s dress dominated on the red carpet – and she matched it with a smart leather jacket that afforded the overall look an edgy flourish.

A show of support: (L-R) Deborah Norville, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Brooke Shields and a fellow guest were on hand to raise money and awareness on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association

A show of support: (L-R) Deborah Norville, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Brooke Shields and a fellow guest were on hand to raise money and awareness on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association

In attendance: American TV personality Deborah Norville and Miss New York Jillian Tapper posed for photos before making their way into the event's initial cocktail reception on Tuesday evening
In attendance: American TV personality Deborah Norville and Miss New York Jillian Tapper posed for photos before making their way into the event's initial cocktail reception on Tuesday evening

In attendance: American TV personality Deborah Norville (L) and Miss New York Jillian Tapper (R) posed for photos before making their way into the event's initial cocktail reception on Tuesday evening 

Glamorous: Lisa caught the eye in her embellished lemon yellow gown as she rubbed shoulders with American fashion designer Dennis Basso 

Glamorous: Lisa caught the eye in her embellished lemon yellow gown as she rubbed shoulders with American fashion designer Dennis Basso 

Other guests on the night included Miss New York Jillian Tapper, another head-turner courtesy of her colourful floral print gown.

Former tennis ace John McEnroe was also present at the charitable function, and he looked suitably dapper in a two-piece suit, crisp white shirt and black tie.

Elsewhere American TV personality Deborah Norville caught the eye in a sleeveless white evening dress with a tasteful embellished pattern across its chest.

You cannot be serious! Former tennis ace John McEnroe is in the middle of a shot with Brooke Shields and Patty Smyth

You cannot be serious! Former tennis ace John McEnroe is in the middle of a shot with Brooke Shields and Patty Smyth

Held every October, the Rita Hayworth Gala – comprised of a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, live entertainment and auction – celebrates those who have committed themselves to fighting Alzheimer’s disease through a variety of fundraising initiatives and voluntary work.

The event was founded by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, whose mother – screen legend Rita Hayworth – passed away after a long battle with the degenerative condition in 1987, aged 68.

Attracting more than 700 guests a year, it has raised more than $61 million for the fight against the disease.

Be my baby: Ronnie Spector was also on hand to raise money and awareness at the annual event on Tuesday night

Be my baby: Ronnie Spector was also on hand to raise money and awareness at the annual event on Tuesday night

 

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