ONE DROP GALA LA TO HONOR DAVE THOMAS, CELEBRITY STYLIST AND COSTUME DESIGNER, JOHN LEGEND TO PRESENT HONOREE WITH PERFORMANCE BY TY DOLLA $IGN
The One Drop Gala, arriving in Los Angeles for the first time on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, will honor acclaimed stylist and costume designer Dave Thomas for his outstanding charity work and contributions to fashion, entertainment, and the art of visual storytelling as part of the gala’s celebration of the performing arts. During the evening, Thomas will be presented with the honor by longtime client and collaborator, EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer John Legend.
With over three decades of experience, David Thomas is recognized as one of the original pioneers of celebrity styling. His work has shaped the red carpet and performance aesthetics of some of the world’s most recognizable talents, earning him accolades such as The Hollywood Reporter’s “Most In-Demand Men’s Stylist” and the 2023 Hollywood Beauty Awards Styling Award.
At just 25, Thomas became the youngest Fashion Editor in the world for British Esquire, before lending his editorial eye to L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Homme, Vanity Fair, and Interview. His celebrity clients span a who’s who of men’s fashion icons including John Legend, Lionel Richie, Dr. Dre, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and Sebastian Maniscalco. His costume designs have been featured across numerous seasons of The Voice, American Idol, and recently Maniscalco’s Hulu special. Thomas has also lent his vision to major global advertising campaigns for Montblanc, Mulberry, Emporio Armani, Cîroc, Adidas, Sperry, Lexus, Google, Pepsi x Super Bowl, Gin & Juice, and DirecTV.
In 2021 Thomas released Vanity Project, A Tale of Fashion and Celebrity Styled by Dave Thomas, co-authored with Jessica Jones, a richly visual memoir tracing his remarkable journey from a small English town to the heights of Hollywood fashion. Beyond his creative work, Thomas is a dedicated philanthropist. He has been recognized for his ongoing support as an ambassador of The King’s Trust, an organization founded by HM King Charles III that empowers youth through education, training, and entrepreneurship. Thomas’s involvement began with The Prince’s Trust (which eventually became Kings Trust) when they gave Thomas a grant in 1988. Thomas’ other charitable initiatives reflect his commitment to using fashion as a force for positive change, now joining One Drop’s mission to ensure sustainable access to safe water worldwide.
“David’s artistry has changed the way we think about performance, identity, and beauty,” said Ernenek Duran, One Drop Foundation’s CEO. “Equally inspiring is his generosity. As an ambassador for The King’s Trust, he’s dedicated to supporting youth through education and entrepreneurship. His commitment to using creativity for positive change aligns perfectly with One Drop’s mission to make a global impact.”
Founded in 2007, One Drop has a simple yet powerful vision: a sustainable future with safe water for all. Since its inception, One Drop has improved nearly 3 million lives across more than 15 countries and is recognized as a global leader in impact philanthropy. One Drop has transformed lives in Latin America, India, Africa, and among Indigenous communities in Canada. Building on its proven global impact, One Drop is intensifying efforts in the Americas.
Guy Laliberté and Giacomo Mattioli along with esteemed members of the Los Angeles community, including Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh, will unite cultural leaders, philanthropists, and artists for an evening of purpose and performance. Presented by Ferrari of Beverly Hills, the event will feature a dinner by star chefs, a live auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a performance by founding partner of the One Drop Foundation, Cirque du Soleil, performing an act from their Honolulu-based resident show, ‘Auana’, all in support of the One Drop Foundation’s mission to ensure safe water access worldwide.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: One Drop Gala Los Angeles 2025
Presented by: One Drop Foundation
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 6:30PM to 9:30PM, afterparty (9:30PM to 1AM)
Venue: Audrey Irmas Pavilion, 3643 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Audience: 300 invited guests for sitdown dinner at Gala
EVENING HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Blue Carpet and Cocktail Reception
Dinner by celebrity chefs Chris Oh, David Féau, and Marcel Vigneron with Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
Live Auction Curated by Christie’s auctioneer Andrew Lueck
Performance by Ty Dolla $ign
Afterparty with DJ set by Mia Moretti
