‘Only Murders in the Building’ Star Selena Gomez Sets the Pink Carpet on Fire in a Red Prada Dress That Barely Stays Up
Selena Gomez has built Rare Beauty into much more than a makeup line, and the Selena Gomez Rare Impact Fund Benefit is the clearest example of that. The annual fundraiser pairs red-carpet glamour with a serious mission, and it has become one of the biggest nights on her calendar.
The Rare Impact Fund launched in 2020 alongside the brand, with 1% of all Rare Beauty sales going to the fund. Its goal is to mobilize $100 million for organizations that expand access to youth mental health services and education worldwide. Since launching, it has raised over $30 million and supports 30 nonprofit partners across 5 continents, reaching an estimated 3.5 million young people each year.
This year’s benefit, titled ‘A Night of Radiance & Reflection,’ took place on October 14 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Gomez hosted the evening, with Emmy-winning actor and comedian Sean Hayes as emcee. Performances came from Leon Bridges and Bella Kay.
Selena Gomez attends The Fourth Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit. 📸 (Amy Sussman/Getty) https://t.co/IoD9hpT6Ti
— JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) October 15, 2026
Gomez arrived on the bright pink carpet in custom Prada, wearing a strapless red design covered in sequins, beads and crystal-like embellishments. She finished the look with matching red satin pumps, silver jewelry and a sleek hairstyle, which kept the focus on the dress’s bold color and sculptural silhouette. The backdrop behind her listed sponsors including Ulta Beauty, lululemon, Pacsun, Batch & Box and Afterpay.
Even though Selena Gomez has been married a year longer than Taylor Swift, Sel still thinks her bestie is better at giving marriage advice than she is. 🥹 https://t.co/7bmgAce3x0
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) October 15, 2026
Fashion outlets quickly took note of the dress, with one calling it one of Rare Beauty’s biggest fashion moments of the year. Katy Perry also attended the event, and her look drew attention on the same red carpet. But for Gomez, the evening was about the cause.
Selena Gomez attends The Fourth Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit hosted by Selena Gomez at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California. More #GettyVideo #SelenaGomez #rareimpactfund 🎥 Olivia McCrary 👉 https://t.co/UHZmFe19fL https://t.co/0tr8gIYaDx
— Getty Images Entertainment (@GettyVIP) October 15, 2026
In an interview with People, she said the most meaningful part of the work is witnessing what the fund does with communities, programs and organizations. She said the $30 million-plus raised so far goes beyond what she ever imagined. She also spoke about how her husband, Benny Blanco, supports her, just weeks after the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 27.
Gomez said in the benefit’s announcement that The Rare Impact Fund means so much to me, a message echoed by the evening’s guests. Rare Beauty’s chief impact officer, Elyse Cohen, said the event brings people closer to the work and helps the fund invest in organizations for the long term.
The benefit is only part of the strategy, but it is a visible one. Attendees and the public could also donate online or bid in an online auction featuring items such as a signed LeBron James basketball and a luxury getaway to the Civana Wellness Resort and Spa. An inaugural host committee brought together figures from entertainment, business, health care and philanthropy.
The event has grown steadily since it began. The 2024 benefit, hosted by Billy Crudup with performances from Karol G and Teddy Swims, raised more than $2 million. Last year’s edition was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and featured The Marías, and it also raised more than $2 million.
That momentum fits with the recognition Gomez has received for her philanthropic work. Earlier this year, she was honored with the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award at the Social Impact Summit X NYC at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The fund’s partners include The JED Foundation, The Trevor Project and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
Gomez has long spoken about how mental health resources have personally affected her life, which is why the fund’s mission feels so connected to her public image. She has said she wanted the brand to help create real change from the start. Fans often respond to that authenticity, which helps keep the event in the spotlight each year.
Each year also brings a new fashion moment. At last year’s benefit, she wore a deep red minidress with a high cowl neckline and later changed into another look. This time, the red Prada gown went even bigger, using the same color but a more dramatic shape.
The result is a night where style and substance share the stage. Gomez’s red dress made the headlines, but the fund’s growing impact is what keeps the benefit meaningful. If the numbers continue to climb, the road to $100 million looks increasingly achievable.
What Stands Out Most About Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit?
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