• 2001 Lexus LS 430

• Los Angeles, CA  (November 9, 2000)

Auction from Peggy Sirota's Celebrity Picture Book "Guess Who?" Benefits APLA

November 9, 2000, Los Angeles, Calif. - At a star-studded gala at one of Hollywood's most glamorous and exclusive settings, more than 500 guests celebrated the introduction of the new Lexus LS 430, while browsing a gallery that showcased prints from renowned photographer Peggy Sirota's newly-released celebrity picture book.

The historic Paramour Estate was the dramatic setting for the invitation-only event that officially launched the LS 430, Lexus' most luxurious and distinguished sedan to date. But it also was an evening to honor those people and things that inspire and heighten the senses, said Greg Kitzens, corporate marketing manager for Lexus.

"This event celebrates the forces that move us - the people and things that inspire and embody passion," said Kitzens. "They capture our imagination because of their passion for beauty and perfection. Whether it be music, images, food - or an automobile - they create the experiences that make memories."

One of the highlights of the event was the gallery exhibition in the Paramour Ballroom displaying prints from Sirota's new book "Guess Who?" which features photos of celebrities in obscure poses along with their names scrambled, leaving the reader to guess the celebrity in the photo.

Sirota was on hand to autograph copies of the book for guests, and a silent auction of the displayed work raised money to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).

For the launch of the LS 430, Lexus had commissioned Sirota to photograph an 8-page advertising insert featuring the sedan as one of the six "personalities" whose unparalleled passion for and commitment to their craft results in a work that is a source of inspiration.

The insert features singer and Tony Award-winner Heather Headley, architect Richard Meier, golf course designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and fashion designer Marc Jacobs - along with the LS 430. It will appear in Condé Nast publications such as Vanity Fair, GQ, Gourmet, The New Yorker, Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler and Bon Appétit.

Guests also were feted to cuisine from Executive Chef Bonnie Rochelle, the much-heralded culinary mastermind at VODA Restaurant in Santa Monica, Calif. Rochelle is also featured as one of the inspirational personalities in the Lexus advertising insert.