(Culture)

A Fashion Insider’s Travel Diary Through Europe

How’s this for the ultimate charitable-meets-chic road trip: A group of successful, stylish women embarked on a four-day race across Europe as a means to raise awareness and money for Africa-based organizations. Did we mention their rides of choice were vintage sports cars? Such was the case for the Cash & Rocket 4th annual tour across Europe, in which more than 50 prominent females (including models Selita Ebanks and Arizona Muse) teamed up to champion the cause and raise over $1.65 million for charity. The event took the teams from London to Paris and beyond, culminating in the launch of an exclusive Valentino capsule collection (proceeds from which benefit the partner organizations). We tapped one of the drivers, Stylebop’s ultra-chic Fashion Director, Leila Yavari, to share her highlights from the glamorous race. If you’re craving summer road-trip inspiration, you’re about to be very happy.

"Here, I'm at the Cash & Rocket gala dinner and charity auction in London making plans before hitting the road with my first copilot, the one and only Arizona Muse (left)."

Photos: Courtesy

"Getting acquainted with the Stylebop team car: a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé."

"'Say peace!' 70 amazing women gathered for one inspirational mission."

"Cozying up to Mr. Roland Mouret at the Stylebop lunch held at London’s Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which was designed by architect Zaha Hadid—a true master of her craft."

"Leg one (London to Paris) complete! Who needs the Eurostar when you have Arizona Muse?"

"Red and black was the dress code for the night in Paris as the Cash & Rocket ladies enjoyed cocktails at Valentino HQ. My next copilot, Elena Perminova (middle), joins the tour."

"Greetings from our Paris-to-Lyon refuel. My camouflage jumpsuit from the Valentino Cash & Rocket capsule collection was the perfect choice for the drive."

"Convertible moment—rolling the top down and taking in the amazing Alpine beauty."

"Considering going pro after a successful doubles debut. My tennis whites came courtesy of Alexander Wang’s Stan Smith-inspired playsuit."

"Another ladies lineup, this time in our evening attire for a black-and-white suiting dress code."

"Talk about cool contrast: I love the play of Eleonora Carisi’s pristine white Valentino against this darkly romantic Emilia Wickstead dress."

"A Thelma & Louise moment with the roof down and wind in my hair!"

"Once in Milan, it was a quick change into this fringed shift from Italian designer Marco de Vincenzo for a beautiful cocktail reception at Palazzo Bocconi. Here I am with Elena and my third copilot, Anna Cleveland (middle)."

"Road-tripping with Anna Cleveland is all about getting into character."

"Showing a whole lot of love to Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli upon arrival at our 5th and final destination, the Cannes Film Festival."