Carine Roitfeld has chosen red as the theme for amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS gala catwalk show.

The French fashion icon will paint the catwalk red when she hosts her third annual showcase on May 22, which will see top designers including Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christopher Kane, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Gucci and Tom Ford create bespoke gowns in the assigned colour for the occasion.

The former VOGUE Paris editor has decided to dedicate this year's gala to late screen siren Marilyn Monroe, following on from Elizabeth Taylor, who was honoured last year.

Carine explained to WWD: ''She searched for love all her life, and I think she would have been a big supporter of the foundation.''

Worn by models including Karlie Kloss and Arizona Muse, the designs will be auctioned straight off the catwalk, with all profits going to amfAR's efforts to fight the HIV virus.

The fashion boss revealed many of the models ''come at their own expense just to be part of the show.''

This year, Carine is going to be joined by chairs John Travolta, Milla Jovovich, Harvey Weinstein and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Covetable past prizes have also included a smooch from George Clooney and the chance to star in a short film directed by Karl Lagerfeld.