hellomagazine.com

CARMEN ELECTRA BECOMES BELLE OF THE OPERA BALL

SEND TO A FRIEND

24 FEBRUARY 2006

Carmen Electra, who is best-known for the sizzling photoshoots she often undertakes for glossy magazines, showed an altogether more sophisticated side to her persona when she sailed up the red carpet at Vienna's Opera Ball. With her mane of brunette hair tied back from her face, the former Playboy model became a ladylike aristocrat in an elegant black gown with matching velvet gloves and a generous sprinkling of diamonds.

The Starsky And Hutch actress was accompanied to Austria's most high-profile social event by millionaire businessman Richard Lugner and his wife Christina. And the 33-year-old was obviously aware the bash would require something a little different to the risqué ensembles she usually prefers, as she left reporters in stitches when asked if she was planning to cause a stir. "I'll keep my clothes on," she joked. "It all seems to be very glamorous."

Organisers didn't disappoint their star guest, with some 5,000 privileged revellers donning their finest tuxedos and ball gowns before heading for the opulent event. Most of the men and women waltzing around the magnificent Vienna State Opera House had paid £150 for a ticket, while those wishing for a private box parted with up to £11,000.

As Romanian soloist Ildiko Raimondi performed Mozart classics in the background, a who's who of European society mingled and quaffed champagne into the early hours of the morning. And although Carmen did a fine job of turning heads at the ritzy event, many of those present were no strangers to keeping glamorous company. Pamela Anderson, Faye Dunnaway, Andie MacDowell and Sophia Loren have all attended in previous years.