Katy Perry and Selena Gomez Shine Together at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit
The friendship between Katy Perry and Selena Gomez continues to capture the spotlight, and their recent appearance at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit is a testament to that bond. The two stars posed together in a stunning photo from an event that combined glamour with a vital cause, showcasing its status as a highly anticipated occasion on the fall calendar.
Held on October 14 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, the benefit, titled ‘A Night of Radiance & Reflection,’ was hosted by Gomez for the fourth consecutive year, with Sean Hayes serving as emcee and performances from Leon Bridges and Bella Kay. The evening aimed to support youth mental health organizations, with sponsors including Rare Beauty, Afterpay, lululemon, Pacsun, UCLA Health, and Ulta Beauty.
Katy Perry and Selena Gomez attend The Fourth Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit.
📸 (Getty) https://t.co/5CaF0osyDF— JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) October 15, 2026
Gomez established the Rare Impact Fund in 2020 alongside Rare Beauty, which donates 1% of all sales to the initiative. The fund aims to raise $100 million for youth mental health services and education, having already collected over $30 million. It supports 30 nonprofit partners across five continents, reaching approximately 3.5 million young people each year.
Selena Gomez and Martin Short at her Rare Impact Fund benefit in Los Angeles last night. https://t.co/qT5qHkAItD
— Thought Catalog (@ThoughtCatalog) October 15, 2026
Among the notable attendees was Perry, who showed her support for her longtime friend. In a newly released photo, the two stand together under red lighting, smiling for the camera. Perry dazzled in a floor-length black gown with thin straps and sparkling bow cutouts, while Gomez opted for a pale champagne slip-style dress adorned with floral embellishments and silver sandals.
Katy Perry talks supporting Selena Gomez and the Rare Impact Fund’s mental health mission at the benefit event. https://t.co/VsdNkdnD1T
— Katy Perry Activity (@KatyActivity) October 15, 2026
Perry’s outfit featured the Ambrosia Dress by designer Ilkyaz Ozel, a sleek column gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline. The design included two diamond-shaped cutouts below the bust, each highlighted by a sparkling white bow, allowing a glimpse of her midriff. She chose to forgo a necklace to let the neckline and bows take center stage.
Katy Perry luciendo radiante en el evento benéfico del Rare Impact Fund Benefit, organizado por Selena Gómez. https://t.co/jSlGDHPU2D
— KatyCats Chile (@KatyCatsChile) October 15, 2026
Her styling was kept simple, featuring long, sleek dark hair and natural makeup. Fashion critics praised her blend of classic elegance and modern flair, with one outlet noting that she effortlessly stole the show. On the red carpet, Perry spoke to Extra about her friend and the initiative’s mission to enhance access to mental health services for young people.
🚨| Selena Gomez stuns in a new dress at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit https://t.co/5UNoLkpiMN
— Selena Gomez News 💋 (@sgnewsxox0) October 15, 2026
Earlier in the evening, Gomez made her own fashion statement on the carpet, wearing a custom red Prada ensemble that featured a strapless top embellished with intricate details and a matching skirt, complemented by Bucherer jewelry, including Baguette Love earrings and the Inner Fire ring. The champagne dress in the new photo marked a striking contrast to her bold red look.
This isn’t the first time Gomez has changed outfits during the benefit; last year, she donned a deep red minidress after arriving in a different outfit. This tradition of outfit changes has become a hallmark of the event.
Perry wasn’t the only celebrity in attendance. Other guests included Martin Short, America Ferrera, Witney Carson, Mara Wilson, Mikayla Nogueira, Shay Mitchell, Jordan Chiles, and Natalia Bryant, alongside Hayes and Bridges. Gomez expressed to People that the fund’s achievements are her proudest accomplishment.
The benefit has seen consistent growth since its inception. The 2024 edition, featuring Karol G and Teddy Swims, raised over $2 million, while last year’s event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel also surpassed the $2 million mark. This year, an online auction offered items like a signed LeBron James basketball and a getaway at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa.
Perry has been open about her own mental health journey. In 2019, she took a break from music to focus on her mental well-being and has since returned with a world tour that began in Mexico City in April 2025. Her presence at this mental health fundraiser feels entirely fitting.
Fans appreciate seeing two pop icons who have navigated the industry for years supporting one another. The image of them in contrasting styles, one in sleek black and the other in soft champagne, creates a visually striking pairing. It also underscores the evening’s emphasis on community and fashion.
With over $30 million raised and a goal of $100 million, the fund still has a significant journey ahead. Events like this keep the spotlight on the cause, and celebrity involvement amplifies its reach. Perry’s support serves as a powerful reminder of the many individuals rallying behind Gomez’s mission.
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