With the help of Diet Pepsi, I set off backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in search of fun, fizz, and flare… and find out how to take the designer looks from the runway into your wardrobe.

Take a look at the clip below, currently on the homepage of DietPepsi.com, featuring interviews with designers Vera Wang and Nanette Lepore, renowned fashion editor Derek Blasberg and actress Abigail Breslin.

Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss/StarTraks

Heidi Klum isn’t letting a divorce get her down.

In fact, she’s a “powerhouse,” according to Katharina Harf, the Chief Inspiration Officer of DKMS, the world’s largest marrow donor center.

Klum was honored at the 6th Annual DKMS Gala at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City last night for her efforts to raise awareness for the fight against blood cancer.

Harf shared that Klum’s energy and heart is what made her a prime candidate for the “Fight Against Blood Cancer Award.”  ”She’s just an incredible woman.  I have never seen anyone like that – with that much energy.  She does it all!” Katharina told MicahJesse.com, bringing up Heidi’s four children and her very busy schedule.  ”But really the thing that strikes me is that she has a beautiful heart.”

Long-time board member Alejandro Santo Domingo, Senior Managing Director, Quadrant Capital Advisors, was also honored at the DKMS Gala for supporting organizations and charities dedicated to the cause.

Santo Domingo’s model-girlfriend Julie Henderson attended the event with him.  ”[Alejandro] inspired me to be aware of blood cancer and everything that it does to people,” she said, recalling that blood cancer is the second leading cause of death behind lung cancer.  ”I’m very proud of him.  I couldn’t be more ecstatic about [him being honored].”

The cause hit home for many people at the gala, like hip hop artist Nelly, whose life has been affected by cancer.  ”I lost my sister to cancer in ‘05, so I do a lot of awareness as far as getting people signed up on bone marrow stem-cell registries.  So anytime you could show up and show your love, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Stars like Dakota Fanning, Solange Knowles, and Ashanti also showed their support for the cause.

For more HOT SHOTS from the event…keep reading!

Rihanna and actress Eva Mendes share a laugh at the 5th Annual DKMS Gala at NYC’s Cipriani on Wall Street on Thursday night (April 28).

Also there to support: Pharrell (who played host), Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester who came with (and wore) Vera Wang, Iman & David Bowie, Solange Knowles and Cyndi Lauper.

Before an energetic performance from Mary J. Blige, the COO of DKMS Americas, Katharina Harf, presented an award to Rihanna in recognition for her tireless work in the fight against leukemia.

“Anyone can be affected by leukemia,” said Rihanna. ““It is the number one disease children in the U.S. die of and we can change that. I encourage people to become bone marrow donors with DKMS. If we have more donors, we can save more lives.”

The Barbados-born singer went on, “I would like to dedicate this award to Shannon Tavarez who fought so bravely against this disease but was tragically taken from us far too soon.  Shannon was a great inspiration who selflessly promoted awareness of the need for donors, so that others may receive the help they need, and she will be missed.”

Great news! The event raised a record 2.5 million dollars which will help register nearly 40,000 bone marrow donors and work to save lives worldwide.

Check out more HOT SHOTS from the 5th Annual DKMS Gala in our gallery below:

TV personality Kim Kardashian (left) and tennis superstar Serena Williams (right) were on hand in New York on Saturday night (Jul 10) to celebrate the wedding of their BFF LaLa Vazquez to NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

Kimmy K tweeted this picture before the wedding, saying, “Let the festivities begin Mrs. Anthony”

A glowing LaLa looked gorgeous in white wedding gown from designer Vera Wang for the cceremony, which took place at Cipriani 42nd Street in NYC.

The wedding was anything but low-key, drawing lots of celeb friends…and even more media attention!

Some of the celebs that came to support the former MTV veejay and her NBA hubs included Ciara, rapper Fabolous, radio personality Angie Martinez, Kelly Rowland, socialite Brittny Gastineau, PR gurus Jonathan Cheban and Simon Huck, and Ludacris!

Congrats LaLa and Carmelo! To many more happy memories!