Outside Cipriani’s 42nd Street, protesters lurked and tossed jibes; while inside, the lights went up on “fur fashion designer to the stars” Dennis Basso’s 20th Anniversary lavish fur collection wowing the posh glitterati gathering that included Lorraine Bracco, Star Jones, Rick and Kathy Hilton, Denise Rich, Stewart and Carol Rahr, Janice Combs (P. Diddy’s mama), Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Sale Johnson, Felicia Taylor, Leba and Neil Sedaka, Cindy Adams (with canine pals Jazzy and Juicy), Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, Anna Wintour, Richard Turley, Maria Theresa Fauci, Charles Evans, Nikki Haskell, and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia—all crowding into this decadent ’80s extravaganza!

Basso’s runway designs premiered casual ensembles and glamorous evening wear furs, combining broadtail, leather, hand-embroidery, dripping pearls, shells, crystals, feathers, beads, and uniquely knitted furs. Diana (fresh out of rehab) Ross strutted the finale of this opulent array at Basso’s side, draping and dragging an ambrosial golden sable Hollywood style—which she still has plenty of.

On the dance floor, gyrating to the tunes of DJ Tom Finn (famous from the old Studio 54), were Denise Rich in riotous form and Star Jones, slow dancing with actor Leo “just a friend” Berrojo (according to this photog, the pics looked “a bit” more cozy). The crowd also stuffed itself with the best of Cipriani’s buffet, including braised endive in red wine, baby artichokes alla Romana, filet mignon alla Veneziana, and chicken spezzatino curry—to name a few of the luscious delectables offered.