A night at ballet — in fur — or not

Darn good thing that animal activist/vegan Alicia Silverstone was distracted by the gaggle of cute ballet dancers at the Center Dance Association's L.A. gala for the New York City Ballet last week.

"They're really nice, they're cool," the former "Clueless" cutie giggled. And they definitely kept her from noticing all the fur- wearers at the party. Former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs towered over the crowd in a plush mink jacket. Several other female dance supporters were wrapped in fur stoles of every color and origin.

Silverstone was decked out in a shocking-pink knee-length Jil Sander dress with bright turquoise Stella McCartney shoes. "I'm a big fan of ballet, I love ballet," she gushed. So did everyone in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion who watched Peter Martins' ballet troupe perform three of George Balanchine's classic works.

Afterward, everyone crowded upstairs for cocktails, dancing and an appropriately fall-themed dinner (roast beet and goat cheese salad, along with short ribs) catered by Patina.

Famous ballet fans filled the gala: Don Johnson and his wife, Kelley (whose Valentino tent dress made one wonder "What was she thinking?"), exercise guru Jake Steinfeld and classic movie water babe Esther Williams.

Sean Young brought her kids for cultural exposure. But Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin left their little ones at home. So did "7th Heaven" star Stephen Collins. But the cultural event, complete with Hollywood stars and L.A. bigwigs, was definitely the hottest ticket in town. Even with all the fur!

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