The 2023 Central Park Conservancy "Hat Luncheon"
If my busy schedule allows, I always try to attend the "Hat Luncheon."
Earlier this week was the 41st annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon hosted by the Women’s Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Central Park Conservancy. More than 1300 attendees filled the park’s Conservatory Garden for what is popularly known as the “Hat Luncheon” - a festive affair where guests don their most extravagant chapeaus. Frederick Law Olmsted was an American landscape designer and widely considered the father of American landscape architecture. Olmsted was made famous for co-designing many well-known urban areas including Central Park. This yearly gathering is among the Conservancy’s most important philanthropic events supporting its mission to preserve, maintain, and enhance New York City's iconic public green space.
Enjoy these fun photos.
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- Here I am in my “hat luncheon” ensemble. I always wear one of my own hats for the affair. I chose this old fedora and wore it with a Carolina Herrera by Wes Gordon coat and Prada shoes.
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- It was a bit cool and cloudy on this day, the first Wednesday of May, but hundreds of guests wearing their fanciful toppers came out for the well-known gathering at Central Park’s Conservatory Garden located at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street.
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- Waiters in white dinner jackets escorted all the ladies down the steps leading toward the awards ceremony venue. The event was held under the giant white tent ahead.
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- Inside, cheerful tables decorated with bright spring flower centerpieces.
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- The main mission of the Central Park Conservancy is to preserve and celebrate our iconic New York City Central Park. This is the Conservatory Garden – Central Park’s formal garden and one of the most significant public gardens in New York City.
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- The event raised more than four-million dollars for the Central Park Conservancy. This year’s event was completely sold out.
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- Here I am with ceramist and friend, Christopher Spitzmiller. This lamp maker donned a lamp shade for his hat.
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- There are always all kinds of hats at the luncheon. This is author and television host, Christopher Mason, in his cornucopia of flowers hat.
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- And look at this hat featuring the Central Park Wollman Ice Rink.
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- It shows the rink, skaters, and some of New York City’s famous skyscrapers.
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- Here – Christopher and my neighbor, fashion designer Andy Yu. Andy always creates his own looks. This hat, top, and bag were made from recycled items.
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- For lunch, everyone enjoyed grilled salmon with a spring salad.
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- And some Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel wine.
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- Sitting here are Emily Eerdman and Marina Killery in their fanciful hats.
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- Here’s a fun photo of Katherine Zeller Gage, the beautiful wife of Chef Daniel Boulud and my longtime publicist and friend, Susan Magrino. The two stopped for this “pretty in pink” photo.
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- It’s always fun to see all the hats guests wear from year to year. There were colorful puffy hats…
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- And large flower hats…
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- … small feathery hats…
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- … tall hats and short hats, but all very lovely hats.
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- Here is one with a butterfly theme.
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- Here is Susan with Sharon Coplan Hurowitz in her McDonald’s themed ensemble.
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- Is that designer Lela Rose under that hat with the dramatically swooped brim?
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- And here I am with my banker and close friend, Jane Heller. The annual “hat luncheon” in New York City was another huge success. I am already looking forward to next year’s event.
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