Finance

Central Park's Grand Gala: A Spectacle of Style and Philanthropy

A Flourishing Tradition: Central Park's Annual Hat Luncheon

On a serene Wednesday afternoon, the Central Park Conservancy Garden blossomed with an extraordinary spectacle as it hosted the 44th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon. This unique event, humorously dubbed the “hat luncheon,” is a vibrant gathering where attendees showcase an impressive variety of stylish and floral-themed hats, embodying the park's lush botanical essence.

Record-Breaking Generosity for Central Park

This year's event achieved remarkable success, raising an unprecedented $5.4 million. These crucial funds are earmarked for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of Central Park. Past fundraising initiatives by the Conservancy have facilitated significant restoration projects, including the revitalization of historical concert ground benches, the meticulous recreation of Bow Bridge's decorative urns, and vital conservation work within the Conservatory Garden itself, the very location of this celebrated annual luncheon.

Honoring Dedication: Leadership and Trustees Celebrated

The garden was alive with color and camaraderie as Women's Committee president Tracey Huff, alongside co-chairs Kate Davis, Darice Fadeyi, Stephanie Hessler, and Erin Isikoff Klatskin, extended a warm welcome to guests. Central Park Conservancy president and CEO Betsy Smith, and board chair Tom Kempner were also present, joining in the festivities. A special highlight of the luncheon was the recognition of long-standing Conservancy trustees, Judy Hart Angelo and Janet Ross, who were honored for their enduring commitment and contributions to the park.

A Canvas of Creativity: Hats That Captivated

Attendees, many from the Committee's extensive 1,000-strong membership, paraded an astonishing collection of headwear. From intricate fascinators and delicate feathered pillboxes to elaborate headpieces fashioned from various flowers, creativity knew no bounds. Many hats were sourced from local NYC milliners or esteemed London fashion houses, while others were cherished vintage finds or even personally crafted creations. The overarching floral theme was complemented by avant-garde touches, such as Hope Rothschild's gravity-defying blue rinse wig adorned with a dove, Roseline Neveling's cocktail olive-inspired fascinator, and Luisa Diaz's wide-brimmed floral hat spelling out "kindness." Conservancy staff, outfitted by Tuckernuck, wore hats designed by COTY and CFDA award-winning milliner Patricia Underwood.

Vogue's Perspective: A Fashion Editor's Delight

Lilah Ramzi-Goettemann, a notable attendee and fashion editor for Vogue, described the event as a delightful respite from the whirlwind of the Met Gala. Opting for an elegant yet understated approach, she paired a Helena Simon poppy brooch with a Destree hat and a vintage 1950s chiffon dress. Ramzi-Goettemann expressed admiration for the attendees' inventive headwear, particularly highlighting Alexandra E. Bell of Suzanne Couture Millinery, whose chic vintage Oscar de la Renta ensemble and hat exuded 1960s elegance. Another favored piece was a lily-of-the-valley hat by CB Design Sanctuary, worn by Lizzi Longley, which evoked a "Dior-esque romance."

Martha Stewart's Sentimental Return

Martha Stewart, a long-time supporter of the luncheon, reminisced about her childhood visits to Central Park with her father. Dressed in a gold Libertine coat and a vintage hat from Arts and Ends, embellished with a pink rose brooch by Helena Simon, she shared her joy in witnessing the dedication and creativity of the guests. Stewart emphasized the importance of the park and the event's ability to unite over 1400 women in a shared celebration of style and philanthropy.

Fendi Family's European Flair

The Fendi family, represented by Fe and her daughters Alessia and Paola, also graced the event with their distinct style. Fe, in a custom Emilia Wickstead, and her daughters, in Emilia Wickstead and vintage Mary McFadden respectively, showcased hats meticulously discovered during their European travels. Fe's Tracey Hilley hat was found in London, Alessia's raffia Patrizia Fabbri hat in Rome, and Paola chose a Eugenia Kim hat from her mother's collection. All accessorized with Fendi shoes and bags, they described the gathering as a vibrant display of "works of art."

Hill House Home's Founder: A Celebration of Style and History

Nell Diamond, founder and CEO of Hill House Home, expressed her admiration for a striking triangle-shaped delphinium hat. She wore a fascinator from Rebecca Gardner's shop, Houses and Parties, complementing her Hill House dress from the upcoming 'Sunset Gingham' capsule. Diamond also appreciated the awards presentation, which shed light on the dedicated individuals preserving Central Park's rich history.

Global Finds and Local Support

Marcella Hymowitz, founder of The Pearl NYC, showcased a vintage Yves Saint Laurent hat adorned with green cording and pearls, discovered during her travels in Paris. She paired it with a Zimmerman gown, evoking a 1920s botanical aesthetic. Hymowitz was particularly enchanted by a group of women whose hats were inspired by mahjong tiles, praising their "campy, beautifully executed" designs. She underscored the luncheon's significance as a unifying event, drawing participants from across regions to support Central Park's cleanliness and safety, and celebrated the vibrant display of personality and color that lights up New York's usually reserved fashion scene.

A Whimsical Homage to Central Park

Sarah Wetenhall, owner of the prestigious Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and Hedges Inn in East Hampton, presented a stunning Caroline Herrera dress with watercolor florals, paired with a custom CH Millinery hat. This unique headpiece, known for its theatrical designs, served as a personal tribute to Central Park, featuring whimsical bees around flowers—a detail Wetenhall found irresistible.

Culinary Delights and Refreshments

Guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail reception featuring Château d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel rosé and Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay. Following a scenic garden tour, they were seated at tables adorned with garden-themed linens and exquisite pastel arrangements of hydrangeas and roses, expertly crafted by Andrew Pascoe Flowers.

A Vision of Optimism

Despite a light drizzle, the event radiated joy and optimism. As Sarah Wetenhall aptly noted, the hat luncheon symbolizes the hopeful anticipation of "spring, sunshine, and warmer days ahead!"

Patricia Voto, the visionary behind "One/Of" atelier, has recently unveiled a stunning transformation of her Upper East Side workspace. For half a decade, this sun-drenched apartment has served as both her home and the creative hub where bespoke garments are born. Now, with the expert touch of interior designer Britt Zunino, the space has been meticulously re-envisioned to embody a harmonious blend of intimate domesticity and sophisticated sartorial artistry. Voto's goal was to create an environment where clients feel as comfortable as if they were visiting a friend, fostering an experience that is both inviting and inspiring, rather than formidable.

Voto's design philosophy centers on the textile itself. Each garment at One/Of begins its life not on a sketchpad, but with the tactile exploration of exquisite fabrics—Italian brocades, unexpected jacquards, and painterly florals. Many of these materials are sourced as deadstock or excess yardage from the very mills supplying prestigious houses like Oscar de la Renta and Prada, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and uniqueness. This approach, rescuing existing materials and reconfiguring them into singular pieces, is the essence of the brand's name, One/Of, signifying that every creation is truly one-of-a-kind. This unique process necessitates a client-designer interaction that is deeply personal and collaborative, making the physical space an indispensable element of the overall brand experience.

After five years, Voto felt the time was right to refresh her atelier, and she entrusted Britt Zunino, a co-founder of Studio DB, with the task. Zunino possessed a distinctive understanding of Voto’s vision, having first experienced the One/Of process as a client herself. This shared appreciation for vibrant hues, rich textures, and intricate patterns allowed for an immediate synergy between the two. Zunino's design ethos pushed the boundaries even further, embracing unusual combinations to create a truly distinctive aesthetic.

The entrance immediately sets a unique tone. A geometric brocade envelops the vestibule, creating a dense, graphic, and slightly whimsical ambiance reminiscent of Prada. This fabric ingeniously conceals doors leading to private areas, functioning both as a curtain and a clever camouflage. Above, a small, chinoiserie-inspired gold fixture casts a gentle glow, while a vintage cabinet anchors the corner, often accompanied by Rico, Voto’s rescue husky, adding to the homely charm. Zunino notes that this design choice was a strategic way to manage the apartment's existing architectural complexities, creating a sense of both concealment and revelation.

Beyond the vestibule, the main room unfolds into a softer, more expansive space. The walls are painted in a delicate Misty Blush by Benjamin Moore, complemented by a slightly darker pink molding that frames the room, infusing the light with warmth and casting a universally flattering glow. The ceiling captivates with Calico Supernova wallpaper, a Studio DB collaboration with Calico. Its gilded surface is adorned with starburst motifs and intricate stitching, drawing inspiration from embroidery and jewelry, adding a touch of celestial elegance. As Voto describes, the gold immediately draws the eye, followed by the discovery of the nuanced details layered upon it.

A luxurious, golden-toned rug covers the floor, providing a soft foundation for the room's low, inviting furniture. At the center, a marble table is surrounded by chairs, serving as the focal point for fittings. The surfaces are thoughtfully arranged with an eclectic collection of objects—a tulipiere, shell candlesticks by Sylvie MacMillan, a sculptural brown vase by Sophia Lou Jacobsen, and lacquered Chinese side tables from IME Vintage adorning the mantel—each piece contributing to a curated yet lived-in atmosphere.

One wall features densely layered fabric swatches, a working tapestry of florals against checks, brocades against stripes. This element, a fixture from before the redesign, was deliberately retained by Zunino, who remembered its charm from her first visit. It serves as an ongoing invitation for clients to select their fabric and envision their truly unique garment.

Opposite this display, the fitting area is discreetly tucked behind Schumacher curtains, adorned with soft florals and geometric trim. To amplify the shimmer of the gilt ceiling, Zunino integrated various lighting fixtures, opting for vintage pieces with rechargeable bulbs to avoid extensive rewiring. Their gentle uplight bathes the room in a warm, inviting glow.

The bathroom offers a more vibrant experience, featuring a hand-painted mural by Mitchell Moon. This dynamic composition unfurls across the walls and extends to the ceiling, with its looping, almost hallucinatory forms evolving organically with each visit from the artist. Voto recalls the mural's progressive expansion, transforming the bathroom into an exuberant, artistic statement.

In contrast, the bedroom provides a serene retreat. Painted in a muted, mossy green and featuring subtle millwork, it exudes a quiet, contained ambiance. Quilted bedding from Studio Ford layers the bed, while a Sixpenny sofa and Tennant New York lamps contribute to a sense of relaxed comfort. This room remained unfinished for years, serving as a private sanctuary where Voto and Zunino retreated. Completing it represented a shift towards nurturing internal tranquility, acknowledging that the magic of creation could coexist with personal repose.

Maintaining the showroom within a personal residence demands a meticulous daily routine. Each morning, before clients arrive, the apartment is reset—floors vacuumed, curtains straightened, candles lit—ensuring an effortless and polished presentation. Most clients remain unaware of this dual function, often inquiring about Voto's neighborhood residence, to which she playfully confirms her proximity. After five years, and now with its thoughtful renovation, the apartment has achieved a state of complete resolution. It functions as more than just a showroom or a home; it is a singular space where fashion is conceived, tailored, and inherently lived within.