The saying goes that April showers bring May flowers, and guests downtown broke out their finest rain gear, while hats — and not for the Kentucky Derby or coronation — could be seen for miles at a luncheon in Central Park.
To celebrate the opening of Gucci’s new boutique in the meatpacking district, the brand worked with Amy Sacco, the nightlife impresario behind the now-shuttered Bungalow 8 nightclubs, to stage a party on April 29 reminiscent of the neighborhood’s clubbing heyday. Celebrities, influencers, musicians and even a few self-proclaimed former club kids snacked on Jell-O shots while Disco, the longtime bouncer at Bungalow 8, worked the door. From 11:30 p.m. to about 12:30 a.m., Idris Elba, fresh off his set at Coachella, was the D.J.
A few days later, the Central Park Conservancy Women’s Committee held its 41st annual Frederick Law Olmsted awards luncheon on May 3 under a tent in the park’s Conservatory Garden. Philanthropists, socialites and even former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg — who posed for pictures hatless — gathered at 11 a.m. for the “hat lunch,” dressed in their best florals and headpieces. Attendees admired one another over a lunch of cucumber salmon salad, while Jenny Price, the president of the Women’s Committee, said that the event had raised $4.3 million, which is to go toward supporting and maintaining the park.
“I feel like we can mix in a pattern and color, also a little bit of creativity. You don’t need money. You can create your outfit and make this world a better place, also save the environment.” — Andrew Yu
“I really wanted to showcase a little bit of Black talent. That’s the hat and the pants. And I feel like that’s what’s anchoring my outfit.” — Darice Fadeyi
“Honestly, I wear birds every year. So it’s just something I really find fun and whimsical.” — Hana Warner Bitton
“It’s fun, it’s a wonderful party. I think people love to get dressed up, and it doesn’t happen very often. And this is the opportunity to do it.” — Betsy Smith
“I really did dress for comfort, like big clothes. I saw somewhere in some fashion blogs that you know, I was bringing baggy pants back. I was like, I’m not bringing them back, they’re just comfortable. But I feel like when you’re D.J.-ing, you’re sweating, you’re moving around, it’s nice to have that fluidity.” — Idris Elba
“I am wearing the first Gucci outfit I picked up in my closet, after writing on my couch all day to meet my deadline for the writers’ strike.” — Jeremy O. Harris
“It’s raining in New York. I’m from Vancouver so I had to come prepared for the rain. I don’t understand how people are here in open-toed shoes. I came in rain boots.” — Blake Abbie
The Most Dressed features great outfits from up, down and all around town.
