Toppers in the Garden

(NEW YORK) The Central Park Conservatory Garden looked more like Churchill Downs and less like the Upper East Side on Wednesday afternoon. Women in chapeaux of all shapes, sizes and ornamentations filed into the pastel confection known as the annual Frederick Olmsted Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Conservancy's Women's Committee.

There were fedoras, wide brims, bonnets, and fruit-basket numbers flocked with enough fleurs to delight the likes of Amy Fine Collins, Evelyn Lauder, Deborah Roberts, Cynthia Lufkin, Adelina Wong Ettelson, Morgan Fairchild, Susan Fales Hill and 1,200 others. "This is an incredible place to people-watch," said Gillian Miniter. In a sea of floral and straw, it was a diorama featuring grazing sheep that really turned heads. Even television personalities appeared modest in comparison. Martha Stewart snapped away at head-turning passersby, while Star Jones was one of the few guests who eschewed pastels. Glenda Bailey, who celebrated her O.B.E. the night before went hat-less, but she honored the afternoon's lunchy spirit by sporting none other than her beloved Oscar de la Renta. "I am in awe of all these beautiful things, but I just didn't get it together in time," the Bazaar-itrix admitted. "I have hat envy!"

"It never rains on our Conservancy luncheon," said Jamee Gregory, who was enjoying the eerily perfect day. "Except for the one time it did--and they gave us umbrellas!"

It was the very picture of a proper ladies' luncheon, with a small coterie of menfolk sprinkled in for good measure. "There are hundreds of beautiful women, but none of them are paying attention to me," joked Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Most people think this event is a chance for me to flirt!" But the afternoon concerns more serious matters--the festivities raised over $2.4 million for the park. Not bad for a leisurely lunch.
NOLA WEINSTEIN