Notable Guests at the Central Park Hat Luncheon Through the Years

Springtime in Central Park delivers a cherished tradition: the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy.

Known colloquially as the “hat luncheon” for its unofficial dress code — hats — the luncheon boasts a rich history. Established in 1983, the annual event has raised more than $200 million to support the park’s initiatives. Held in the picturesque Conservatory Garden, the beloved philanthropic event is more than just a fundraiser — it’s an opportunity for guests to celebrate the park while donning impressive headwear.

While the society event is known for its focus on colorful and extravagant accessories rather than celebrity guests, prominent figures have shown their support over the years. Attendees have included Michael Bloomberg, Martha Stewart, ballerina Misty Copeland, Joan Rivers, Katie Couric, Bette Midler, Evelyn Lauder, Eleanor Kennedy and designers like Lela Rose, Francisco Costa, Tory Burch, Zac Posen, Veronica Swanson Beard, Veronica Miele Beard and milliner Gigi Burris.

“The park is the city’s single greatest asset,” said Lizzie Tisch in 2013. “It’s our responsibility to make sure it stays beautiful.”

Finding a perfect hat for the occasion has become a time-honored tradition. In 2023, actresses Ali Wentworth and Mariska Hargitay borrowed their hats from women’s committee board member Sharon Jacob, who has been attending the event for more than 20 years. “Every year I go over to her house, and I try them all on and I try to figure out what I can build an outfit around,” Wentworth told WWD.

In 2016, Jean Shafiroff shared that her black-and-white checkered hat had also informed her outfit choice. “I was all set to wear flowers, and then I said ‘No, I love this hat,’” said Shafiroff. “And then I went to my closet and I found this jacket.”

For many in the crowd, sourcing a hat just for the occasion is part of the tradition. In 2017, Juliette Long wore a repurposed a hat from her daughter’s birthday party, made by Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady; the same year, Julie Macklowe wore a vintage hat from Chelsea boutique New York Vintage. And in 2023, designer Andrew Yu created a full look using fashion waste sourced from the Community Center Westchester. “I wanted to make something to show my creativity, and also to support a good charity and raise awareness of so much wastage in fashion and fast fashion,” said Yu of his colorful upcycled pom-pom ensemble.

While ensembles often start with the hat, for others, the frock comes first. “For me it’s first the dress and then the hat — because it’s an accessory,” said Fe Fendi in 2018.

While most guests lean into the occasion, hats are not a requirement. Bloomberg went without in 2023, and in 2019, Brooke Shields also inadvertently attended the event sans hat. “I completely forgot and went to go look for hats and had zero,” she said. “I literally said, ‘I don’t think I can go.’ Then I thought, maybe I’ll just take a centerpiece. I’ll steal something from the table and put it on my head. It would probably work.”

And hats aren’t the luncheon’s only accessory tradition: as a parting gift, attendees are handed a colorful Central Park Conservancy umbrella by Wathne Ltd.