Socialites and stars come out for Central Park ‘hat lunch’

On Wednesday, Manhattan’s high socialites and a slew of stars placed on their fanciest fascinators for the Central Park Conservancy’s Women’s Committee Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon — famously often known as the “hat lunch” — which raised $4.3 million for the park.

New York favourite Mariska Hargitay, who performs Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” attended for the primary time this yr, with writer Ali Wentworth. 

“Central Park is what gave me freedom and house once I moved to New York and I used to be overwhelmed by the concrete jungle and the climate and the darkness,” Hargitay advised Page Six. “I got here in right here and acquired peace and acquired rejuvenated. It’s a spot of so many reminiscences. It’s a sanctuary.” 

Hargitay donned a beige hat with a bow, and advised us, “I borrowed it from a buddy. I don’t have any hats like this. I promise subsequent yr I’ll come and symbolize.”

Actress and comedian Wentworth advised us that she and her pal Hargitay typically stroll collectively within the park.

“I stroll six miles a day daily in Central Park. I couldn’t survive with out it throughout COVID,” Wentworth advised us. 

She mentioned of selecting her flower fascinator, “I constructed my complete outfit round it… I attempted quite a lot of hats on and [picked one], to begin with, that will keep on my head, and that I appreciated.”

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg was noticed mingling amidst the floral desk settings and shaking arms with attendees sipping Whispering Angel wine in sky-high bonnets, feathered fascinators and wide-brimmed boaters. 

Bloomberg has been an everyday on the occasion for years — and makes an excellent hype man. 

“The park is New York,” Bloomberg advised us. “It’s one of many nice issues we now have. It’s what differentiates us from each different place on the planet. There isn’t any such factor as a greater park. It’s open to everyone and everyone participates.” 

Also making the rounds have been Katie Couric, ballerina Misty Copeland, Martha Stewart and her energy p.r. pal Susan Magrino, plus powerhouse socialites Gillian Miniter, Serena Miniter, Elyse Newhouse, Muffie Potter Aston, Fe Fendi, Alexandra Lebenthal, Lela Rose, Margo Nederlander, Yesim Philip and Jenny Price.

The lunch has been held for 41 years.

CEO of the Central Park Conservancy Elizabeth W. Smith advised us, “Every on occasion we predict we have to refresh the concept, however really it’s such an exquisite social gathering and folks have such an exquisite time. It’s not damaged. Everyone likes to dress up.”