Celebrities 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.

Colloquially known as the ‘hat lunch’ because of the unofficial dress code – hats – the lunch has a rich history. Founded in 1983, the annual event has raised more than $200 million in support of the park’s initiatives. The beloved philanthropic event, held in the picturesque Conservatory Garden, is more than just a fundraiser: it’s an opportunity for guests to celebrate the park while donning impressive headgear.

Although 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 included Michael Bloomberg, Martha Stewart, ballerina Misty Copeland, Joan Rivers, Katie Couric, Bette Midler, Evelyn Lauder, Eleanor Kennedy and designers such as Lela Rose, Francisco Costa, Tory Burch, Zac Posen, Veronica Swanson Beard, Veronica Miele Beard and milliner Gigi Burris.

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

Finding the 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 attended the event for more than two decades. “Every year I go to her house, and I try them all on and try to figure out what I can build an outfit around,” Wentworth told WWD.

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

For many in the audience, buying a hat especially for the occasion is part of tradition. In 2017, Juliette Long wore a repurposed hat from her daughter’s birthday party made by Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady; that same year, Julie Macklowe wore a vintage hat from Chelsea boutique New York Vintage. And in 2023, designer Andrew Yu created an entire 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 cause and raise awareness about so much waste in fashion and fast fashion,” Yu said of his colorful, upcycled pom-pom ensemble.

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

Although most guests lean into the occasion, hats are not a requirement. Bloomberg went without in 2023, and in 2019 Brooke Shields also unintentionally attended the event without a hat. “I completely forgot about it and started looking 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 middle section. I steal something from the table and put it on my head. It would probably work.”

And hats aren’t the only tradition at the luncheon: as a parting gift, attendees will receive a colorful Central Park Conservancy umbrella from Wathne Ltd.