All photos by Marilyn Kirschner
Is it my imagination, or does The Winter Show Opening Night Party constantly collide with what has to be the coldest weather of the year? I can’t think of anything more inviting on a frigid winter’s night than sipping champagne, eating sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, and listening to live jazz while perusing aisles filled with exceptional antiques and fine art worldwide. I’m not alone.
Polina Proshkina
Approximately 1400 guests turned up at the historic Park Avenue Armory last evening to celebrate The Winter Show’s 71st Anniversary benefiting East Side House Settlement. The fair, which runs through Sunday, February 2, celebrates 5000 Years of Art, Antiques, and Design, where artists, designers, and their devotees ascend en masse to the Wade Thompson Drill Hall.
Tiffany lamps at Macklowe Gallery
The hall is transformed into a palace of the posh and precious, with myriad works ranging from paintings. It works on paper, fine furniture, and design for jewelry and contemporary ceramics and glass.
Michael Avedon and Wendy Goodman, Honorary Design Chair of the Winter Show
Christine, John Gachot, Elizabeth Graziolo, and David Netto serve as Design Council Co-Chairs this year. Wendy Goodman, the renowned critic and design editor at New York magazine/Vox Media, has returned for her 11th year as Design Council Honorary Chair.
The show’s presenting sponsor is Chubb, while Bank of America served as the Opening Night Party Sponsor. The event also functions as an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community resource in the South Bronx. Proceeds from the opening night party, all events, and tickets will benefit East Side House Settlement, which provides critical services and resources to over 14,000 Bronx and northern Manhattan residents.
Mrs. Renate Zimet by Andy Warhol
With 71 dealers from across the Americas and Europe, the 2025 edition of The Winter Show shares the finest museum-quality works with an international audience of collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts. Alongside its impressive fair offerings, The Show will continue hosting its acclaimed events: Young Collector’s Night on January 30, honoring Adam Eli & Adam Charlap Hyman, and Connoisseur’s Night on the 31st.
Tinu Naja
Of course, the main event is always the Opening Night Party, from 5 to 9, considered to be the kick-off social event of the new year. Scaled ticket prices range from $25,000, which will provide college scholarships for 5 East Side House graduates, to $350 for those arriving in the last hour, and it’s an exclusive affair that makes you feel like part of something truly special.
Louise Nevelson Jewelry at Didier Ltd.
Among the many highlights for me were the incredible jewelry (David Webb especially) and iconic Tiffany lamps at Macklowe Gallery, the fantastical jewelry by artists (Picasso, Dali, Nevelson) and designers on display by Didier and Martine Haslpeslagh’s of Didier Ltd.
Tom Wesselmann’s Smoking Cigarette #1, 1980, oil on wood and masonite, Formica base at Galerie Gmurzynska
Also, the artwork at Galerie Gmurzynska (Portrait of a Youth (Jünglingsportrait) ca. 1912, Alexej Von Jawlensky (1864-1941) and Tom Wesselmann’s Smoking Cigarette #1, 1980; Andy Warhol’s portrait of Mrs. Renate Zimet at French & Company; a sculpture by David d’Angers (1788-1856). One of the most important sculptors of the 19th century, David, was lauded by Victor Hugo as the Michelangelo of Paris.
Among the notable guests were Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor, Coco Kopelman, Jill Kargman, Wendy Goodman, art patron Alexander Hankin, Michael Avedon (Richard’s nephew and an accomplished photographer in his own right), Joan Jedell, and Lucinda Ballard. Many brought their fashion a-game.
Jamee Gregory in Chanel with Peter Gregory
There was Jamee Gregory in Chanel, Nicky Hilton in a spotted leopard coat with massive fur trim, Hilary Geary Ross in a coat of many colors that rivaled Joseph’s, Martha Stewart dripping in gilded satin and sable, the always colorful Tinu Naja, Av Mark, and Polina Proshkina wearing a sculptural design from LVMH Prize winner, BETTTER x Gieves & Hawkes.
The evening must have been very bittersweet for Coco Kopelman and their daughter, Jill Kargman. This is the first year in many that Arie Kopelman (Coco’s husband and Jill’s father), who passed away in October, was not somehow involved with the show or in attendance. It was a poignant reminder of his absence that we all felt deeply.
The former President and COO of Chanel (1986- 2004) was a passionate philanthropist and avid collector who served as Chairman of the Winter Show from 1995 – 2018. The accompanying 256-page catalog devoted an entire section in Arie’s honor, and deservedly so. Arie was fondly remembered by many for his warmth, vision, passion, leadership, humor, and style.
Latest Comments:
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!
Such a fun and bold take on fashion! Love how this collection brings a fresh, playful energy to the scene.
Beautifully written with fashion, identity, and branding intelligence!
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.