The Winter Show 2024 Young Collectors Night Benefit

Indre Rockefeller, honoree Wes Gordon, Jamie Singer Soros – Photo by Matteo Prandoni for BFA

The 70th edition of The Winter Show opened to the public last Friday and runs through Sunday, January 28th. The Show’s acclaimed programming included curated presentations, panel discussions, a VIP lunch, and two special ticketed evenings. Thursday, January 18th, was the Opening Night Party, and they held their “Young Collectors Night” on Thursday evening.

Guest wearing green Issey Miyake center, surrounded by black – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The unquestionably spirited event, which ran from 6PM – 9PM, was sponsored by MUZO Emerald Colombia, Harridan Vodka, William Grant & Sons, and Tepozan. It featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music provided by DJ Jade Croo. In attendance were approximately 700 guests representing a new generation of philanthropists, collectors, interior designers, and art antique enthusiasts. The proceeds from the evening and from all ticket sales go to benefit the East Side House Settlement.

Left, Event Co-Chair Michael Diaz-Griffith and man in cape – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

This year’s honorees were Wes Gordon & Paul Arnhold. Co-Chairs were Joshua Barba-Hill, Kevin Barba-Hill, Sam Dangremond, Michael Diaz-Griffith, Laura Doyle, Allegra O. Eifler, Tiffany Farney, Justin Fichelson, Lucinda B. May, Madeline O’Malley, Camille Okhio, Margaret Schwartz, Anderson Somerselle, Elise Taylor, and Laura Webb.

Alexander Hankin in glittery Prada loafers with Polina Proshkina – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the guests were Host Committee members Alexander Hankin and Elizabeth Kurpis; Benefit Committee Members Polina Proshkina, Mercedes Guardiola, and Vogue’s Lilah Ramzi; Indre Rockefeller, a decidedly toned down Di Mondo, Sarah McLaughlin, and Jamie Singer Soros, wearing a red Carolina Herrera dress and a gold Bottega Veneta clutch.

A guest wearing an eclectic ethnic inspired look – Photo by Joshua Kamei/@Ladiesofmadisonave

The evening had a much different vibe from the opening night party held one week earlier. Not only was it a much younger crowd (many highly accomplished in their chosen fields), but the fashion was more interesting and far more eclectic. Guests dressed up and made an effort.

Of course, with the Carolina Herrera Creative Director as an honoree, one would expect to see a fashionable crowd and more than a smattering of Herrera dresses. Still, the event wasn’t as much about Herrera as it was about that diverse mix that defines fashion, especially here in New York.

Davide Stefanacci, Reem Abadi wearing white shirts and tuxedo jackets – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

There was old and new (great to see the young championing vintage), long and short, capes, statement coats, interesting takes on black tie dressing, lots of plush velvet, metallic, “bodycon” knit maxi dresses, a myriad of bows, and a smattering of headpieces here and there.

Guest carrying J. Crew silver paillette bag – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

“Jewel Box” was the suggested dress code, but this can mean anything since jewels come in all colors and a myriad of iterations. Many guests were literally bejeweled, whether it was an entire outfit, a handbag, or a pair of shoes; Alexander Hankin’s Prada loafers were almost blinding.

Audra Kiewiet de Jonge added eye brooches to her Kate Spade dress – Photo Joshua Kamei/@Ladiesofmadisonave

One woman really thought out of the (jewel) box. Art historian Audra Kiewiet de Jonge cleverly added small brooches to her vintage Kate Spade dress. The eye pins, representing the eyes of women artists throughout history, are a discourse on the idea of the “female gaze.”

“When people say why, I say why not. No rule says you can’t do more than one thing.”

Nell Rebowe

Second from left, John Munson, Nell Rebowe in Mary Katrantzou – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

It was hard not to notice the statuesque Nell Rebowe wearing a signature Mary Katrantzou dress, but she is far more than just a pretty face, flaming red hair, and legs that go on forever. Also known as Nell the Science Model, Ms. Rebowe attended Tulane University, where she studied Neuroscience and Business.

New York City Ballet soloist Gilbert Bolden 111 – Photo by Joshua Kamei/@Ladiesofmadisonave

The Louisiana native is a runway model on the cover of two dozen magazines. She currently works for Anavex Life Sciences Corp., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing treatments for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

Joe Andrew Hanson wearing Thom Browne – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Speaking of leggy, New York City Ballet soloist Gilbert Bolden 111 is proud of his well-toned legs and has no problem showing them off. Then there was Joe Andrew Hanson, a great-looking young man wearing Thom Browne. Joe is not only a model but a brilliant Stanford graduate who initially toyed with the idea of going into politics, though his love of fashion won him over.

“I’ve always been fond of red. I own a lot of pieces in the fiery color, but to see red tights have a moment this season is really sending me.”

Hélène Heath

Allegra Eifler, Jamie Singer Soros in red dresses with bows – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Naturally, many opted for black, but there was a lot of green (the color of money) in all shades and a lot of red, which never fails to stand out in a crowd.

Helene Heath in red – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

One woman who caught my eye was Hélène Heath, who wore a red off-the-shoulder midcalf dress, red tights, and red velvet kitten heel mules. The former stylist, content creator, and part-time freelance writer admits to having a fascination with red and, especially, red tights.

Guests taking in the incredible selection at Boccara Gallery – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Meanwhile, going back to The Winter Show the second time allowed me to see a few exhibits I somehow missed in the first go-round. As a modern art fan, I was stopped in my tracks by the selection at Boccara Gallery, a leading international gallery specializing in prestigious contemporary, antique tapestries, and artistic rugs by pioneers of modern art and design: Pablo Picasso, Jean Lurcat, Le Corbusier, Fernand Leger, Sonia Delaunay, Vassil Kandinsky and Alexander Calder.

Finally, even though this was called “Young Collectors’ Night,” not everyone was young chronologically. Young at Heart is a more apt description.

Latest Comments:

  4. Irene and Matt are so authentic! Love that they still do the live formats where we can ask questions or…

Marilyn Kirschner

I am a long time fashion editor with 40+ years of experience. As senior market of Harper's Bazaar for 21 years I met and worked with every major fashion designer in the world and covered all of the collections in Paris, London, Milan and New York. I was responsible for overall content, finding and pulling in the best clothes out there, and for formulating ideas and stories.

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