Pyramid Sunflower by Cyril Lancelin, 2025 photo by Marilyn Kirschner
On Thursday evening, 525 guests happily made the pilgrimage to attend the 50th Anniversary Conservatory Ball. More than $2,250,000 was raised. Proceeds from the event support the New York Botanical Garden’s preeminent botanical research, educational programs for children, and horticulture initiatives.
The black-tie event (cocktail reception, elegant dinner, and dancing under the glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory) honored philanthropist and NYBG Trustee Edward P. Bass for his dedicated service to the Garden and advocacy for plant science.
NYBG Chair, J. Barclay Collins ll, CEO and President Jennifer Bernstein, Honoree Edward K Bass, Sasha Bass, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as Elie Saab, The Bancorp, Bartlett Tree Experts, Hearst, Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, and Perrier-Jouët. Their contributions, including the dispensing of much-needed liquid refreshments, were instrumental in the evening’s festivities.
Lead Chairs were Maureen K. and Richard L. Chilton, Jr. Chairs included Ravenel Curry and Jane Moss, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Jill Joyce, Deborah and Charles Royce, and Kate and Robert Bartlett.
Cocktails and Sunflowers, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
This year’s Conservatory Ball celebrates the NYBG’s summer exhibition, Van Gogh’s Flowers, a botanical celebration of one of the world’s most revered painters. The new exhibition draws inspiration from van Gogh, whose depiction of the sunflower fields found in Arles, France, has in part made them legendary.
Taking its cue from van Gogh’s love of the natural world, the NYBG becomes the canvas for Vincent’s colorful brush strokes, and his iconic paintings are brought to life in a new way.
Amie J. Jacobsen’s flower sculptures, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Through amazing plant and floral displays, paintings, sculptures, and large-scale contemporary installations both inside and outside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, this multimedia show thoughtfully examines Van Gogh, his passions, mental health struggles, and artistic achievements.
Stella Jacob in Oscar de la Renta, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The collaborative efforts of contemporary artists (Cyril Lancelin, Lee Baker, and Catherine Borowski of Graphic Rewilding and Amie J. Jacobsen), in addition to the park’s horticulturists, scientists, and educators, transformed the NYBG into a living, breathing botanical masterpiece. Their work brought van Gogh’s flowers to life, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience for all who attended.
Sharon Jacob, a Chair of the event, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Guests wandered through the breathtaking lawn of monumental sunflowers, botanical displays and large-scale art. In attendance were NYBG Chair J. Barclay Collins ll, CEO & President Jennifer Bernstein, members of the 50th Anniversary Committee Cecilia and Stella Jacob, Hope Chilton, and Kerry Joyce, Trustee Holly Lowen, Brittny Gasteneau, Andrew Werner, Landon Nordeman, Gillian Miniter, Jean Shafiroff, R. Couri Hay, Jana Bullock, Joshua Kamei and fashion designers Victor dE Souza and Bach Mai.
Laurel Marcus in iris blue gown, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The beauty of the Garden and the theme of the night itself served as sartorial inspiration for many. There was a smattering of sunflower yellow and iris blue.
James Aguiar in Etro, photo by Laurel Marcus
Several men, like James Aguiar in Etro, wore floral-printed dinner jackets. Some men wore jeweled floral brooches or flowers in their lapels. Several couples were perfectly harmonized. “My only job in life, and the only one I’m well suited for, is to coordinate with my wife,” deadpanned one husband.
Jean Shafiroff in a gown by Victor dE Souza, photo by Laurel Marcus
Colors inspired by botanicals and floral prints dominated the night. Some were admittedly more ‘garden variety’ than others. You can always count on Jean Shafiroff to make a grand entrance. She not only wore the most enormous gown; the cornflower blue Victor dE Souza creation was the most elaborate by far.
Marilyn Kirschner, photo by Laurel Marcus
Looking at my colorful Christopher John Rogers dress, accessorized with a vintage necklace made of glass flowers, loads of bangles, and an evil eye clutch, the evening’s honoree, Edward P. Bass, remarked, “There’s so much to look at, just like a garden!” I think he meant that as a compliment lol!
The NYBG Conservatory Ball, typically held on the first Thursday in June, was rescheduled for the last Thursday in May. This event is one of the last high-profile soirees on the calendar as the 2025 spring social season winds down and everything begins to head out east.
The calendar might change, but one thing stays the same: every year, the NYBG gives us another reason to schlep from Manhattan or Brooklyn (or parts unknown) up to the Bronx.
