Stella Jacob, Sharon Jacob, and Catherine O’Neill – photo by Laurel Marcus
New York City is often described as a “concrete jungle,” a term popularized through film, music, and literature to convey a landscape dominated by buildings and infrastructure, with limited natural greenery.
Tablescape with mechanical butterflies, photo by Laurel Marcus
The NYBG’s current theme for the 23rd annual Orchid Show explores this idea with the mysterious, gas-masked, allegedly worn for allergy defense but never seen without it, celebrated street artist/designer Mr. Flower Fantastic (MFF) in the exhibition on view now through April 26.
Thursday night featured the annual Orchid Dinner at the Plaza Hotel, an event that transforms the venue into a vibrant oasis where both plants and guests showcase their creativity.
Martha Stewart, shopping for orchids, dressed in Michael Kors – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
In the Bronx, visitors can view life-size floral tableaus representing city life, including a brownstone, subway, trash can, dumpster, car wash with a floral taxi, laundromat with terrariums, pizzeria with a floral pepperoni pizza, and a newsstand, all presented as works of art.
Alexandra Longanecker wearing vintage Nina Ricci Couture 1988 – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
In Midtown Manhattan, many tablescapes reflected and expanded on this theme, featuring elements such as a decorated water tower, city skyline motifs, a graffiti-covered construction column, an NYBG subway sign, a Tiffany & Co. tribute with blue shopping bags, and illuminated butterflies reminiscent of Times Square. The event offered a vibrant visual experience.
Christopher Griffin AKA Plant Kween in a John Rogers pantsuit, – photo by Laurel Marcus
All 41 centerpieces were curated and donated by local floral designers and companies. Each designer was provided with a complete table setting to showcase their creativity, resulting in unique and imaginative displays.
Marilyn Kirschner and Joshua Kamei, photo by Laurel Marcus
Unlike previous years, the floral designers were not present at their tables, limiting opportunities for interaction. Mr. Flower Fantastic was also absent. The evening was sponsored by Emily P. Wheeler, Veranda, and Hearst, with jewelry by Wheeler displayed throughout the venue.
Pennlyn Woosley and Canaan Marshall, floral designer – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Guests included Alex Newell, Emily Wheeler, Martha Stewart, Plant Kween, Anne V., and others. Lead Chairs Susan and George Matelich. The evening’s Chairs were Sara Arno and Kevin Cornish, Allison and Trent Carmichael, Maureen K. and Richard L. Chilton, Jr., J. Barclay Collins II and Kristina Durr, Ravenel Curry and Jane Moss, Gillian Hearst, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Joan Jedell, Mary and Garrett Moran, Susan and Greg Palm, Steve and Tina Swartz, Tracy Tang, Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Weld.
Hilary Pereira with her “I Love New York” Table settings – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Guests also contributed to the event’s vibrant atmosphere, wearing festive attire that included floral patterns, bright colors, white, pastels, sequins, and beads. The emphasis was on bold, eye-catching fashion.
Laurel and a woman in a floral headdress – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
At the cocktail hour and rare orchid sale, the orchids sold out quickly. Initially, I was the only guest wearing floral headwear, but as the evening continued, more women appeared with similar headpieces, some crafted from live flowers.
Graffiti and Empire State Building inspired tablescapes – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The ever-exotic orchid seems to be having a moment, as witnessed at the Paris Haute Couture Dior show – designer JW Anderson festooned several models with orchids cascading down their necks and shoulders. Orchids as fashion accessories will always be iconic, much like the daily trademarks that make NYC “the place dreams are made of.”
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An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!