Last evening Avenue magazine and Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours held a cocktail reception in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. Though the weather was dismal the gang still turned out to socialize in an interesting if rambling setting: a labyrinthine penthouse apartment with a right off CPW (W. 77th St) address — for sale and listed with Douglas Elliman.

“The Brunette Contingent” From left to right: Maria Estrada, Sofia Molina, Adriana Luque, Monica Luque, & Chloe Koo

The “society blondes”, many from the committee that chairs the annual May “hat” luncheon were out in full force, at least those who weren’t at the “children’s gala” (NYSPCC) — one brave soul — Katlean DeMonchy in a beautiful gold brocade jacket and long skirt, even made her way over from the Metropolitan Club affair.

Randi Schatz, Kathy Reilly, Katlean de Monchy and Christine Miller Martin

Others in attendance included Avenue’s Publisher Randi Schatz, Editor-in-Chief and well known author Michael Gross, CP Conservancy Woman’s Committee President Suzie Aijala, Eleonora Kennedy (working the election day angle cheekily with an “It’s Mueller time” button), Roy Kean, Barbara Poliwoda, Janna Bullock, Peter Thomas Roth, Emma Snowdon-Jones,  and Lauren Day Roberts.

Wendy Diamond and Amy Rosi

Brand developer Amy Rosi, Adele Nino, and Don and Katrina Peebles who were a bit “tardy to the party” making an appearance just as things were closing down, as well as several representatives from both Douglas Elliman and Scenic Cruises trying valiantly to sell their wares. The event was also to fete Avenue’s “Power Elite List” which made its debut in the October issue of the magazine although just a fraction of the 400 listed were in attendance.

Joycelyn Engel

I spotted only two chapeaus adorning attendees including Robin Cofer all in black with a jeweled cloche, and a larger straw brimmed topper worn by film producer Joycelyn Engel. I asked if she donned the lid specifically for tonight? “No, I always wear hats,” she said. “I quit wearing them for a few years and now I’m back to them.”

Julianne Michelle

Her daughter Julianne Michelle showed off another accessory — her leather and jeweled cuff bracelet from her own collection — Juls New York.

Left: Suzie Aijala, President of the Conservancy’s Women’s Committee

The Frederick Law Olmstead Awards Luncheon is “the Super Bowl of hat wearing in New York” according to CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund milliner Gigi Burris, who attended this past May in a hat of her own design as well as designing a hat for one of the hostesses, Shelley Carr. The event is also “a who’s who of society, power, politics” and has only grown in popularity over the past three decades.

Dr. Monica Jennifer Kapoor

Interesting to note that the “ladies-who-lunch-in-increasingly-outrageous-hats” are not to be sneered at, particularly when it comes to their fundraising abilities. “Since its 1983 formation, the Central Park Conservancy’s Women’s Committee has raised a staggering total of $150 million,” according to Avenue.

Venetian glass chandelier

The triplex apartment on the 14/15/16 floors features 14 rooms, 6 baths, a double height living room with pink and blue Venetian glass chandelier — the crystals are apparently interchangeable with other colors crystals — plus outdoor space with dramatic views of the park and city. Despite the dankness, a few hearty revelers ventured out to fill their eyes and lungs with the unending promise of yet another Manhattan night on the town.

– Laurel Marcus

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