“The Young and the Rested”- All photos by Marilyn Kirschner
The 71st edition of The Winter Show ran from Friday, January 24th, through Sunday, February 2nd. Its celebrated programming included curated presentations, panel discussions, a VIP lunch, and two special ticketed evenings. Thursday, January 23rd, was the Opening Night Party, and the “Young Collectors Night” was held last Thursday evening.
One of NY’s most anticipated art world events brought many of New York’s most discerning collectors, art lovers, interior designers, and design enthusiasts together for a special night celebrating worldly treasures while giving back to an important cause. All proceeds from the event directly support East Side House Settlement.
“The Winter Show is extraordinary because it acts as a survey of exquisite pieces from different times and places all over the world. Having all these galleries showing under the same roof is a real education.” – Young Collectors Night honoree Adam Charlap Hyman.
Honorees Adam Charlap Hyman and Adam Eli are in blue suits accessorized with Verdura pins.
The night’s honorees were acclaimed interior designer and Charlap Hyman & Herrero cofounder Adam Charlap Hyman and his fiancé Adam Eli, an influential writer, LGBTQ activist, and writer-at-large for CULTURED.
Co-Chairs include Joshua Barba-Hill, Kevin Barba-Hill, Sam Dangremond, Laura Doyle, Tiffany Farney, Justin Fichelson, Camille Okhio, Madeline O’Malley, Margaret Schwartz, Anderson Somerselle, Elise Taylor, and Laura Day Webb co-chaired the evening.
Guests danced into the night to music by Oscar Nñ, cofounder and resident DJ of Papi Juice, and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Canard and wine by Faire La Fêteand Evaton. Fine spirits were exclusively provided by DIAGEO, which featured an immersive exhibit of the 2024 Special Release Collection of Single Malt Scotch. There was gridlock at the bar as guests waited for their Vodka Espressos, which take time to make.
Artist Larry Bentley and Eula Johnson wearing a hat gifted to her by Bill Cunningham.
Eight hundred guests were in attendance, and they were not all chronologically young; some were young-ish, and others were young at heart. The event welcomed diverse guests, and nobody checks your birth certificate at the door.
There was Robert Couturier, the French architect and decorator best known for designing Cuixmala, formerly the estate of British-French billionaire Sir James Goldsmith; fashion designer Wes Gordon (last year’s honoree along with husband Peter Arnhold); and Coach creative director Stuart Vevers.
Olga Sorokina & Polina Proshkina wearing The Row.
Other guests included Vogue photographer Hunter Abrams, Ladies of Madison Avenue’s Joshua Kamei, marketing and communications consultant and cast member of RHONY Season 15 Brynn Whitfield, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Polina Proshkina, Olga Sorokina, Alexander Hankin, Elizabeth Kurpis, Av Mark, artist Larry Bentley, and Eula Johnson, who was wearing a chapeau gifted to her by Bill Cunningham shortly before his passing.
A mismatched pant and jacket in shimmery Meditteranean blue.
Aside from the eclectic NY mix, what made the evening especially enchanting was this year’s event had a theme: the legendary Island of Capri, beautifully situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea. With its deep, clear blue waters that can appear turquoise depending on the time of day, it’s one of my favorite travel destinations.
Coincidentally, it’s obvious that many fashion designers want to escape to a beautiful seaside island, as evidenced by the spring 2025 ready-to-wear collections, which contain myriad aquatic, maritime, and nautical references, some more subtle than others.
A guest accessorized her flowy blue dress with an enormous pearl collar.
The suggested dress code on Thursday night was “Grotto Formal.” Looking around, it is evident that many guests had heeded it. Think Mediterranean blue, pearls, iridescence, shimmery mermaid skirts, chic caftans, and shells.
RHONY cast member Brynn Whitfield in a turquoise Tamara Mellon caftan.
Among the many standouts was Brynn Whitfeld, wearing a turquoise Tamara Mellon caftan. I could easily imagine Brynn sitting poolside at the glorious Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri, sipping an aperitif.
Julio Torres wearing a massive gold metal fish pendant
Julio Torres wore a massive goldmetal fish pendant. One woman paired her flowing blue printed dress with a massive pearl collar.
Caleb Kane wears a DIY shell encrusted jacket.
Caleb Kane, known as “The Social Gardener” on Instagram, created his DIY design by pinning shells of different sizes and colors (some he had, others purchased on eBay) to his taupe corduroy pantsuit. The pins were given post-style earring backings and glued to the shells with strong E6000 glue.
Caleb wins my award for “Most Creative!” His unique outfit was just one example of the creativity that filled the event, engaging all who attended.
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.