Floral Fashion Abounded at the Wonderland-Themed NYBG Conservatory Ball

The summer social season in New York is in full bloom—and if you needed any more evidence of that, one glance around the scene on the Lawn outside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory on Thursday evening would have convinced you. From the appliqués and embellishments on Oscar de la Renta gowns to the butterfly-shaped De Beers diamonds, flowers, nature, and fashion were co-mingling in everyone’s minds.   

This year’s Conservatory Ball was a hot commodity, with record attendance and an impressive fundraising target smashed. As well as a welcome excuse to get dolled up, the evening served to unveil the new Alice in Wonderland-inspired exhibit, “Wonderland: Curious Nature,” with its transportive flower shows and contemporary art installations instantly enthralling those in attendance.

A bout of unexpected rain earlier that day had left the Gardens in their most highly-saturated green glory, making for a mesmerizing backdrop when it came time for a golden hour cocktail reception. Real Housewives of New York stars Jessel Taank and Sai de Silva took a break from filming the latest season of the reality show to hotfoot it to the Bronx for the occasion. Despite a sizable chunk of glass being wedged in her foot in recent days, it would take more than that for de Silva to miss a party. Proving where there’s a will, there’s a way underneath her lavender lace Oscar gown, she opted for comfort first in a pair of very on-trend jelly sandals. 

The annual black-tie bash, which raises funds to further world-renowned education and programming, is always a draw for budding young philanthropists, the NYBG's most ardent supporters, and fashion favorites to up the ante with flora and fauna references. Creative director Marcus Teo had transformed his classic Christian Dior tuxedo blazer with additional blooms, Sophie Elgort opted for a statement Akris suit with an ombré print, and TV host Sophie Sumner's butterfly-adorned Cynthia Rowley two-piece set was optimal for twirling the night away in. Tina Leung, longtime friend of Oscar de la Renta co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, did the designers proud in an ethereal cape-sleeve gown that complimented her candy floss pink hair, while Kim herself was the perfect poster child for the brand in a gorgeous mini.

After posing up a storm against the day-glo mushrooms, or rather, the ‘Shrumen Lumen’ sculptures by FoldHaus made famous by their appearances at Burning Man, the whimsical fun continued inside the Conservatory Tent. A seated multi-course dinner awaited, as this year’s honorees William D. Rueckert and his aptly-named wife Fleur were welcomed to the stage and commended for their family’s commitment to the Garden.

Before the rhubarb tartlets had even been dropped, the checkered vinyl dance floor was already the place to be as a disco-infused poppy set kicked off, thanks to DJ Runna. Art scholar and curator Isolde Brielmaier, who was kitted out in a yet-to-debut sparkly Lingua Franca top and simple slip skirt, said she’s been to 15 galas this season and couldn’t bear the thought of putting on another gown. Proving she saved the best for last—both in terms of outfit and occasion—she led attendees in a rendition of the 1970s classic, the Electric Slide, across the floor before hanging up her dancing shoes and heading out into the night.