Each spring, a stylish group of Miami women trade palm trees for cherry blossoms, flying north to attend the Central Park Conservancy’s Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon — affectionately dubbed “The Hat Luncheon.” Though it may seem paradoxical to increase one’s carbon footprint for a conservation cause, the event raises more than $4 million annually to support the care and preservation of New York’s iconic Central Park.
Among the attendees representing Miami flair is Suzy Buckley Woodward, founder of the bespoke hat design company Shapoh. Alongside a circle of equally stylish friends, she brings a touch of South Florida glamour to the grand tent set beneath the park’s lush spring canopy.
The luncheon isn’t just a fundraiser — it’s a runway of haute headwear. This year’s sea of statement hats included exquisite designs from Suzanne Newman of Suzanne Couture Millinery, a favorite of icons like Martha Stewart and philanthropist Pamela Barbey. Christine A. Moore, the official hat designer for the Kentucky Derby, adorned BroadwayHD founder Bonnie Comley, while Eric Javitz, best known for designing Melania Trump’s inaugural hat, crowned countless guests in his signature styles.
At its core, the event supports the Central Park Conservancy’s mission: to maintain and improve Central Park for the enjoyment of all. The organization restores landscapes, repairs historic structures, and ensures the park remains a clean, green, and welcoming haven in the heart of Manhattan.
For Miami’s fashion-forward philanthropists, it’s more than a day under the tent — it’s a commitment to preserving urban green spaces, blending style with substance for a cause that transcends city limits.