If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your winter, you might want to check out the New York Botanical Garden’s 21st annual orchid show titled “Florals in Fashion”. This year, the show features more than 10,000 orchids from around the world, displayed in stunning arrangements that showcase their beauty and diversity in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
The show opens on Saturday and celebrates the use of flowers in fashion.
NYBG’s President Jennifer Bernstein said the institution decided to highlight the relationship between orchids and fashion because the flowers have long served as inspiration for designers.
One fun feature this year is that guests are encouraged to wear their favorite floral outfits.
“There’s a lot to take in and I’m sure that visitors are going to love it,” said Bernstein.
Bernstein said she was excited about their collaborations with three artists: Olivia Cheng, the fashion designer behind Dauphinette; Hillary Taymour, who founded Collina Strada; and botanical artist Kristen Alpaugh.
There will be three different mannequin installations to showcase the artists’ orchid-inspired designs, which are mostly made from living plants or sustainable materials.
Bernstein said the designers spent months collaborating with the garden’s horticulturists to bring the designs to life.
Taymour agreed to this year’s show because figuring out how to design “clothes” out of plants challenged her creativity.
Incorporating live orchids into wearable fashion was no easy task. “Orchids need a lot more love than you would think,” Taymour said. “So working with them in these structures was a little bit trickier but ultimately makes it more beautiful.”
NYBG is also bringing back its “Orchid Nights” for the 21-and-up crowd, which will happen every Friday and Saturday from March 30 until April 20.
Bernstein said the parties will take place in the conservatory, and they’ll feature food, drinks and voguing performances by the Iconic International House of Miyake Mugler.
“People can take in the show at night when it’s beautiful,” Bernstein said. “The conservatory is really magical. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
You can explore the different habitats and regions where orchids grow, from tropical rainforests to mountain peaks, and learn about their fascinating history and culture. The show also includes live music, lectures, workshops, and tours, as well as a special orchid marketplace where you can buy your own plants and accessories. The show runs from February 17 to April 21, so don’t miss this chance to see these amazing flowers in bloom!
Tickets start at $35 for adults and $15 for kids aged 2 to 12. For more information visit here.
