PHOTO ESSAY AND TEXT BY DANIEL KWAK | Although it’s a fundraiser for the gardens, art, public programs, and operations of Chelsea’s iconic elevated park, the High Line Hat Party has the character of a proper June Pride Gala—full of color, thematic hats, and, yes, a runway.

That runway, like the event itself, draws inspiration from, organizers note, “ball culture and the clubs and parties that have inhabited the Meatpacking District and Chelsea for decades.”

Chelsea Community News stationed a small portrait booth at the June 13 event’s check-in area, and photographed many hats inspired by the High Line itself, shaped with fresh flowers, among other things. The incoming rainstorm no doubt freshened up these creations throughout the night.

Many hats paid homage to other NYC locations. One of the new Hudson Yards buildings down the street made a silvery appearance, as did the Vessel.

After the runway show, a group of judges (including NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver) decided that Jacinta Stewart earned first place. Stewart’s hat, shaped like a beehive and resplendent with shimmery ribbons and attached honeybees, was an artistic statement on the importance of honeybees in our ecosystem. “If I die, we all die,” read an attached, Post-it-like note. DJ duties by the legendary NYC drag queen Lady Bunny kept the crowd on their toes.

BITE caterers joined in the party’s thematic fun. Many of the small bites were served in fun, hat-like ways. One server wore a hat made of barbed wire, with each of the barbs holding a dangling piece of prosciutto, like a Christmas tree ornament. Another server wore a collar of hot dog buns, while another, nearby, served up your dog in a wiener-filled hat that looked like a wedding cake.

This was the only the second annual High Line Hat Party. With all the effort, style, and creativity shown throughout the night, this is well on its way to becoming one of Pride Month’s great kick-off events.

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