There's no more magical a place to be in the rain than the New York Botanical Gardens...

While last night wasn't exactly wonderful weather for gowns (unless you're a dry cleaner), that didn't stop New York's society staples from sporting their most festive frocks and wondering the gorgeous grounds during cocktail hour of the garden's annual Conservatory Ball.

The black-tie affair, which was generously sponsored by De Beers Jewellers, Hearst and Bartlett Tree Experts, was a celebration of NYBG's brilliant summer exhibition, Around the Table: Stories of the Foods We Love.

Any onlooker none the wiser though would have thought the theme of the lively evening pink, with a number of guests dressed in an array of blushing shades.

A sparkling parade of diamonds were also prominently on display - with everyone from Gillian Hearst, Elsa Majimbo, Ivy Getty, Olivia Palermo and Jessica Wang to Lili Buffett, Ariana Rockefeller, Jenny Cipoletti and Marigay McKee modeling De Beers beauties.

Following cocktails, guests strolled into the Conservatory Tent to dine at tables blooming with fruits and flowers and dance to the soundtrack of DJ Kiss.

Curious to see inside the stylish soiree?

[Photos by BFA]

Gillian Hearst

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