Autumn - Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness... and charity galas.
As always, New York's social calendar runneth over with black tie affairs this fall. Whether you're an established donor trying to fill a table or an aspiring patron of the arts curious to get in on the after party, you'll want to be sure to keep these dates open.
Oh and heads up - October 16th in particular is a real Sophie's Choice of a party pickle.
THE BOYS' CLUB OF NEW YORK FALL DANCE
Wednesday, October 4th
This annual shindig is in its 70-somethingth year and going strong, with a fashionable crowd always to be expected. We still remember a few years back, looking across the ballroom at The Pierre, seeing a sophisticated blonde sauntering in late well into the dinner, wearing an orange flowy blouse under a navy blue sequin strewn strapless gown, thinking - good for her trying to be different. That women it turns out was Tory Burch.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET'S FALL GALA
Thursday, October 5th
Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Naomi Watts, Georgina Bloomberg and more invite you for a fashionable night at the New York City Ballet to celebrate the Company's 75th anniversary. Known as the Fashion Gala, even the evening's performers will be dressed up for the affair, with Carolina Herrera's Wes Gordon dreaming up the costumes for the dance program.
GOD'S LOVE WE DELIVER GOLDEN HEART AWARDS
Monday, October 16th
When Anna Wintour's the Honorary Chairwoman of an event, you know it's going to be a capital t Thing.
God's Love We Deliver really is one of the best charities in New York, working to deliver thoughtful, nutritious meals to those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses. At this year's awards dinner, Scarlett Johansson and Ben Platt will be honored for their work in food, hunger and inclusion, with many fashion faces and Hollywood sure to be in attendance to support.
THE FRICK COLLECTION'S AUTUMN DINNER
Monday, October 16th
Imagine having, like, the best house to throw a party in, but it's currently under construction / has been for what feels like forever. Though the Metropolitan Club is cool and all, fingers crossed this is the last Frick Collection Autumn Dinner not at The Frick!
NEW YORK ACADEMY OF ART'S 'TAKE HOME A NUDE' PARTY & AUCTION
Monday, October 16th
Art for art(ist)'s sake! Dubbed "the sexiest art auction of the year," the New York Academy of Art's 'Take Home A Nude' sees hundreds of donated works by major artists auctioned off to benefit the school's creative programming and scholarships. The sale and dinner will take place at Sotheby's, with a CVS-receipt-length list of a Benefit Committee on tap to help bid up the prices and bring the party.
MAD BALL
Monday, October 23rd
The Museum of Arts and Design's annual ball is by far one of the more sartorially festive social events of the season. The vibe is fun, the crowd is a mix, and people really go for it.
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE'S FALL GALA
Tuesday, October 24th
Dinner and dancing... and dancing.
As always, ABT's Principal Dancers are set to perform at this year's fall gala. How any of the event's guests can feel confident enough to then take to the same dance floor following such talent always bring a chuckle.
PARK AVENUE ARMORY GALA
Wednesday, October 25th
The dress code for this year's Armory Gala is "Something Epic."
Intrigued much?
YOUNG FRIENDS OF SAVE VENICE HALLOWEEN BLACK TIE MASQUERADE
Friday, October 27th
Finally, a Halloween party we can get behind! The Young Friends of Save Venice are set to host their first-ever fall fundraiser this year - Haute Halloween: A Black Tie Affair - and it's without a doubt going to be the hottest ticket in town. The equal parts haunted and glamorous Hotel Chelsea is sure to set the perfect scene for the late night soirée.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBARY LIONS GALA
Monday, November 6th
The Library Lions Gala is truly the pinnacle of only-in-New York sophistication. A night where authors, editors, intellectuals, academics, politicians and society staples don their black tie best to celebrate accomplished leaders in art, culture and letters (whatever that really means).
This year Khaled Hosseini, Bill T. Jones, David Nasaw, Steven Spielberg and Ina Garten will be toasted. How fabulous is that?
CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY'S ANNUAL GALA
Wednesday, November 15th
Who could resist a party in Central Park? Last year's post-dinner scene at this uptown social calendar favorite was a sea of bright young things - safe to assume they'll all flock back to Rumsey Playfield for round two.
[Photos courtesy NYPL, New York City Ballet, The Frick Collection]