Forty-five years ago, Yves St. Laurent threw an unforgettable launch party for his Opium fragrance inside a popup orchid forest of bamboo poles and 5,000 blooming tropical cattleyas. Around the same time, Halston, who made the orchid his signature, famously filled his spacious Fifth Avenue offices with pots of the blooms. This year in the spirit of St. Laurent and Halston, The New York Botanical Gardens will present the 21st edition of its annual orchid exhibition, appropriately themed “The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion.” And it all begins right on the high heels of New York Fashion Week.
From February 17 through April 21, 2024, floral enthusiasts and fashionistas alike will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at thousands of diverse orchids set amongst the runway of aquatic plants and tropical vines inside the NYBG’s iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. In keeping with the theme, this year’s show is curated by three noted designers whose work has been inspired by the alluring nature of orchids.
Presenting their perspective on orchids and couture are cutting-edge contemporary trendsetters Hilary Taymour, Olivia Cheng, and Kristen Alpaugh, each known for making connections between the botanical world and fashion As founder and creative director of Collina Strada, Taymour has used her fashion platform to promote climate and social awareness. Cheng’s label Dauphinette, is known for its use of preserved botanicals and repurposed materials to create upcycled fashions. And Alpaugh (also known as FLWR PSTL) built a reputation for experimental botanical artwork and custom wearables as founder and creative director at Haus of Stems, the world’s first on-demand botanical art atelier.
Under the creative eyes of Taymour, Cheng, and Alpaugh, at “The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion,” visitors will “walk the orchid runway” through immersive installations of thousands of orchids, where they can show off their style, love for orchids, and strike a pose with the natural world.
And for those less enthusiastic about the world of haute couture, there’s something for everyone at the Orchid Show each year. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a few hours this winter inside a lush tropical environment only 30 minutes out of midtown Manhattan? Add in several thousand rare flowers in full bloom, and you’ve got a ticket to a New York annual event that’s always in fashion.
Where is the Orchid Show?
The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion takes place inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden located on 2900 Southern Blvd in The Bronx.
When Can I Visit the Orchid Show?
This year’s show opens on February 17 and runs through April 21.
Ticket Information:
Tickets to The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion are $35 for adults, $31 for students and seniors, and $20 for kids under 12. To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.nybg.org/visit/admission/
Are there Special Nights?
On the evenings of March 30 & April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20 from 7 to 10 p.mAdults 21 and over can purchase cocktails, enjoy entertainment, and enjoy the show while sipping a smart adult beverage. Tickets to these “Orchid Nights” sell out fast!
How do I get to the New York Botanical Garden?
By Metro-North
Take the Metro-North Harlem local line from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Botanical Garden Station, located directly across the street from the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance. For schedules, maps, and accessibility of stations visit the MTA website.
By Subway
Take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd. Station. From the station exit: Take the Bx26 bus east to the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance.
By Car
Visit the NYBG website for directions from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester, and Connecticut.
