The White Album

Diddy's annual white party may have more bling, but the pop-up gatherings created by Belgian national Gregoire Vogelsang rate far higher on the spontaneity scale. Like the man once known as Sean Combs, Vogelsang insists that his guests (who are informed of the party's location only 24 hours in advance) arrive clad in white from top to bottom. Thus far this year, the energetic event-planner has thrown white meals in Bryant Park, Battery Park and this weekend, in a plaza just north of the Flatiron building. Guests, some of whom have known the winsome host for less than a few days, bring their own food, with enough to share with others. Local restaurants lend table linens, dishware and silverware and the locations come ready-equipped with tables and chairs.

Where will Vogelsang and his brigade of immaculately dressed friends turn up next? Stay tuned.

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A Woman Could Really Blossom in a Dress Like This

You could easily win "best-dressed" in one of these outfits, but you'd want to stay out of the wilting sun. Going to the loo might be a little tricky as well. But no matter. The flower-dress creations of designers Niels van Eijk and Miriam van der Lubbe are a sight to behold. So if you're ready to do some beholding, check out the their work today at the brand-spanking New Amsterdam Plein and Pavilion, at Battery Park. The dress designs, which are nothing short of glorious, have been brought to life by flower arranger Florian Seyd.

The Pavilion, a permanent gift from the government of Holland to New York, will be presented to Mayor Michael Bloomberg by that nation's prince and princess around noon, and will be open to the public starting later on in the day.

If you do drop in to the pavilion, your nose will quickly lead you to the most fragrant dresses this side of Rotterdam. Photos by Rosina Shiliwala.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

New York's plaintiff cries for respite from the rain were answered just in time for the annual celebration of Midsummer, a solstice-timed festival with both pagan and Christian roots. Although the occasion has been marked in northern Europe for many centuries, its observance in the U.S. is somewhat recent, with the New York party, which is co-hosted by the Swedish consulate and the Parks Department, going back just over a dozen years. Tonight, roughly 4,000 Swedes, New Yorkers and other lovers of herring gathered in Battery Park to toast the coming of the longest day of the year. Through dance, song and processions up to a leaf-covered Midsummer pole, revelers carried on traditions that are time-honored in Sweden but mere curiosities here. As could be expected anytime this many natural blondes congregate in one place at one time, the partying continued well past the appointed end time, marching right on toward the shortest night of the year.

Photo by Jennifer Calais Smith