Don't Forget the Daisies

At last night's Headdress Affair, daisies were about the only flower not in sight, as exotic flora—and some might say, fauna—took to the runway atop the heads of models channeling Carmen Miranda. Dubbed "Tulips & Pansies," the fashion show was the eighth annual outing for the popular event, which benefits Village Care of New York, a charity that provides healthcare services to individuals with HIV/AIDS.

A panel of local celebrities sat in judgment as statuesque women, along with a few men in drag, strutted by wearing headpieces positively bursting with blooms. Each hat was the creation of a noted design company, with Chado Ralph Rucci, Zang Toi, Thierry Mugler, Lily Pulitzer and Tory Burch among those collaborating with clever florists to fabricate the enormous—and enormously colorful chapeaux.

Hosted by James Aguiar of Full Frontal Fashion and the Style Network, the event more than demonstrated that flowers can be that much more delightful when worn on one's head instead of stashed in a vase.

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Happy B-Day, Preston Bailey!

Celebrity events designer Preston Bailey threw himself a lavish Panamanian-themed 60^th birthday party at Studio 450 tonight. A native of Panama, Bailey has planned events for Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Donald and Melania Trump. Not surprisingly, Bailey went all out for his fête, which he called “The Curious Case of Preston Bailey.” Palm trees adorned with papier-mâché parrots stood amongst an ocean backdrop of tropical fish, making the scene reminiscent of a Latin American summer night. Waiters in white tunics served tiny Cuban sandwiches (grilled ham and cheese with pickles), fried shrimp and piña coladas, while guests sampled fresh avocado arepas and black bass ceviche from various stations set up throughout the venue. A group of Montuno dancers grooved to traditional Panamanian tunes played by a salsa band. A breathtaking feast of corn tamales, chicken con salsa and rice and beans—all made by Bailey’s sister—awaited guests on the roof deck, as did Planter’s punch and fresh mojitos—the perfect complement to the views of the Manhattan skyline.—Maura Kutner

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