Last night, New York’s art, design, and philanthropic leaders gathered beneath the soaring ceilings of the Park Avenue Armory for the Winter Show’s Opening Night Preview, one of a series of initiatives held to benefit East Side House Settlement. Marking the fair’s 72nd edition—and this year honoring Caroline Kennedy—the evening offered a first look at booths from 75 international exhibitors, alongside champagne-fueled mingling with an enviable roster of co-hosts.
Winter Show Executive Director Helen Allen and East Side House Settlement Executive Director Daniel Diaz stood alongside Honorary Co-Chair Wendy Goodman, as well as Design Council Co-Chairs and designers Noz Nozawa, Ben Pentreath, Jane Keltner de Valle, Giancarlo Valle, Michael Bargo, and CULTURED Editor-in-Chief Sarah Harrelson.
The Locale: The Park Avenue Armory lent its signature grandeur to the evening with cavernous interiors that provided a dramatic backdrop for centuries-spanning decorative arts, furniture, and other objects of desire.
The Crowd: The Winter Show draws industry leaders and patrons across disciplines, with opening night seeing fashion designer Cynthia Rowley; interior designers Reed Krakoff, Delphine Krakoff, and Jamie Drake; editors Stellene Volandes, Tom Delavan, and Jacqueline Terrebonne; patrons Jamie Singer Soros, Thaddeus Gray, Michael R. Lynch, and Lucinda Ballard; architect Peter Marino; gallerist Todd Merrill; and design leader Michael Diaz-Griffith across the room.
What You Missed: A rare, unhurried pass through the fair’s artifacts and antiques—well before public hours and long before the rest of the city’s most loyal adherents arrived.
Parting Gift: Departing guests were treated to a commemorative tote bag and full exhibitor catalog—featuring a map of the Armory floor, reflections on design pieces and antiques available, and a special letter from Allen.
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