BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Over 600 guests gathered in an elegant convergence of style and culture at the Frick Collection on a radiant spring evening for the 2025 Young Fellows Ball.

Marking the first such gala since the museum’s grand reopening, the event was a dazzling celebration of art, fashion, and philanthropy, all set against the backdrop of the newly restored Gilded Age mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

As dusk settled over Fifth Avenue, a vibrant crowd clad in flowing gowns, tailored tuxedos, and statement accessories assembled along the museum’s iconic facade.

The buzz was palpable; tickets had sold out within five days, a testament to the event’s allure and the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the Frick’s fresh look. Inside, the atmosphere was equally electric, with the carefully curated theme “Porcelain Garden” lending a whimsical elegance to the proceedings.

Inspired by the porcelain flower sculptures of Ukrainian artist Vladimir Kanevsky, currently featured in the museum’s latest exhibition, the dress code invited guests to embody delicate florals, soft blues, and shimmering whites.

The result was a visual symphony of sky and cobalt hues, intricate floral motifs, and bone-china embellishments that mirrored the refined artistry on display throughout the mansion’s grand rooms.

Leading the charge was Bach Mai, the event’s Honorary Chair and Fashion Chair, whose personal journey with the museum added a layer of meaning to the evening. The Texas-born designer, known for creating pieces that speak directly to the wearer’s individuality, had styled several guests in gowns inspired by Frick masterpieces.

Among them was Baroness Allison Ecung von Arnim, who arrived in an icy-blue halterneck gown evoking the Rococo grandeur of The Fragonard Room. The Young Fellows’ book club, which had recently explored the life of Madame du Barry—the original recipient of Fragonard’s panels—found a perfect sartorial tribute in the Baroness’s look.

Throughout the night, the rooms of the Frick buzzed with conversation and admiration, as guests toured the museum’s labyrinthine layout—admiring Vermeers, Rembrandts, and the hauntingly beautiful porcelain bouquets that dotted tables and mantels.

The newly accessible second floor, once Henry Clay Frick’s private residence, revealed black poppies growing delicately in his bedroom, an evocative touch that tied the evening’s artistic and historical threads together.

Among the crowd were notable figures such as ballet star Misty Copeland and actress Lola Tung, both adorned in exquisite Bucherer Fine Jewellery pieces, lending an additional sparkle to the event.

DJ duo Angel + Dren provided a chic soundtrack that had guests mingling and dancing into the night. Jack James and Daniel Walters of The Muses brought a playful edge with feathered headdresses and cowboy hats, transforming the marble floors into a vibrant dancefloor.

The Young Fellows Ball was more than a night of glamour—it was a philanthropic success. By evening’s end, over $500,000 had been raised to support the Frick Art Research Library and educational programs serving public school students citywide.

The event’s blend of style and substance resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom pledged to return next year.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo taken by Matteo Prandoni