Destinations: The Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival

Loungerati's Eff at the Easter Parade

The Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival is one of the last remaining authentic New York traditions. From the late-19th century until the 1950s, over one million people attended the annual event. Crowds may have thinned in this last half-century, but hardcore New Yorkers with penchants for ceremony and haberdashery keep it relevant.  Today, New Yorkers will put on their finest attire, sport creative head wear, and promenade up-and-down Fifth Avenue for several hours like Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. It is an informal amble, and any line between spectators and participants ebbs and flows like the Avenue's traffic.

From a lounge lifestyle-perspective, aficionados of vintage style hang up their tweeds and break-out fresh and found bright fashions. If you like to see boaters, seersucker, bonnets, poplin suits, bow ties, boutonnieres, and a glamorous, sartorial crowd, it is a must-attend event. Whether one is religious or not, the Easter Parade is treated by the city as its entrance to Spring. Jazz Age stalwarts such as Michael Arenella & The Dreamland Orchestra set up guerrilla performances in front the University Club. Lindy hoppers from the decade-old website and community, Yehoodi, show up with prepared routines as shutterbugs snap the whole scene. The New York Times photographer, Bill Cunningham, nips in and out the throng to spot those who'll grace next weekend's Sunday Styles section.

The Easter Parade runs from 10 a.m. through until 4 p.m. Gather in front of Rockefeller Center before making your way up to 57th Street, then stroll back down Fifth Avenue, and repeat! Once you are finished strutting your finest duds and headwear,head to these post parade destinations.

Since 1907, teetotalers have been getting their tea fix on at the traditional 4pm tea service Palm Court at the venerable Plaza Hotel (768 Fifth Avenue). The recent renovation has restored the 1,800 square foot stain glass sky light to its original grandeur. Linger for the savory snacks such as truffled quail egg sandwiches or freshly baked scones and gourmet pastries. It is a luxury indulgence and but worth the experience.

Thirsty parade goers should promenade over to King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel (2 East 55^th Street at Fifth Avenue). This is birthplace of the Red Snapper, the predecessor of the Bloody Mary, which was invented in 1934. Order one with Gin (Beefeater or Plymouth) to get the authentic flavor of the era and quench that thirst under Maxfield Parrish's 30 foot long mural. Try to pick out John Jacob Astor in the painting and no the barkeeps won't give any hints.

Happy Easter from Loungerati!

Destinations: The Easter Parade 2011

Easter Paraders (photo credit: Lynn Redmile)

The Easter Parade is one of the last remaining quintessential New York traditions not overrun by arrivistes misinterpreting nostalgic Gotham. From the late-19th century until the 1950s, over one million people attended the annual event. Crowds may have thinned in this last half-century, but hardcore New Yorkers with penchants for ceremony and haberdashery keep it relevant.  Today, New Yorkers will put on their finest attire, don creative headwear, and promenade up-and-down Fifth Avenue for several hours. It is an informal amble, and any line between spectators and participants ebbs and flows like the Avenue's traffic.

From a lounge lifestyle-perspective, aficionados of vintage style hang up their herringbone and break-out fresh and found fashions. If you like to see boaters, seersucker, bonnets, poplin suits, bow ties, boutonnieres, and a glamorous, sartorial crowd, it is a must-attend event. Whether one is religious or not, the Easter Parade is treated by the city as its entrance to Spring. Jazz Age stalwarts such as Michael Arenella &  The Dreamland Orchestra or Drew Nugget & Midnight Society set up guerrilla performances in front of venerable institutions like St. Patrick's Cathedral, playing until New York's Finest kindly ask them to move on... it is a Parade, after all! Swing dancers from the decade-old website and community, Yehoodi, show up with prepared routines as shutterbugs snap the whole scene. The New York Times photographer, Bill Cunningham, nips in and out the throng to spot those who'll grace next weekend's Sunday Styles section.

The Easter Parade runs from 10 a.m. through until 4 p.m. Gather in front of Rockefeller Center before making your way up to 57th Street, then stroll back down Fifth Avenue, and repeat!

After today's Parade, the loungerati will retire to some of the area's classic restaurants, bars, and, if they are tired out, private clubs. Destinations include afternoon tea service at the Palm Court, cocktails in the Oak Bar, afternoon Red Snappers at the King Cole Bar, and cigars on the terrace of the University Club.

The Easter Parade

by Fredo


The Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue has become an annual tradition for New York's Loungerati set. The parade can be more accurately described as an impromptu promenade of the well dressed began in the late 19th century. I began attending back in 1999 with my partner in crime Bena and our style guru and impresario, Brian P. At the time, the Easter bonnet and eccentric hat tradition was making a big come back so the event was a real eye opener for me. Now I am not one to make replica Shea Stadiums or St. Pat's Cathedrals from paper mache and sport it my head, I am more of a tilted fedora man. For a haberdashery afficiando with a penchant for stick pins, ascots, and the best English and Italian shoes, there is no place better that to let your dandy fop out than at the Easter Parade. Rain or shine!

This year was no different and though I could not attend due to obligations in a certain City of Sin, Loungerati's own Effervescent and his lovely new bride Sara made the scene. Be sure to check out next weekend's New York Times Style section for the Easter Parade photos!