THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR

My favorite day of the year has once again come and gone (luckily for me, it returns again in August).  The Jazz Age Lawn Party, currently in its 9th year on Governors Island, is a fete not to be missed by anyone who loves Gatsby-era revelry.  This was my third year in attendance, and I was shocked to find how many likeminded individuals gathered on the lawn on Governors Island to hear Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra perform, along with many other musicians, dancers, and even a sword swallower.  I can't wait for the next party!  See my previous JALP outfits here and here.

Dress: Marni

Shawl: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Necklace: Made by my Grandmother

Hat: Same as last year, updated with ribbon & appliques from B&Q Trimming

Picnic Basket: Picnic World

Photos of me by Ivy Fuld & Meri Feir; other photos by me.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

How many dawns, chill from his rippling rest 

The seagull's wings shall dip and pivot him, 

Shedding white rings of tumult, building high 

Over the chained bay waters Liberty-- 

Then, with inviolate curve, forsake our eyes 

As apparitional as sails that cross 

Some page of figures to be filed away; 

--Till elevators drop us from our day . . . 

I think of cinemas, panoramic sleights 

With multitudes bent toward some flashing scene 

Never disclosed, but hastened to again, 

Foretold to other eyes on the same screen; 

And Thee, across the harbor, silver-paced 

As though the sun took step of thee, yet left 

Some motion ever unspent in thy stride,-- 

Implicitly thy freedom staying thee! 

--from To Brooklyn Bridge, by Hart Crane

Ever since I moved to Brooklyn last year, I've been fascinated by the history and symbolism of the Brooklyn Bridge, represented in these vintage photos.  It's so poignant to see images of landmarks that have changed little surrounded by things, such as fashion of the passersby and the skyline, that have changed drastically over the years.

For this summer's Jazz Age Lawn Party, I was inspired by the vintage photographs of the Brooklyn Bridge, and had my friend shoot my 1920s-inspired outfit on the Promenade.

Beaded dress: Diane von Furstenberg

Duotone Mary Janes: Tommy Hilfiger

Metal mesh handbag: vintage, via Buffalo Exchange in Chelsea

Hat: Scala Collezioni (buy here)
Photos by Meri Feir

Will you be attending the Jazz Age Lawn Party on August 17 or 18?  I would love to see you there in all your 1920s finery!