Naples Botanical Garden Like You've Never Seen It

Ethereal romanticism becomes opulent amid the lush landscapes of Naples Botanical Garden—just in time for the 20th anniversary of the oasis’ Hats in the Garden fundraiser.

Featured Styles (in the order they appear below). Click on an image to enlarge:

Sheer Opulence

As you dress for the landmark Hats in the Garden luncheon this year, consider pairing a floral fascinator (stylist’s own) with a sculptural silhouette that evokes a flower at the stage of sepal expansion.

This ethereal masterpiece, by Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta, hugs feminine curves before flowing out and away at the hip.

A Lena Erziak couture gown captures a flower in full bloom and a sleek stem, creating balance. Lisa Nik earrings add a delicate flourish.

In Plume

What’s prettier than a bird of paradise fully unfurled in a Southwest Florida garden? Not much. But this Lena Erziak couture feathered cape captures the magic, with cascading gossamer layers embodying the flower’s avian beauty and grace. Lisa Nik bracelet and earrings lend an enticing touch of shine.

In Situ

Physical movement isn’t required for fabric to convey a kinetic sense of florescence. Gaurav Gupta achieves the effect with sequin-embellished fabric trailing from the couture gown’s sculpted, swirled shoulder to the sweeping train. Chunky Patricia Robalino earrings and rings add to the exaggerated glamour.

Pop quiz: Can you identify this mystical spot at Naples Botanical Garden? It’s an ancient Indonesian temple, recreated in Bali and re-pieced at the garden by the same artisans. Find the scene linked to various paths in the Marcia and L. Bates Lea Asian Garden.

Color Story

New York designer Daseph strategically layered this sheer top with yellow sequins for whimsical luminosity. Botanic earrings and rings by Patricia Robalino ground the look in the verdant setting.

Structured yet delicate, this Silvia Tcherassi coral couture dress gets you a floral print with a distinct, abstract interpretation. Earrings and rings by Lisa Nik. Plumage headdresses were crafted on-set by the stylist.

Root of Life

A riot of flowers brings magic to the mundane, so if you’re going to do flowers, do them big. Forego the standard prints in favor of artful, sewn-on, silk flowers. For the bold, consider this intricately beaded, silver-laced, floral couture catsuit by Peruvian designer Augusto Manzanares.

Garden of Earthly Delights

A Silvia Tcherassi ombre gown is refined while making a major statement, especially when paired with a vintage turban from Fly Boutique and jewels by Patricia Robalino.

Designer Lena Erziak draws from mycelium and its complex networks (as precise and delicate as a haute couture design, she says) for her whimsical gowns. Go all in on the aquatic hue of the billowing number with turquoise Patricia Robalino earrings and a ring.

Symbiosis

Our stylist Veronica Porras says experimentation is the hallmark of sophistication. Dare to go white with Gaurav Gupta’s swirling couture gown and ring by Patricia Robalino.

Guarantee your win in the best-hat contest at Hats in the Garden with this dramatic veiled creation by Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. His gold couture bodysuit pairs beautifully with vanilla-hued, wide leg pants to tone down the glam for the daytime event. Earrings and layered necklaces by Lisa Nik.