We spent the evening at the High Line in Chelsea, NYC for the Coach x Friends of the High Line party to celebrate the High Line elevated park project.
With fresh peaches, veggies, blueberries, cherries, and more provided by the bushel and basket, it was the farmers markets of our dreams when we realized who was hanging out at the Toast to the High Line Party hosted by Friends of the High Line and Coach : Chloe Moretz had a chat under the amber lights and stunning evening sky, Parker Posey tapped her foot to the DJ’s summery, joyful set, Jessica Joffe took a moment to piece the perfect bouquet of flowers, J Alexander snapped a selfie with a friend. Recording artist Meghan Trainor snacked on a peach. The crowd was varied and excited to support such a noble effort.
The Highline’s rise to icon status was, in a word, meteoric. Its influence on an entire section of the city is undeniable, and living near it is a status symbol in itself. Tourists recognize “The High Line” as a destination as much as they recognize “Empire State building”. So it seems totally right when the equally iconic fashion brand Coach stepped in to co-host the Friends of the High Line “Toast to the Highline” party, which celebrated the progress made on the High Line project, an elevated railroad converted to a sprawling and bucolic green sanctuary, running up the western side of Manhattan.
The party, hosted (naturally) on a choice stretch of the Highline was a logistical miracle considering the High Line is indeed a public space, open to all, free of charge. Impeding on the flow of traffic would have violated rules. Also, with a massive variety of snacks being passed from Vegan ceviche, pasta salad, to lobster sandwiches and chips, one had to wonder how it was all so fresh and perfect.
Of course, that’s not the best part: party goers saw this section of the High Line converted to a lush wonderland forest of ferns, reeds, fan leaves, palms, flowers and artful carved hedges. So many flowers. Of all the attractions at the party, the highlight was the full service flower shop, with a huge selection of varietals, plus strands to assemble the perfect crown of roses (or tulips, or baby’s breath… Or all of the above). Drinks were decidedly summery as well, tapping Don Julio and Ketel One and flowers and spices. Additional draws were corners to hide away among the flora and fauna, a photo booth to test out sunglasses provided by Coach, a popsicle stand with popsicles infused with bourbon, gin, and more.
We look forward to where the High Line might go in the future, and looking back, we can’t help but smile at the success.