Hats Off to 20 Years of Garden Tradition

Hats in the Garden celebrated 20 years on March 20th, with over 700 stunningly dressed guests joining the milestone festivities. Attendees were greeted with a champagne reception, enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, and met new ones, but they all had one thing in common - all are supporters of the Garden, and many come together each year to raise money for the conservation and preservation of a very special place.

Hats tickets are coveted by Naples’ fashionistas as the event also showcases the season's latest fashion trends and a chance to show off magnificent one-of-a-kind couture hats. Once again, Hats was a sold-out event. 

Guests enjoyed a luncheon under the Garden tent followed by a one-of-a-kind runway show featuring the timeless fashion designs of world-renowned Carolina Herrera, presented by retail partner Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hats in the Garden has served as Naples Botanical Garden's (NBG) primary fundraiser, advancing its mission to connect people with plants since 2004. The first Hats event was in a tent pitched in the parking lot where women gathered for lunch artfully packaged in a hat box. According to Jane Purdy Berger, who founded Hats with Barbara Finn, Leslie Fogg and Anne LaGrippe, “this was the beginning of greatness for our Garden, and what a delightful journey it has been.” 

Barbie Hills, chair of this year’s event, has been a longtime supporter of the Garden since she moved to Naples in 2003. She is also a proud member of the Sustaining Leadership Council (SLC), a group of 47 loyal and dedicated women who make annual Garden gifts and plan each Hats fundraiser. 

Hills shared these thoughts on the theme: “I wanted to pick something that would be exciting and important and out there. In those 90 acres, we have runways, and they need to be widened.” 

Runways is this year’s theme, and the Fund-a-Need will include shade shelters, seating and an eco-friendly Tram system. According to Rhea Merrill, NBG’s Director of Development “we’re readying the runways.” According to NBG, the Tram will make the Garden’s natural areas more accessible to all its 260,000+ visitors with expanded pathways, boardwalks, shade and restrooms.” This will increase the Garden’s footprint and double the accessible space for visitors.

According to Hills, Hats is a family affair. Her daughter, Amy, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters attend every year in coordinating dresses and headpieces. “Hats is more than a luncheon, fashion show, reunion or an excuse to get dressed up,” said Hills. “It offers a purpose, and you can get so much done here by putting people together at a party.”

Hills also persuaded her son-in-law to serve as emcee for Hats 2024. Bret Baier is a Fox News Anchor, and he jokingly shared with the audience, “My most important title for this event is the son-in-law of Barbie Hills.”

According to NBG, “Hats raised over $4 million, including $2.5 million that Barbie Hills and the SLC will dedicate to supporting the Fund-a-Need focus. This includes a generous pledge of $1 million made by Jerri and Dave Hoffmann of the Hoffmann Family of Companies. 

As Chair for Hats, Barbie Hill was a natural! Recently, Barbie and Paul Hills chaired the Naples Winter Wine Festival which “shattered records” to benefit underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. 

Congratulations to the Best of the Best Winners: 

Most Chic– Cheryl Coleman

Most Creative Hat – Laurie Davis

Best Carolina Herrera Ensemble – Coco Hills

Most Dapper Gentleman – Wilfredo Emanuel

The Most Chic Hat was designed by Marco’s Diane Shagott of Hats to Di For. This hat was a nod to Dior’s New Look and was created by yards and yards of crin distressed to create the airiness of feathers.

Hats in the Garden was presented by William Raveis Real Estate.

Hats 2025 will take place next year on March 26, 2025.