PHOTOS: Inside the Frick Collection’s 2026 Young Fellows Ball

Amira Dasban and Ava Dash. Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Last week, the Frick opened its doors to one of New York’s most anticipated celebrations: the Young Fellows Ball. Now approaching its third decade, this sold-out gathering has attracted hundreds of people under the age of 45 dressed in the city’s best, to support the museum’s exhibits, conservation efforts, and public programs — and, just as importantly, to watch them do it. Guests responded to the year’s theme, “Time Travel,” with an unforgettable lineup of bands inspired, no doubt, by “Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portrait“The exhibition, which explores the complexities of fashion in 18th-century British portraiture. The result is a spectacle reminiscent of the Gilded Age, albeit with Renaissance, Georgian, Rococo and – in one case – Star Trekking flourishes thrown in for good measure.”

Many familiar faces were seen in the crowd, each dressed to match the splendor of the place. Local notables include socialites and philanthropists Natalie Bloomingdalepatron of the arts Alexander Hankina social activist and supporter of the arts Casey KohlbergA philanthropist Lawrence MilsteinQueen of fashion Cynthia Rowleythe enthusiast Christopher Griffin (aka Blunt Queen) and the always flawless Vogue editor Laila Ramzi. Equally impressive were the out-of-town residents, including a scion of the Fendi fashion dynasty Alicia FendiGetty is an heiress to an oil fortune Ivy GettyGrandson of John Kennedy and a Democratic political figure Jack SchlossbergExtraordinary designer Zack Weissa British-Italian socialite Made in Chelsea a personality Mark Francis VandelliSaturday Night Live Marcelo Hernandezmodels Ava Dash and Princess of Desban And designer Bach may.

Did this year’s Junior Fellows’ Ball lack some of last year’s splendor? Perhaps, though, the 2025 ceremony was tied to the reopening of this storied institution after lengthy renovations, a once-in-a-generation occasion that set an almost unfair precedent. What hasn’t changed is how the swirl of gorgeous gowns almost overshadows the beautiful artwork on display. But only approximately.