The 2025 Young Fellows Ball, The Frick Collection’s eagerly anticipated annual spring benefit, made a triumphant return to the museum’s renovated Fifth Avenue home on Thursday, May 15. This marked the first Ball held at the original site since its grand reopening and completion of a multi-year renovation.
Ambiance in the James S. and Barbara N. Reibel Reception Hall at the Young Fellows Ball; photo:
George Koelle
Presented in partnership with designer Bach Mai and Bucherer Fine Jewelry, this year’s event embraced the enchanting theme “Porcelain Garden,” in celebration of the exhibition Porcelain Garden: Vladimir Kanevsky at The Frick Collection. On view through October 6, the installation features a commissioned series of lifelike porcelain sculptures displayed throughout the galleries—a tribute to the fresh floral arrangements that adorned the museum at its 1935 opening.
Adding to the evening’s prestige, designer Bach Mai served as Honorary Chair, while Paul Arnhold, Misty Copeland, Laurence Ross Milstein, Arielle Patrick, and Lola Tung acted as Benefit Chairs. For the first time, the event included a VIP Lounge, offering exclusive access and luxury gift bags to top supporters.
Honorary Chair Bach Mai; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
The 2025 Young Fellows Ball atmosphere was brought to life with vibrant music by DJs Angel + Dren, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, stunning décor by Stellar Style Events, and technical production by L&M Sound & Light. Guests enthusiastically interpreted the floral theme through fashion, donning flowing gowns, botanically inspired jewelry, and intricate embroidered menswear. Two immersive photo experiences, echoing the porcelain blooms on display, invited attendees to step into dreamlike garden scenes on each floor of the museum.
Gallery talk in the Library Gallery at the Young Fellows Ball; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Gallery talks throughout the evening highlighted masterworks by Turner and Lawrence, Sèvres porcelain in the iconic Fragonard Room, and the newly opened second floor.
Support and Impact
The Ball raised over $500,000 in support of the Frick’s vital programming, including educational initiatives that reach public school students across all five NYC boroughs and online audiences nationwide. Additional support was provided by Good Twin, Silent Pool Gin, RéVive, Overholt, Mijenta Tequila, Macchu Pisco, Quinn Rosé, The Caviar Co., and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Associate Curator of Decorative Arts Marie-Laure Buku Pongo, Daniel Goldstein, YF Steering Committee member Bailey Foote, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger, Associate Curator Giulio Dalvit, Benefit Chair Misty Copeland, John Updike Curator Aimee Ng, and YF Steering Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Young Fellows Steering Committee member Alexander Hankin and Associate Director of
Marketing and Visitor Experience Alexis Light; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Benefit Committee member Brittany Beyer Harwin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Natalie Dougherty, Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee, Benefit Committee member Christina Murphy, and Lizzie Asher; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
: Benefit Committee member Sarah Godfrey; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Katherine Boulud and Benefit Committee member Kaleta Blaffer Johnson; photo: Matt
Borkowski/BFA.com
Benefit Committee members Benjamin Dean and Natalie Jackson; photo: Matt
Borkowski/BFA.com
Alexandra Moncure; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Benefit Chairs Laurence Ross Milstein and Misty Copeland; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
About The Frick Collection
Now reopened following extensive renovations, The Frick Collection offers intimate access to one of the world’s premier collections of European fine and decorative arts, all housed in a Gilded Age mansion. Founded in 1935 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the museum has grown substantially and is also home to the renowned Frick Art Research Library, established by Helen Clay Frick.
About the Young Fellows
The Young Fellows is a vibrant group of supporters aged 21 to 45 who help sustain the Frick’s mission. Their contributions support conservation efforts, exhibitions, and public programs. Members enjoy exclusive access to educational and social events throughout the year.