Dandy Wellington’s 5th Annual Easter Egg Strut
Additional Photography by Jane Kratochvil, Andrea Grujic, & The Library of Congress
The Paradise Club’s dance floor during the fifth annual Easter Egg Strut, March 31, 2024.
NEW YORK CITY – “Don’t you just wish everyone dressed like this all the time?” This sentiment was spoken aloud to general agreement on the way up to the Edition Hotel’s Paradise Club, in an elevator packed with people wearing their Easter Sunday best on March 31. There was glitter, gleaming satin and, most prominently, flowers of every kind adorning the guests. For Dandy Wellington’s Annual Easter Egg Strut, the Paradise’s code of “dress to impress” was the bare minimum of attendees’ expectations for themselves.
This was the fifth Easter Egg Strut hosted by Harlem-based bandleader, producer, and style activist Dandy Wellington, who has been organizing these events since 2016. Since then, the guest list has grown from about 40 to 50 people to 250 this year. Wellington reintroduced the event after the stress and isolation of the pandemic in 2022, and it has sold out ever since. He was accompanied by his eight-piece band and tap-dancing duo The Uptown Belles, and welcomed special performances by international burlesque artist and sword swallower Gin Minsky, and Annabelle Zakaluk of New Orleans. Partners of The Easter Egg Strut included Hendrick’s Gin, represented by Brand Ambassador Erik Andersson and Marija Mijic, Luxury Specialist at William Grant & Sons. Cocktails by Hendrick’s Gin and Glenfiddich Single Malt.
From left: Marija Mijic of William Grant & Sons, Dandy Wellington, and Erik Andersson of Hendrick’s Gin. Courtesy Jane Kratochvil.
Wellington emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and community at his events, celebrating racial and cultural diversity as well as representation of all genders and orientations. The phrase “vintage style, not vintage values” was evident in the marvelous array of outfits and costumes, which borrowed from the past but were intentionally out-of-time. African textiles draped elegantly over bouncing panniers, mustaches accessorized corsets. The Easter Parade was traditionally focused on women’s fashion, yet men’s and gender fluid styles were abundant. One can’t say about the Easter Egg Strut, or any of Wellington’s events, that it’s just like being in such-and-such a decade as half the guest list may not have made it past the front door even a half-century ago. Although fantastical in its scale and feeling, such a party could only take place in 2024 with Wellington at the lead.
The Strut was preceded by the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, a New York City tradition that began in the late 19th century, when ladies would display the latest trends while leaving church on Sundays. The Easter Parade became especially known for its lively, sometimes daring looks. According to Madeline Hazelwood, Associate Registrar at the Museum of New York City, “Dressmakers and milliners would line the streets producing sketches of the ensembles later copied by department stores within weeks of the holiday. Hats decorated with faux flowers, tall ostrich feathers, and taxidermy birds were at the height of fashion.” This era was cemented in popular culture with Irving Berlin’s 1948 Easter Parade, starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Since then, the hats have only become higher and more elaborate.
Bain News Service, Easter on 5th Ave., N.Y.C., 1910-15, glass negative. Image courtesy LOC via Flickr.
Anthony Vanacore of Retrospective vintage eyewear (left) and Shaan Carlson (right), admire John Bradley’s 1940s suit, which was “a find from Marseille.”
Only a handful of the hundreds in the parade could ascend to the Paradise, however. Guests were greeted with a large dance floor and ample seating, overseen by a giant mirrorball. Hendrick’s Gin debuted Grand Cabaret, its newest limited edition gin, with a curated cocktail list tailored to the event. For those who needed a breather, a comfortable balcony overlooking Times Square provided a slightly quieter atmosphere and an opportunity to enjoy more of that weekend’s glorious early spring weather. It was a real who’s-who of the vintage community, with none of the clique mentality; compliments were exchanged generously, as were photographs, social media handles, and conversations about where garments were found or how they were made. Sharing knowledge is a key component of these events, and those who love fashion have a splendid time while doing it.
With growing attention and attendance, we asked what was next for this special Sunday. “My greatest wish is for the Easter Egg Strut to continue to be a celebration of plurality, an embrace of era-less elegance, and a welcome space where the aesthetics of the past can live in our diverse present,” Wellington shared. “I hope for it to continue growing every year, with guests from all over the world attending, and the important factors always being community, entertainment, and hospitality.”
The Paradise Club at the Edition Hotel is at 20 Times Square, 701 7th Avenue. Dandy Wellington’s next event, The Galveston Island Beach Revue, in Galveston, TX, will occur June 6-9. For more information, www.dandywellington.com.
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret and signature cocktail, the Grand Cabaret Spritz Royale: 2 parts Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret: 1 part Lime Juice, 1 part Simple Syrup, 2 parts Cranberry Juice, 3 parts Sparkling Wine
Courtesy Andrea Grujic
