PHOTO VIA HEADDRESS GALA
The Headdress Gala (Website) is returning to Hilton Orlando on Saturday, September 19, bringing fashion, performance, and philanthropy together for a night benefiting Hope & Help Center of Central Florida. Originally called the “Headdress Ball,” the event was founded in 1987-89 by Orlando designers Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe as a grassroots fundraiser after losing a friend to AIDS-related complications. It ran under that name for decades as one of Orlando’s signature black-tie fundraisers before disappearing for almost a decade.
The gala blends a fashion-forward black-tie dress code, live entertainment and a charitable mission into one evening. Organizers are encouraging guests to lean into the theme by wearing over-the-top fascinators, headdresses and other statement pieces alongside traditional formal wear that they can show off on a red carpet and with photographers on hand throughout the night.
The main event runs until approximately 10:00 p.m., followed by an after-party lasting until 1:00 a.m. Guests attending from out of town can book rooms at Hilton Orlando under a special event rate of $194 per night, with proceeds from that room block also supporting the cause.
Ticket options range from a $350 standard single ticket to a $600 Icon single ticket, which includes VIP access, an open bar during the reception and gala program, dinner and passed hors d’oeuvres, and entry to the Icon Room. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.
