WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 79th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival begins this week, with one of its most anticipated traditions set for Friday — the Garden Party at Airlie Gardens.
Known as one of the festival’s signature events, the Garden Party has become a marquee social gathering where attendees showcase bold spring fashion. From bright colors and playful patterns to oversized hats and floral fascinators, style plays a central role in the celebration.
Kendall Hurt, owner of Meadowlark Boutique in Wilmington, said statement pieces are essential to completing a Garden Party look.
“Put the cherry on top of your outfit. It’s a day to really step it up and elevate, I think elevate is a really great way to put it, elevate your look,” said Hurt.
Hurt said many of the pieces’ designs feature decorative elements such as silk and organza materials.
“They are definitely decorative, so you have silk and organza bows or silk and organza flowers, and then the fascinators themselves will be flowers out of silk or organza on headbands,” said Hurt.
She said the accessories also allow attendees to express creativity through their outfits. During a styling demonstration, Hurt offered guidance on coordinating colors and pieces.
“So, with your blue top, you know, pretend that’s a dress, you’re wearing this beautiful royal blue dress, and so I would suggest this would be one that you try,” said Hurt.
Hurt also encouraged people to consider how colors complement their features when selecting a look.
“So, one thing to consider is what color is really better on your face, so skin tone, and your hair color. That’s what you really want to pay attention to here. So, if you hold that up and then you get the hat behind you here, we can see how it works with this particular dress, and I think that coral is really lovely.
Take that one off and put the green on, and you can see how it kind of changes, the whole vibe, changes the whole vibe, and maybe it lets the dress be the star a little more,” said Hurt.
Hurt said statement headwear remains a staple of the event each year.
“A hat, they kind of go in and out of style, right, but you can really kind of bank on every time this year, Easter, the Derby, and our North Carolina Azalea Festival,” said Hurt.
The Garden Party is scheduled for Friday at Airlie Gardens and is a ticketed event.