Elevating Elegance: A Sky-High Picnic with Style & Purpose






At the Sky High Farm Spring Picnic: A Fusion of Fashion and Food Justice

At the Sky High Farm Spring Picnic: A Fusion of Fashion and Food Justice

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Nestled in the picturesque rolling fields of Pine Plains, NY, lies Sky High Farm—a 40-acre sanctuary teeming with cows, sheep, and chickens. Yet, this bucolic setting recently transformed into a vibrant hub for New York’s creative elite, drawn by an event that combined fashion flair with philanthropic fervor: The Sky High Farm Spring Picnic.

A Nonprofit’s Creative Roots

Founded in 2011 by artist Dan Colen, Sky High Farm was envisioned as more than just a pastoral idyll. It aims to address food scarcity across New York State, distributing its produce to food banks and pantries from Pine Plains to Brooklyn. With support from Dover Street Market, the farm launched its own clothing line, Sky High Farm Universe, in collaboration with fashion giants like Balenciaga and Nike.

The Gala of Giving: Sky High Farm Spring Picnic

This past spring morning saw an eclectic mix of artists, designers, and philanthropists descending on the Kaatsbaan Cultural Park. The event promised not only to be a celebration but also a significant fundraising effort for Sky High Farm’s vital projects focusing on education, food access, and climate crisis solutions.

Glamour Meets Grassroots

The picnic attracted support from high-profile brands like Chanel and San Pellegrino, as well as the Gagosian gallery. Fashion influencers such as Chloë Sevigny, Paloma Elsesser, and Marc Jacobs were among those who brought their unique flair to this cause-driven gathering.

Fashion Statements with a Purpose

  • Attendees embraced the event’s “crunchy-chic” spirit by sporting retro graphic T-shirts, vibrant tie-dye, and classic denim ensembles.
  • The picnic was an excellent opportunity to observe how fashion can be used as a medium for social awareness—blending style with activism seamlessly.

Artistic Performances: A Cultural Feast

As guests milled about, enjoying fruit punch and local snacks, they were entertained by performances from renowned musicians like Kelsey Lu, Moses Sumney, and The Roots. Their music added an enchanting soundtrack to the day’s festivities.

The Impact: Beyond a Picnic

This event marked a significant step in bridging fashion with food justice initiatives. It demonstrated how creative communities can come together to support vital causes, proving that style and substance need not be mutually exclusive.

A Sustainable Future Ahead

As the day concluded under overcast skies, it was clear that Sky High Farm’s vision extended far beyond its pastoral landscapes. By integrating fashion into their fundraising efforts, they have set a precedent for how luxury brands and creative communities can play pivotal roles in addressing social issues.

Photographed by Alex Hodor-Lee


This blog post captures the essence of the Sky High Farm Spring Picnic, emphasizing its dual focus on fashion and food justice. It highlights how the event leveraged the influence of creative communities to support meaningful causes.