The next in-person National Arts Club Bonnet Bash will be back next season, but the ever-popular Bonnet Bash Hat Contest is still on!

In contemplating your own creation we invite you to explore a domain of all elements. Unlock the mystery behind all things headwear and participate as any elemental force inspired by earth, wind, fire, water, or space. Deconstruct and reconstruct the basis for all things, where opposites attract and combustion is encouraged. Three prizes for the Most Elemental Headwear will be awarded by fashion designer and author Jeffrey Banks, and celebrity milliners Darrell Thorne and Heidi Lee.  

The National Arts Club Bonnet Bash Hat Contest begins on Monday, April 13 and ends on Saturday, May 9. Winners will be announced the week of May 11. See below for official contest rules and submission guidelines.

THE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who submitted their design.

The Judges

Jeffrey Banks is an acclaimed menswear designer whose signature American design style has significantly impacted the entire fashion world. In addition to overseeing his own lines, Banks has served as Creative Design Director for several highly successful private label menswear lines. Throughout his distinguished career Banks has been honored for his talent and creativity. He has won two Coty Awards for Outstanding Menswear and Men's Furs. He received the Cutty Sark U.S. Menswear Designer of the Year Award for his Extraordinary Contribution to Men's Fashion, an Earnie Award for Boyswear and the Pratt Award for Design Excellence. Banks has worked with a number of designers and brands including Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.

Darrell Thorne is a celebrity costume designer and performer. A creator of unique sculptural head-pieces for stage and screen, Thorne has outfitted entertainers including Madonna and several stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, in addition to numerous dance companies.

Heidi Lee is a New York City-based artist and designer. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and recipient of the 2012 MET Museum Costume Institute Accessory Design Award, Heidi’s hats have been featured by Vogue, W, MTV, The New York Times, New York Magazine, and the Creators Project. Her work has been exhibited internationally and she was selected for the Museum of Art and Design’s “MAD Biennial: 100 Makers that manifest the cultural capital of NYC." Her celebrity clients include Anne Hathaway, Madonna, G-Dragon, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, and Lauryn Hill.

NATIONAL ARTS CLUB BONNET BASH HAT CONTEST.

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION: The National Arts Club Hat Contest will begin on April 13, 2020 at 9:00 A.M ET and end on May 9, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. ET..

SPONSOR: The National Arts Club, located at 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003 shall be the sponsor of this contest and shall be referred to herein collectively as “sponsor.”

ELIGIBILITY: Open only to residents who are physically residing in one (1) of the forty-eight (48) continental U.S. or the District of Columbia (excluding Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories).

HOW TO ENTER: To enter the contest, during the Contest Entry Period complete and thereafter submit the entry form, which includes your name, mailing address, telephone number and email address. As part of the entry, you will also be required to upload the following online according to the instructions provided: two (2) photos of your hat that show the hat by itself or you wearing the hat. The acceptable photo size for each photo is no more than ten (10) MP in JPEG (.jpg) format. The photos must have been taken within six (6) months of the start of the Contest Entry Period and must feature only the contestant and/or hat. Other than minor changes to lighting and coloring, the photos must not have been altered or edited in any manner that distorts the original photo. Photo must not have been take by a professional photographer, and must contain no watermarks or other copyright notices. Contestants must have permission from all persons identified in entry or any part of Entry. By entering, you agree your Entry or any portion of your entry may be featured on the National Arts Club website and in all of the club’s social media channels. All Entries become the property of The National Arts Club and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entries must be received before May 9, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. ET. to be eligible for the contest. Entry constitutes permission to use contestant’s name, likeness, image,  and/or photos for purposes of  promotion and publicity in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval.

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNER: A panel of qualified judges selected by the sponsor will review the eligible entries received during the Contest Entry Period and will select three winners exhibiting the most elementastic headwear. On or about May 11, 2020, the judges will select the three contestants with the highest-scoring entries as the winners. The sponsor will contact the potential winners at the phone number and/or email address submitted at the time of entry. If a potential winner does not respond within two (2) days of the initial contact, such potential winner may be disqualified and sponsor may, in their sole discretion, select a runner-up contestant with the next highest score based on the judging criteria as a potential winner.

PRIZES: There will be three prizes awarded to three winners, redeemable once the National Arts Club reopens for regular business. 1st Prize: A Three Course Dinner for Two in the National Arts Club Dining Room. Prize includes a welcome cocktail in the parlors, a glass of wine with dinner and a full selection of entrees. Estimated Retail Value: $200. 2nd Prize: Brunch for Four in the National Arts Club Dining Room. Prize includes a full buffet, served with prosecco, mimosas or bellinis and live music. Estimated Retail Value: $200. 3rd Prize: Lunch for Four in the National Arts Club Dining Room. Prize includes a full selection of entrees and beverages. Estimated Retail Value: $160.


*If a contest winner is not available to partake in the following prizes, a substitute prize of equal retail value will be mailed.