Society Desk

MASTERS OF DISGUISE The most anticipated moment of Central Park Conservancy's annual Halloween Ball tonight might be the competition for best costume.

Guests have been preparing for weeks — even months — for the contest, taking inspiration from current events, Hollywood, and their own fantasies. The time investment could be worth it for a lucky winner: The first prize is a Cartier Tank Solo Watch ($1,900 and up).

"I definitely look for cleverness," a two-time contest judge and celebrity photographer, Patrick McMullan, said. "I know what looks good."One good eye is all he needs, as he plans to come as pirate.

Many attendees plan costumes in pairs or for all the guests at a table — a favorite last year was a box of crayons. Ball co-chairwoman Suzanne Cochran and her husband, Robert Cochran, plan to dress as the bicyclist and Tour de France competitor, Floyd Landis, and his steroid doctor.

Ms. Cochran's co-chairwoman, Fiona Rudin, asked theatrical costumier Izquierdo Studio to create good and bad angel ensembles. She'll be wearing iridescent, burnt velvet beetle wings, and a red satin and black lace dress. Her husband, Eric, will be in white feather wings, a suit, and sunglasses.

All the fun has a purpose: The ball is set to raise nearly $1 million. "It's a crucial way to raise operating dollars to keep the park clean, green and beautiful," the president of the conservancy, Douglas Blonsky (who will be dressed as the master of arms) said.

Inspiration sometimes comes from what's already in the closet. A junior co-chairwoman, Susan Shin, owns several Nascar jackets, so she and friends are dressing up as the racing girls from the movie "Talladega Nights." Their dates will be in faux mullets and jumpsuits.

Also taking a cue from the big screen will be a volunteer gardener in the park, Karen Macdonald, disguised as Marie Antoinette (look for the big wig). "I don't know how I'm going to fit in a car," Ms. Macdonald said. Ms. Macdonald's husband, interior designer Timothy Macdonald, is looking forward to playing Louis XVI. "The king has a really easy time because he's always the first to speak. I can ignore anyone I want," Mr. Macdonald said.