Not even the broadest-brimmed hat could keep ladies away from their sunglasses yesterday at the Central Park Conservancy's Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon.

Yes, the sun was shining brightly on this event, which honored a former president of the conservancy's Women's Committee, Nancy Paduano, and a former chairman of the conservancy, Ian Smith, and his wife, Margaret.

For some, shades alone — those by Chanel, Versace, and Armani — were all the high-fashion headgear necessary: making enough of a statement to go to the "hat lunch" without a hat.

Others wore both hats and sunglasses (some even matching), perhaps a sign that most of the hats worn were designed for fashion, not protection from the elements.

Brims were also worn up so that ladies could see one another.

As for the sunglasses, let's hope they'll be needed for many days to come.

agordon@nysun.com