2026 Spotlight Magazine August 2026

WOMEN

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRM IN THE HAMPTONS the right representation makes all the difference

ON THE HAMPTONS

Contents

6 CONTRIBUTORS

AUGUST 2026

The month of August has arrived, and our trusted experts are here to guide you through the dog days.

7 EDITOR’S LETTER

Founder Sydney Sadick previews our special “Women of Influence” issue.

8 HOT IN THE HAMPTONS

There’s still much to enjoy this season, including galas, pop-ups, benefits, and more.

10 THE HAMPTONS’ STARTER PACK

Here’s where we’re partying, tanning, and hanging out, but one piece of intel we’re keeping to ourselves.

12 WHO TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Meet the businesswomen who are curating our feeds with style.

14 WATER MILL WISH LIST

Plans to transform the town’s retail center have us dreaming of things we’d love to see in what could potentially be a great shopping destination.

16 FROM FIELD TO FORK

Restaurateur and cookbook

author Sabrina Rudin offers a curated guide to some of the many farmstands in the area.

18 A WORK IN PROGRESS

Nutrition expert Sarah Wragge reflects on the beautiful, often chaotic, and unhurried journey of building a wellness brand.

20 THE SUMMER GLOW DIRECTORY

Beauty expert Jenna Rennert shares a definitive guide to the latest and greatest beauty treatments on the East End.

22 WHO RUNS THE WORLD?

Designer Jennifer Creel explains why entrepreneurial success is often built on confidence, connection, and the courage to begin.

24 CLOSING THE DATING DEAL

Relationship expert Lindsey Metselaar provides ways for women executives to find love without compromise.

26 BEHIND THE BLUE RIBBONS

Writer Eric Viner looks at the network of women behind the scenes of the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

28 DREAMING IN COLOR

In an exclusive interview, Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet looks back on the evolution of her brand, her influence, and the legacy she’s still creating.

34 FOUNDING FORCES

Spotlight celebrates the female business leaders whose bold ideas, unwavering ambition, and community impact are helping define the East End

38 CORAL CRUSH

Turn up the heat with the season’s freshest pop of color.

40 SPOTSTYLE FOCUS

We deconstruct Hublot’s Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic Watch

42 WINNING FORMULA

Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis turned a passion for skincare into a global beauty empire— and it’s coming to town!

44 LIVING PROOF

New York Times contributor Alix Strauss is celebrating the reissue of her bestselling novel The Joy of Funerals

46 BIG DUCK ENERGY

Hatched by a local duck farmer in the 1930s, this legendary piece of novelty architecture is still flying high in Flanders.

48 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF BOBBI BROWN

Step inside the beauty icon, Jones Road founder, and makeup artist’s perfect Hamptons day.

50 SWEET REWIND

For 12 years, sixth-generation Montauk native Jillian Farry has brought beloved faves to town at The Candied Anchor.

52 THE SPOTLIGHT SURVEY

Facialist Keren Bartov is known as Hollywood’s top “skin whisperer.” Now, she fills out our questionnaire.

54 10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT GRACE ANN NADER

The fashion model, style influencer, and Love Thy Nader star reveals some little-known details.

THE SPOTTERS

August has arrived, and our trusted experts are here to guide you through the dog days.

SABRINA RUDIN

@SPRINGBYSABRINA

Sabrina Rudin is a creator and entrepreneur in the food and wellness space. She’s the founder and owner of Spring Café Aspen, an organic vegetarian restaurant with locations in Aspen and New York City. The menu in both is inspired by the vegetarian restaurants of her childhood, and by her mother, who was a pioneer in the natural foods and juicing movement.

JENNA RENNERT

@ITSJENNARENNERT

Jenna Rennert is a beauty and fashion expert and the former beauty editor at Vogue. She shares an insider perspective on skincare, trends, and wellness with a sharp edited point of view, constantly sourcing and testing the best products in the world and filtering what’s actually worth it for her audience. Rennert lives in Miami with her husband, two children, and English bulldog, Liam.

SARAH WRAGGE

@SARAHWRAGGEWELLNESS

Sarah Wragge is founder and CEO of Sarah Wragge Wellness. She is a holistic nutrition expert focused on metabolic health and sustainable energy. With her science-backed SWW Method, Wragge has helped thousands improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and build lasting habits, supporting clients with results-driven nutrition solutions.

LINDSEY METSELAAR

@WEMETATACME

Lindsey Metselaar is a native New Yorker and host of the “We Met At Acme” dating podcast, which has amassed more than 15 million downloads since its creation in 2017. A mother of two, she started a WhatsApp group with over 5,000 moms. Metselaar is known for her controversial “dating rules,” as well as conversational polls on her IG account.

ERIC VINER

@LIFEOFVINER

Eric Viner is a techie, fashion aficionado, and supporter of the arts. He’s involved in his family’s nonprofit, Viner Scholars, which sends underprivileged students to universities. Viner also serves on committees at The Met, The Frick, and The Center. He’s often seen supporting philanthropic causes in Palm Beach, the Hamptons, and NYC.

JENNIFER CREEL

@JENNIFERCCREEL

A native New Yorker, Jennifer Creel has played all roles, from actress to model to fashion designer, and finally, jewelry designer. Her “classic with a twist” designs are multigenerational, and her pieces complement everyone. Each custom design reflects a personal connection, blending Creel’s clients’ stories with her signature style to create unique jewelry.

Vol. 5, No. 5

SYDNEY SADICK

Editor in Chief Publisher

PETER HEMMEL

Art Director

ROB ASHER

Staff Writer

STEPH DIGUISEPPE

Digital Writer

AUDREY GLASS

OLIVIA HARRIS

Editorial Interns

ANDREW WERNER

Cover Photographer

MARA FRIEDMAN

Cover Photography Assistant

AMY KAMIN

Chief Operating Officer

For all editorial and advertising inquires, contact SydneyS@spotlighthamptons.com.

@spotlightxmagazine spotlighthamptons.com issuu.com/spotlighthamptons

Stacey Bendet photographed by Andrew Werner for Spotlight magazine. Alice + Olivia dress.

Spotlight on the Hamptons magazine, copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in USA.

LEADING LADIES

There’s something incredibly powerful about the women we choose to surround ourselves with. As I move through my thirties, I’ve come to realize that while relationships naturally evolve, the women who remain become some of life’s greatest gifts. They’re the ones who champion your successes, encourage you through challenges, inspire you to dream bigger, and remind you of the strength that comes from lifting up one another. It has made me appreciate more than ever the impact women can have—not only on each other’s lives, but on the communities and industries they help shape.

I’ve also learned that influence isn’t always measured by the size of someone’s platform or title. More often, it’s found in the quieter moments—in the mentor who offers guidance when you need it most, the entrepreneur who takes a chance on an idea, or the friend who celebrates your wins as if they were her own. The women who influence us most are often the ones who show up consistently, generously, and authentically.

For me, that woman has always been my mom. She’d probably cringe if I called her my best friend because she’d remind me that she’s my mother first—and she’s right. But she’s the heart of our family, our matriarch. She has been beside me through every chapter of Spotlight, celebrating the wins, talking through the challenges, and reminding me to keep going when things feel overwhelming. I’m endlessly grateful for her unwavering love and support.

That spirit is what inspired this August issue of Spotlight, dedicated to our “Women of Influence.” Across the East End, remarkable women are leading businesses, driving creativity, and making a lasting impact. We’re excited to feature Stacey Bendet, founder, CEO, and creative director of Alice + Olivia on our cover. In an exclusive interview on page 28, Stacey opens up about building one of fashion’s most recognizable global brands, the women who have influenced her journey, her favorite ways to spend summer in the Hamptons, and what’s next. Throughout these pages, we’re also celebrating inspiring women from across our community, including Mindy Gray of Sagaponack General Store, Ashley Stark of Stark, and many more who are leaving their mark out here. Meet Jillian Farry, founder of The Candied Anchor in Montauk, spend a “Day in the Life” with beauty icon Bobbi Brown, get to know Grace Ann Nader through our “10 Things” column.

I hope this issue reminds you of the extraordinary women in your own life—and perhaps inspires you to tell them just how much they mean to you. Here’s to celebrating women who lead with intention, lift others along the way, and continue to prove that when women support women, incredible things can happen.

Editor in Chief/Publisher

@SydneySadick | @spotlightxmagazine

Q&A WITH BROWN HARRIS STEVENS’ CHRISTOPHER J. BURNSIDE

Associate Real Estate Broker and AUBRI PEELE

Real Estate Salesperson

Chris, since 1999, you’ve been a top producer for BHS. How do you describe the way you work with clients?

Honest and diligent would be the general approach. I believe clients need to know the facts, good or bad, and the information you give is critical to the decision-making process. Some clients need hand-holding, while others just want to get it done quickly. How has the Hamptons real estate market evolved over the past 30 years?

Thirty years ago we were working with fax machines, and digital cameras were just released. Now when a listing is posted, the phone rings and AI is taking over.

Aubri, how do you support Chris within his team?

Chris and I focus on getting deals done. There are so many aspects of a deal that constantly need attention. The two of us handle everything from beginning to end. I believe clients prefer not dealing with multiple people. When you’re not working, what can we find you doing?

We’re always working and will take a phone call anytime for a showing or to handle questions. As summer winds down, what are your market predictions Out East?

Historically the fall and winter slow down, but weekends are always busy. I would guess deals still happen, but at a slower rate.

HOT IN THE HAMPTONS

There’s still much to enjoy this month, including galas, pop-ups, and benefits.

DRESS CODE

This event returns for its 30th year, running from August 8–23. Here, you can find women’s designer shoes, boots, and accessories at great prices. This is a shopping must!

American Legion Post 419, 15 Montauk Highway, East Hampton

Jacob Cohën Lands in Southampton

The Italian luxury brand has arrived in Southampton with a seasonal pop-up. The boutique showcases the brand’s Spring/ Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collections, along with its signature denim. Both men and women can effortlessly find their summer style here. 38 Jobs Lane, Southampton

Petite Plume Joins Forces With The Hedges Inn

Explore the limited-edition prints inspired by the rich heritage and storied charm of East Hampton. This pairing combines quality with familiar prints, making it a collaboration you can’t miss.

Agua x Marchanta Collab Agua, the luxe ready-towear brand, is co-hosting a summer pop-up event with Marchanta to create a luxury retail and cultural experience. Now through September 8, you can find Latin American designers and creators through an elevated retail experience. 62 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

BODY WORK

Elevated Fitness at The Pearl

This newly opened luxury fitness and wellness destination, based in New York City, is now popping up Out East. With classes taught by founder Marcella Hymowitz and special guest instructors, the activation will bring its signature dance cardio, hip-hop sculpt, and sculpt classes every Tuesday and Thursday throughout August at Wave in Southampton (15b Hill Street) and at Post House in Sag Harbor (31 Long Island Avenue).

Guild Hall’s Annual Gala

Guild Hall will host its annual gala on August 7, supporting its hundreds of year-round programs. This year the event honors Executive Director Andrea Grover. The night will take place in the galleries and gardens, with guests enjoying dinner and dancing. They will also get an exclusive first look at works by Eric Freeman and Ross Bleckner. 158 Main Street, East Hampton

St. Jude’s Hope in the Hamptons Benefit

This year marks the fifth year for this annual benefit. Held at Guild Hall on August 8, the event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, a live auction, followed by dancing. 158 Main Street, East Hampton

East Hampton Library’s Authors Night

The 22nd annual event returns on August 8, bringing together more than 100 acclaimed authors. Guests will enjoy cocktail hour and opportunities to mingle with other writers, including Spotlight EIC Sydney Sadick. Proceeds benefit the library, supporting its programs and services. 67 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

NYC Second Chance Rescue

The fifth-annual Hamptons benefit will take place August 21, supporting the New York City–based animal rescue. The event will be held at a private estate in Bridgehampton.

A-LISTERS ON THE MAP

The Hamptons have long been a celebrity escape, but which towns do these stars call home?

ON THE SCENE

Creed Launches Exclusive Boutique in Southampton The iconic luxury fragrance brand, originally founded in 1760, is now bringing its signature scents Out East. The store is an immersive experience, where sampling is encouraged so you can find your fave new signature scent. 77 Jobs Lane, Southampton

DIPLO at Surf Lodge The summer staple location will present DJ and music producer Diplo on August 7. Whether you book a table, enjoy standing room, or watch from the restaurant, this show won’t disappoint. 183 Edgemere Street, Montauk Meet Your Match Out East Bumble is teaming up with Mary Lou’s to bring you online dating in real life. If you’re looking for a potential match, this is the place on August 8. You’ll enjoy drinks courtesy of Bumble, the iconic Mary Lou’s ambiance, and the potential romantic magic of the Hamptons. 474 West Lake Drive, Montauk Hamptons Flea + Vintage Back for its sixth season, Hamptons Flea + Vintage is popping up across the East End with a curated mix of art and antiques from local vendors. Don’t miss your chance to shop the market through September 27. For more info, visit hamptonvintage.com.

CATCHING UP WITH ED GAETJENS

Real Estate Salesperson Saunders & Associates

You’ve built your business on relationships. What’s your philosophy when earning people’s trust? I value every relationship. The golden rule works for me: treat people the way you would want to be treated. It can be easy to become jaded out here, but I try to stay grounded, be straightforward, and remember that every transaction is personal to the people involved. What are some of your favorite hidden gems here? Sometimes hidden gems should stay hidden, but my favorite spot for coffee and conversation is Java Nation in Bridgehampton. Watching the sunset from any Peconic Bay beach is another tradition that never gets old. It’s something we can enjoy every day. What’s do you think makes this community so special? People often assume the Hamptons is only for the rich, and that isn’t true. What I love are the interactions that happen when people let their guard down. The beach is the perfect example: lie down on your blanket, and you could be next to a billionaire or a landscaper. Out there, everyone is just enjoying the same sand, water, and sunshine.

What’s your perfect Hamptons summer day? It starts with coffee on the deck, followed by a workout at the firehouse gym and a quick swim in Little Peconic Bay. Then I’m off to show some great real estate—and hopefully back home in time for an amazing sunset.

Your spray tan: Esthetic Hamptons in Sag Harbor. Every cool girl seems to be getting bronzed here this summer, and after one appointment you’ll understand why. The glow is natural, streak-free, and somehow better than what the actual sun is giving us.

Your late-night scene: Talya in Montauk. If there’s one place everyone seems to end up after dinner, it’s here. Jenné Lombardo recently celebrated husband Harvey’s birthday at the hot spot, and if it’s good enough for one of the Hamptons’ chicest couples, it’s good enough for us. Add in the fact that Summer House has been spotted filming there, and everyone is asking the same question: “Are Kyle and Carl here tonight?”

AUGUST EDITION

The Hamptons Starter Pack

Your rainy-day plan: Southampton Playhouse. Between the unpredictable weather and the beautifully restored theater, there’s never been a better excuse to catch a movie. Whether it’s The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, or whatever everyone’s talking about that week, it’s become one of our favorite family-friendly escapes.

Your sweet treat: The cinnamon buns at Loaves & Fishes. If you’re anywhere near Sagaponack, get there early before they inevitably sell out. Ever since Ye Olde Bake Shoppe in Southampton closed, we’ve happily made the pilgrimage. Yes, they’re expensive. Yes, they’re absolutely worth it.

We’re officially at peak season. The reservations are impossible to get, the roads are packed, and somehow there’s still about 20 more events to attend. Here’s where we’re partying, tanning, and hanging out, but our lips are sealed on one bit of intel. Shhh!

BONUS TREND: LEAVING YOUR PHONE IN YOUR BAG.

The best moments this month aren’t the ones you’re posting—they’re the ones you’re actually present for. Between sunset dinners, beach walks, and impromptu backyard gatherings, August is a reminder to soak up every last bit of summer before it slips away. Enjoy!

Your best-kept secret: The back roads. Actually…never mind. This summer has been one of the busiest in recent memory, and we’ve officially decided it’s time to stop sharing our shortcut routes. Consider this the one Hamptons tip we’re keeping to ourselves.

@margitbrandtpalmbeach

followers

If you’re a Hamptonite who heads south each winter, Margit Brandt’s Instagram is worth adding to your feed. As one of the leading luxury real estate brokers in Florida, Brandt makes sure to keep you up to date on all the hottest new listings throughout the Palm Beach area.

Lisa “Lele” Sadoughi 7,244 followers

Founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous accessories brand, Lele Sadoughi has been making the rounds at Hamptons events all summer long. Her Instagram feed is a digital style diary as she highlights favorite pieces from her collections and how she styles them.

followers

Dubbed the “Godmother of American Fashion,” Fern Mallis is the visionary behind New York Fashion Week, and her IG has become just as iconic. Expect front-row access to the industry’s biggest moments, along with candid interviews and a glimpse into the everyday moments of her not-so-ordinary life.

followers

Whether she’s in the Hamptons, New York City, Palm Beach, or Los Angeles, Kathy Prounis is the ultimate insider. From entertaining and travel recommendations to fashion finds and stylish hosting tips, her IG page is packed with information you’ll want to know.

Who to Follow on Instagram

Meet the female founders and entrepreneurs who are curating our feeds with style.

Between DJing at Surf Lodge and co-founding the skincare brand DUNE Suncare, Mei Kwok knows how to balance nightlife with entrepreneurship. Her Instagram offers an inside look at life at major events and behind the turntables, beauty brand milestones, and all the stylish moments in between.

Nancy Twine 26,800 followers

Known as the founder of haircare brand Briogeo, Nancy Twine offers equal parts beauty, business, and inspiration on her IG. Along with glimpses of her life as an entrepreneur, she shares thoughtful reflections on gratitude, while empowering Gen Next with her podcast, Makers Mindset @nancytwine

Miller

followers

For more than 30 years, Jennifer Miller has been helping women master the art of mixing fine and fashion jewelry. As the co-founder of her namesake brand, Miller offers tips on how to style jewelry and gives first looks at new arrivals, along with a peek inside her chic boutiques.

While she’s often recognized as the wife of New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, Ali Marks Brunson has made a name for herself as the founder of the AMB Method fitness program. On IG, followers see her life as an entrepreneur and mother, plus plenty of courtside moments, too.

WATER MILL WISH LIST

What we hope will be coming to the Hamptons’ next great shopping destination.

Water Mill is getting a glow-up, and we couldn’t be more excited. With Runyon Group’s plans to transform much of the hamlet’s retail center into a thoughtfully curated destination filled with restaurants, services, gathering spaces, and independent brands, Water Mill has the opportunity to become

1 A LUXURY SHOE REPAIR SHOP

Every Hamptons regular knows the struggle: one minute you’re strolling the Hampton Classic, the next your Christian Louboutin heel is sinking into the grass. Whether it’s red soles, designer handbags, or well-loved summer sandals, the East End desperately needs a luxury shoe repair. No more schlepping back to Manhattan; we want expert craftsmanship right here. Leather Spa, we’re calling!

2 A PROPER BREAKFAST & BRUNCH SPOT

Ever since Golden Pear closed its Bridgehampton location, the Sagaponack-Water Mill corridor has been missing a true breakfast destination. We’d love something with the cozy neighborhood feel of Bubby’s, the timeless charm of E.A.T., or a Round Swamp sit-down restaurant—a place where you can linger over pancakes, avocado toast, and coffee.

3 RALPH’S COFFEE— PERMANENT, PLEASE

The Hamptons loves Ralph Lauren, so why not give us Ralph’s Coffee all year round? Not simply a seasonal pop-up or temporary activation— a permanent café serving its signature coffee, pastries, and elevated grab-andgo bites in the brand’s iconic green-and-white aesthetic. Consider us regulars already.

something the Hamptons has been missing—a place that feels just as useful for locals as it is exciting for visitors. The developers have said they want to focus on “daily needs” while bringing in chic hard-to-find concepts and creating a true community hub by summer 2027. So naturally, we started dreaming. Here’s our ultimate Water Mill wish list.

4 AN APERITIVO BAR

Where’s our chic pre-dinner spot? We are envisioning a stylish aperitivo bar serving spritzes, martinis, beautiful wine selections, and gorgeous fruit and cheese boards. Think European summer energy—a glamorous place to meet friends in the late afternoon, linger through golden hour, or stop by for one last cocktail after dinner.

5

6

BANCO

RETROFÊTE OR BRONX

Southampton and East Hampton certainly have luxury shopping covered, but Water Mill could carve out its own niche. We’d love to see a boutique like Retrofête or Bronx Banco open its doors, giving us a go-to destination for statement dresses, party looks, and everything you need for those Hamptons soirées. Sometimes all you need is a fabulous fashion pick-me-up nearby.

AN APPLE STORE EXPRESS

There’s never a convenient time to crack your iPhone screen, lose an AirPod, or realize your laptop charger was left in the city—but somehow it always happens in the Hamptons. An Apple Store Express would be a total game-changer, offering quick repairs, tech support, and accessory replacements. For a destination that relies on everyone staying connected, it feels like a no-brainer. T

SABRINA RUDIN

FROM FIELD TO FORK

Nothing tastes quite like summer in the Hamptons. The true magic of the East End lies in the abundance of its many farmstands. Check out a curated guide to some of the essential places to shop now.

There are many things I love about the East End—the wide-open beaches, surfing in Montauk, and the opal light at sunset, to name a few—but my favorite thing about spending time in the Hamptons is the farmstands, some of which I have shopped at for much of my life. We’re truly lucky to experience an abundance of gorgeous local produce. I’m fortunate to grow much of our own produce at home in my garden during the summer months, but for anything I don’t grow I shop local. Here’s a guide to my favorite farmstands Out East.

GREEN THUMB ORGANIC FARM

I’ve been shopping at Green Thumb since I was a child. Some of my favorite memories are accompanying my mom there on her daily run for the home-grown organic produce. I still visit the Green Thumb almost every day for the unusual finds, like chamomile flowers, jostaberries, perfect French radishes, blackberries, and heavenly Sungold tomatoes. I also buy all my organic flowers there each week to make my

own arrangements. I love that there’s a wide selection of healthy food products as well, like our favorite tortilla chips, Fancy Peasant olive oil, and gluten-free pasta. 829 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

SANG LEE FARMS

Sang Lee on the North Fork is one of the original organic farms. Its produce is unmatched, and it just happens to be owned by one of my dearest friends (her grandfather founded it). The yellow watermelon is the highlight of my summer, as well as the organic corn. If you haven’t tried the ginger scallion dip, you’re missing out on the most delicious thing in the Hamptons. 25180 County Road 48, Peconic

AMBER WAVES FARM

I love everything about Amber Waves and its farming ethos and community initiatives. Its green goddess hummus is a staple at any of my dinner parties. I also love the home-grown tomatoes, lettuce, and beautiful cut flowers. The delicious café at Amber Waves and cute kids’ activities are a weekend activity must. 367 Main Street, Amagansett

BALSAM FARM STAND

The most delicious fairy tale eggplants, unique herb varietals, like Thai basil and lemon verbena, and sweet-assugar organically grown corn make Balsam Farm Stand one of my go-to places. 293 Town Lane, Amagansett

FAIRVIEW FARM AT MECOX

Fairview sprays their produce, but I love the delicious prepared homemade foods, like the raisin challah and fruit pies, and the legendary guacamole, my children’s favorite beach snack. Family-owned and run, this is a gem of a farmstand. 19 Horsemill Lane, Bridgehampton T

THE VEGETARIAN NIÇOISE

A Niçoise salad has everything I love most in the vegetable kingdom—delicate butter lettuce, small waxy potatoes, radishes, and olives. This version is made with chickpeas in place of tuna fish, and it’s my favorite way to prepare a vegetarian Niçoise. This recipe serves four to six.

INGREDIENTS

8 small red new potatoes (about 2 pounds total)

1 lb string beans, trimmed

1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated

1 (13-ounce) jar chickpeas, or 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained

3 Tbsp capers, with brine (divided)

5 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

⅛ tsp fine sea salt

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

10 to 12 radishes, halved

1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

4 hard-boiled eggs, halved lengthwise Mustard vinaigrette

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook potatoes until fork-tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, slice in half.

2. Refill saucepan with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch string beans until bright green, about 2 minutes. Drain string beans in colander and immediately run under cold water, or place in ice bath, to stop cooking.

3. Meanwhile, line a large serving platter with butter lettuce.

4. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of capers with brine, sundried tomatoes, and salt. Using a fork, mash mixture together until ingredients are broken down and resemble consistency of tuna fish. Place chickpea mixture on platter.

5. Add potatoes and string beans to platter, arranging so that each has its own area on the plate. Similarly, arrange cherry tomatoes, radishes, olives, and eggs on platter. Scatter remaining 1 tablespoon of capers over everything and drizzle mustard vinaigrette on top.

6. Serve immediately, or cover and store in refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

SARAH WRAGGE

A WORK IN PROGRESS

One founder reflects on the beautiful, often chaotic, messy, and unhurried journey of building a wellness brand from the ground up. Ten years later, helping people eat and feel better is still the goal.

Picture this: It’s 2016, I’m pregnant with my first child, crisscrossing New York City in Ubers, trekking out to Jersey City, meeting clients over FaceTime when I couldn’t get to them in person. It wasn’t glamorous. It was chaotic, and often stressful. But that’s how Sarah Wragge Wellness became more than “a health thing,” which is how my former

employer described it, not entirely approvingly. I didn’t set out with a grand plan. It became my mission slowly, almost without my noticing. A few months into working with clients as a health coach, something in me settled. It felt right, even as I was still learning as I went—purging pantries, restocking them, trying to explain what good ingredients actually look like. I didn’t have all the answers. I simply wanted people to see how attainable it could be to eat well, once someone showed them how.

Eventually the work expanded beyond nutrition and pantry makeovers, largely because clients kept asking for more and I kept saying yes. I brought in trainers and chefs. I began building content and travel guides, curating menus for clients wherever they traveled. One thing led to the next, almost imperceptibly, and six months in, I was asking my full-time employer to ship my belongings home from the office. I couldn’t tell you the exact moment I decided not to go back. It simply became true.

The early years had their share of ups and downs, and I made a great deal of it up as I went. I spent little time studying what others in wellness were doing—not out of confidence, but because I had limited bandwidth to spare. I stayed close to whatever felt true in the moment. Somehow, one imperfect step at a time, that approach led me here, to a team I remain grateful for and, honestly, a little in awe of.

Being a founder—while also trying to be a present wife, mother, sister, friend, and some version of myself— has humbled me more than I can adequately express. There have been long stretches where I felt isolated, out of my depth, or quietly convinced I was failing at most of it. I don’t have a tidy answer for how to hold it all together. But two things feel a little truer to me now than they once did: First, there’s no need to rush. Or at least, I’m learning to believe that. Things tend to happen when they’re meant to, even when it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.

Second, nothing is wasted. Even the meetings, the calls, the flights across the country for a single hour with someone—it all seems to fold back into the larger picture, eventually, in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I want to be clear that I haven’t resolved

any of this. I’m still learning how to run a company, be there for my family, and care for myself, often within the same afternoon. I burn out more than I’d like to admit. What has changed, gradually, is that I’m better at recognizing when I need to slow down, and I’m more disciplined about protecting the fundamentals—movement, family time, sleep, and nutrition I can rely on. Most days, I get to help people feel more like themselves, and I still find it hard to believe that’s the work. The road hasn’t been straight, or paved, or even visible much of the time. I’m not certain it ever fully will be. But I keep moving forward, one uncertain step after another, more grateful for it than I probably let on. T

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THE SUMMER GLOW DIRECTORY

Big-name brands, facialists to the stars, and elite pop-ups are bringing A-list treatments to the East End. Here’s your definitive guide to the latest and greatest beauty treatments of the season.

This summer, one of the most coveted reservations to score in the Hamptons isn’t just dinner—it’s a facial. Between lunches at Duryea’s, beach days at Ditch Plains, and goldenhour dinners at Crow’s Nest, beauty has quietly become part of the local itinerary. Luxury brands, celebrity facialists, and skincare’s most sought-after experts are bringing their most coveted treatments here, turning the East End into one of the season’s most sought-after beauty destinations. Whether you’re looking for a quick glow before an event or carving out an afternoon dedicated entirely to yourself, these are the appointments worth booking before summer’s over.

The Beauty Sandwich at Shou Sugi Ban House

337 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill

ONDA Beauty at Faraway Sag Harbor

31 West Water Street, Sag Harbor

La Prairie at Gurney’s Inn

290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk

ELEMIS at Montauk Yacht Club

32 Star Island Road, Montauk

Tammy Fender at The Pridwin Spa, Shelter Island

81 Shore Road, Shelter Island

Violet Grey

66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

The Reform Club

23 Windmill Lane, Amagansett

JENNA RENNERT

Celeb facialist Iván Pol is bringing his Beauty Sandwich treatment to the Hamptons with a residency at Shou Sugi Ban House, the Japanese-inspired wellness retreat known for its serene approach to holistic healing. Combining radio frequency, LED therapy, and Pol’s signature sculpting techniques, The Beauty Sandwich delivers an immediately lifted, brighter, more defined complexion.

ONDA Beauty has returned to the Hamptons for the summer with a seasonal residency at Faraway Sag Harbor. The pop-up brings ONDA’s sought-after practitioners Out East, offering a menu of customized treatments designed to restore summer skin. Choose from bespoke facials, lymphatic drainage massage, the signature Lift + Sculpt facial, or the Glow on the Go express treatment for a quick refresh before an evening on the town in Sag Harbor.

La Prairie returns to Gurney’s for another summer, bringing the gold standard of Swiss skincare to an exclusive ocean-view suite on the East End. The hero treatment is the Out East Glow Personalized Facial, a 60-minute ritual that combines sculpting massage, cooling stones, and La Prairie’s Skin Caviar collection to leave skin visibly lifted, firmer, and radiant. Also on the menu is the White Caviar Glass Skin Facial, which combines cryotherapy and lymphatic drainage. And every facial includes access to Gurney’s newly reimagined Seawater Spa.

Perched on the marina, Montauk Yacht Club’s Wellness Cabana by ELEMIS offers the British skincare brand’s signature facials designed to hydrate, sculpt, firm, and revive sun-exposed skin. Expect best-selling formulas like the cult-favorite Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream to take center stage, alongside tailored treatments that range from quick glow-boosting appointments to longer, more restorative rituals with optional LED therapy. It’s the kind of appointment that delivers fresh, post-vacation skin.

Tammy Fender built a devoted following around her holistic, plant-based approach to skincare. This summer, the renowned aesthetician brings her namesake treatments to The Pridwin Spa on Shelter Island, where customized facials draw on her signature botanical formulations and intuitive massage techniques to calm, nourish, and restore the complexion. Set within the historic waterfront hotel, it’s a serene escape for those seeking results that feel as restorative as they are radiant. Don’t leave without picking up Fender’s iconic Bulgarian Rose Water.

Violet Grey is bringing beauty’s biggest names directly to the Hamptons with a rotating lineup of exclusive in-store experiences. Throughout the summer, visitors can book complimentary mini treatments from brands including U Beauty, LYMA, and Sofie Pavitt Face, alongside one-on-one makeup sessions with Violet Grey’s expert artistry team. Whether you’re discovering your next holy grail skincare product or perfecting your fiveminute summer makeup routine, it’s the kind of insider stop worth making between shopping and lunch.

For those looking to extend their self-care beyond skincare, The Reform Club offers one of the Hamptons’ most thoughtfully curated wellness experiences. Alongside restorative facials and body treatments, the Amagansett retreat features infrared saunas, cold plunges, lymphatic drainage, IV therapy, and recoveryfocused therapies designed to restore both body and mind. It’s the perfect way to end a weekend Out East—or recover from one. T

JENNIFER CREEL

WHO RUNS THE WORLD?

Forget the “Girl Boss” clichés. True entrepreneurial success is built on confidence, connection, and the courage to begin. Small ideas can grow into bigger ones, especially when fueled by hard work and community.

Working Girl, Boss Babe, Girl Boss, Mompreneur—female entrepreneurs tend to be defined by their gender, like most professions that have historically been male-dominated. Successful female business owners are often labeled as strong, but I think “strong” is overrated. Confidence is a better word. Confidence isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Personally, it’s something I had to build over years of trial and error.

When I first started making jewelry in 2008, my children were just getting to be school aged, and I wasn’t thinking about launching a business. I wore my own pieces, people asked where they came from, and eventually they asked if I could make customized pieces for them. One order became another, and before long, what started as a personal hobby grew into a brand. It happened organically because it came from something authentic.

Like many women, I have more than one role. I’m a business owner, a mother, and the person responsible for making sure everything

gets done. There are no days off when you own your own company. You’re constantly thinking ahead—what to create next, how to market it, how to stay organized, how to grow without losing what made your business special in the first place. For me, it’s connecting with people one-on-one, and creating jewelry that’s personal and tells a story. I don’t do mass-market reproductions. It’s all dedicated, creative work, and, thankfully, the work never really ends.

Some days I’d like to fire myself, but I can’t. There are customers waiting for their jewelry, e-mails that need answering, and a brain that won’t shut down. One day can feel like nothing goes right, and the next reminds me exactly why I started. One of the greatest rewards is seeing someone wearing something I created. Hearing that they love it or receiving an unexpected compliment never gets old. A kind word is more welcome than most people realize.

I’ve also learned that everyone has an opinion. If you spend too much time listening to the noise, you’ll lose sight of your own direction. Believing in yourself, staying focused, and simply sticking with it are often more important than having the perfect plan. Although success also isn’t something you build alone. The people around you matter. Supportive family, friends, mentors, and other entrepreneurs can make all the difference.

I’ve never believed that women need to compete with one another. There’s room for collaboration, encouragement, and shared success—and I can only hope that others follow the same mentality.

Women like Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera built big brands by taking small steps that reflected who they were, not who they thought they should be. I’ve seen that same entrepreneurial spirit closer to home. My sister, Suzy Bancroft, grew her interiordesign business into a successful brick-andmortar studio, Coleman Bancroft, through years of consistency and determination.

Other brands like VRéserve, Sarah Bray Bermuda, and Marie-Chantal remind us that small, thoughtfully built businesses can grow into something truly recognizable.

The lesson for me is simple: Find something that matters to you, decide how much time you’re willing to invest (you’ll need a lot), and don’t be afraid to let your personality become part of your business. Your lifestyle, your experiences, and perhaps most importantly, your imagination are often what set you apart.

If my children learn anything from me, I hope it’s this—believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to start small. Small authentic ideas have a way of becoming something much bigger than you ever imagined. T

CLOSING THE DATING DEAL

For the powerful female executive or entrepreneur, finding love doesn’t mean toning it down—it means looking for a relationship with confidence, intention, and zero compromise.

This may be my favorite Spotlight theme yet—powerful female entrepreneurs. As a business owner myself, I have so much respect for women who forge their own path. I know how hard it is, and I know how much sacrifice there can be. However, the one thing you shouldn’t have to sacrifice is your dating life. You might be head-down tunnel vision on creating your empire, so I’ve got your back when it comes to setting yourself up for success in the dating world. Here are four ways to market yourself.

1

Start the conversation with ease. You’re not afraid to talk to people when it comes to work, so there should be no fear in starting a conversation with a potential love interest. Don’t be afraid to be the one to initiate, but then give him space afterward to come to you. Once you’ve made it clear you’d like to go out, it’s important to let him take the lead. I recommend starting conversations with a question—and an interesting one. Ask “Best lobster roll in the Hamptons?” instead of “How was your day?” You want to stand out, and you definitely don’t want to come off as boring.

2

Body language is key. If you’re a powerful female entrepreneur,

chances are that you’re intimidating. Your body language can put someone at ease and make you seem more approachable. Don’t rush your words. Don’t be afraid to smile. Try not to have your phone in your hand. Eye contact is so important.

3 Make sure your dating profile is up to par. The way you present yourself online is meant to showcase a little bit of your personality, your looks (of course), and some background of who you are. The ideal combination is at least two pictures of just you, a family photo, a friends photo, and definitely one of you smiling. When it comes to prompts and what you write in your profile, keep it lighthearted while still revealing some clues to who you are and what your vibe is.

4

Remember who the F you are. This is the most important point I’m going to make here. You are the prize. You aren’t just bringing things to the table; you are the table. Make sure your mindset is not “Does he like me,” and instead it’s “Do I like him? Do I enjoy his company? Does he bring out a good side of me?” If your interactions with people you’re interested in don’t

lead to a date or a relationship, then it’s your protection from something that wouldn’t have been right for you anyway. The right man will always rise to the challenge of dating a powerful woman, not shy away from it.

I can’t wait to hear how dating is going for you this summer. For more relationship, couples, and motherhood tips, you can follow @wemetatacme, @wemetatbaby, and @lindzmetz on Instagram or check out “We Met at Acme” wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you want to be spammed with all the frosé I’m drinking, check out @dontexpectsalads. T

BEHIND THE BLUE RIBBONS

For nearly 50 years, the Hampton Classic Horse Show has anchored the East End summer calendar. Now, a network of women is shaping the culture, business, and future of one of the equestrian sport’s greatest traditions.

For nearly five decades, the Hampton Classic Horse Show has been one of the defining traditions of the East End. Each August, Bridgehampton becomes home to one of the nation’s premier equestrian competitions, welcoming world-class riders, devoted spectators, and generations of families. While the excitement of championship competition remains at its heart, the Hampton Classic’s enduring legacy is equally defined by the extraordinary women whose leadership, passion, and vision have shaped the event into one of the Hamptons’ most treasured institutions.

Equestrian sport has long stood apart as one of the few athletic disciplines where women and men compete on equal footing. Success is measured not by gender, but by discipline, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Nowhere is that spirit more evident than at the Hampton Classic, where generations of women have influenced not only the competition inside the ring but also the culture, philanthropy, and community that surround it.

Today, that tradition continues under the leadership of Shanette Barth Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Charged with preserving one of the Hamptons’ most iconic annual events while guiding its future, Cohen has helped ensure that the Classic remains both internationally respected and based Out East.

Among the Hampton Classic’s most recognizable ambassadors is Georgina Bloomberg, whose long-standing connection to the show extends well beyond competition. An accomplished rider and dedicated philanthropist, Bloomberg has become a leading advocate for equine welfare, therapeutic riding programs, and expanding opportunities for young equestrians. Her commitment reflects a broader philosophy embraced throughout the Hampton Classic community—that leadership is measured not only by victories, but by the ability to create lasting opportunities for others.

Equally synonymous with the Hampton Classic is Margie Goldstein-Engle, whose decades of success have made her one of the most respected figures in American show jumping.

oversee operations, sponsorships, hospitality, communications, volunteer coordination, and guest experiences. They manage barns, care for elite equine athletes, operate training facilities, and lead equestrian businesses throughout the East End. Many are entrepreneurs who have built careers rooted in agriculture, horsemanship, and small business.

Alongside accomplished competitors including Anne Kursinski and Molly Ashe Cawley, she represents the extraordinary level of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship that has become synonymous with the Hampton Classic. Together, these women have inspired generations of young riders while reinforcing the values of dedication and partnership that define the sport.

Yet the Hampton Classic’s greatest strength may lie beyond the riders who enter the Grand Prix Ring. Months before the first fence is jumped, women are working behind the scenes to bring the event to life. They

Their influence extends beyond the show grounds. Through charitable partnerships and community initiatives, the Hampton Classic has become an important platform for giving back to the East End. Women have been instrumental in fostering these relationships, strengthening local organizations while ensuring that the event remains deeply connected to the community that has embraced it for generations.

The blue ribbons awarded each year celebrate remarkable performances in the arena. But behind every championship round is a community of women whose vision, generosity, and quiet determination have helped transform the Hampton Classic into far more than a world-class horse show. They have made it a defining symbol of the Hamptons itself. T

The Hamptons Classic Horse Show runs from August 23–30 at the Hampton Classic Showgrounds, 240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton.

CO DREAMING in

COLOR

For 25 years, Stacey Bendet has championed bold style, big ideas, and unapologetic individuality. Now, the Alice + Olivia founder reflects on the evolution of her brand, her influence, and the legacy she’s still creating.

Let’s start at the beginning. What was your childhood like?

Looking back, one of the biggest influences on me was being a gymnast. It taught me discipline, focus, and resilience. I also grew up in a small, homogeneous town where I always felt a little different. I felt there was a bigger world out there and wanted to see more, do more, and build something of my own. The other major influence was growing up around fabric, lace, and design. My family had been in the lace business for generations and was one of the largest lace manufacturers in the country. I loved visiting my dad’s office, walking through the factories, and watching beautiful materials come to life. Did those origins shape who you are today?

At the time, I didn’t realize how much I was learning, but it gave me a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity. Even as a kid, I was making clothes for my Barbie dolls and decorating dollhouses with fabric scraps. Then I went to Penn and thought success meant banking or law. My dad would always tell me, “You’re so creative—do something creative.” What started as a hobby—making bags, capes, and eventually pants—turned into a business. Did I know I’d build a global brand? Absolutely not. I just loved creating beautiful things.

SADICK

For the OG Alice + Olivia customers, the brand started with one mission—creating the perfect pair of pants. How did that idea come about?

It was the height of the denim era, and I felt there was a gap in a woman’s wardrobe. I wanted to create a pant that had the comfort and fit of a great jean but felt more elevated and fashion-forward. For the first year and a half, that’s all we made. This year marks 25 years of Alice + Olivia. What are you most proud of?

The culture we’ve created. The teams we’ve built. What the brand represents to women. I’ve never seen someone put on our clothes and not smile. Whether it’s our suiting, our prints, our dresses, or our colors, there’s joy in it. We even hide little positive affirmations inside our jackets and button-downs. Things like “You got this,” “Go for it,” and “You look good.” Sometimes people don’t even realize they’re there.

Were there ever moments when you doubted whether the business would succeed?

During the pandemic, absolutely. There was definitely a moment

WERNER

I always say nobody is just one thing. We all have different versions of ourselves.”

where I thought, “Oh, my God, are we going to survive this era of sweatpants?” We made party dresses and colorful suiting. It was terrifying. But as a leader—and especially having my husband, Andrew, by my side— you learn to stay calm and keep moving through the storm.

Over the years, you’ve become as recognizable as the brand itself. Was that on purpose?

Not really. I think it happened naturally. Today, people want to know the person behind the brand. They want to see how things are made, why they’re made, and what happens behind the scenes. I always try to make anything I do publicly about the clothes and the brand, but people connect with authenticity. They want to understand the process, whether it’s design, digital innovation, or fit development. Sharing that journey has become really important.

How is the Stacey Bendet of today different from the woman who launched Alice + Olivia in 2002?

Well, for one thing, I’m not Rollerblading to work anymore.

Why not?

We’ve evolved a little. I’ve grown up. The brand has grown up. We’ve become more sophisticated, but I hope the inner child and the whimsy are still there.

Your signature eye makeup is almost as recognizable as your designs. Has that look evolved over time?

Definitely. There’s a version of me that’s completely makeup-free: vegan yogi, hair in a messy bun, full Hamptons mode. Then there’s the black eye makeup look. Sometimes it’s more gold, sometimes more black, more sparkly, more cat-eye. It’s evolved over the years. I always say nobody is just one thing. We all have different versions of ourselves.

You’ve also been open about your beauty treatments.

I think there’s such a stigma around women wanting to look younger or improve something about themselves. My attitude is, if something bothers you and you can safely change it, why not? When I shared my baby lift, I received thousands of messages. Some people asked why I did it. Others thanked me for being honest. I think women appreciate transparency. If something worked for me and made me feel better, I’m happy to share it. We’re living through a beauty revolution. There are so many incredible technologies and treatments available now. At the end of the day, I just like making things beautiful, whether that’s fitting a pair of pants or improving my skin. It’s all aesthetic to me. It’s about being your best, doing your best,

What started as a hobby— making bags, capes, and eventually pants— turned into a business. Did I know I’d build a global brand? Absolutely not. I just loved creating beautiful things.”

and feeling your best. We always say, “Look good, feel good, do good.”

Is there a treatment on your beauty bucket list?

Right now, I’m interested in biostimulants. There are stem cell–based options, peptides, polynucleotides—so many fascinating innovations.

My dermatologist and I created a protocol we call “Stace Face.” It’s a combination of microneedling with ingredients like polynucleotides, tranexamic acid, Botox, and hyaluronic acid. It makes your skin incredibly glowy. I also love SoftWave [Tissue Regeneration] and Pico-toning for texture, tightening, and pores.

Why do you think your brand resonates with both legacy customers and the next generation?

That’s such a compliment. Women of my generation grew up wearing our clothes, and I hope younger women are inspired by what we’ve built. My daughters wear our jeans and tops. My mom and mother-in-law wear our beaded jackets, sweaters, and blouses. I think our use of color, print, and fit appeals across generations. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a mother and daughter shopping together.

Would any of your kids join the business someday?

My daughter Scarlett has incredible taste. She’s actually working on a project in my office this summer. She’s reimagining our Big Feelings sweatshirt initiative and renaming it Little Sister— like Alice + Olivia’s little sister. The designs she’s created are amazing, and she wants the project to support mental-health awareness. I’ve been impressed.

You have such a strong community of women around you. Who inspires you?

Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton have been muses since we were about 20 years old. They’re iconic, elegant, and always inspire me with the way they wear clothes. I also love dressing Kathy Hilton and her daughter-in-law, Tessa. And honestly, one of the most iconic women of our time is Lauren Sánchez. The way she uses her voice, supports charities, advocates for neurodiversity and dyslexia, and embraces who she is—I think that’s incredibly powerful. Sometimes the women who inspire me most aren’t celebrities at all. They’re doctors, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are doing extraordinary things while wearing our clothes.

Let’s talk Hamptons. What does a perfect summer day look like for you?

This summer I’ll probably be out there more than ever. My kids are older now and want to spend time with their friends in the Hamptons. I love doing yoga, taking long walks, going out on boats, waterskiing with my kids, playing pickleball, and stopping by our stores. I’m obsessed with those tiny Hedley Studios electric sports cars and desperately want one to drive around this summer. I also love Sag Harbor dinners, farmer’s markets, and random vintage shopping.

Do locals recognize you when you’re walking around town?

They do, but I’m pretty used to it.

What’s something people assume about you that’s completely wrong?

I think people sometimes assume fashion is all glamour. I work my ass off. I’m in meetings from seven in the morning until six at night. I’m deeply involved in every part of the business—not just the clothes, but the operations, strategy, and growth.

Instagram looks fabulous, but I’m in the office every day.

What’s your daily ritual?

Ashtanga yoga every morning. Nonnegotiable. And when I need to clear my head, I take long walks.

I’ve only ever seen you in sky-high heels. What are you actually walking in?

Honestly, sometimes I walk in the heels. But I also love a chic Louis Vuitton slip-on with a platform sole, Louis Vuitton sneakers, Prada’s suede Birkenstocks, and Roger Vivier sneakers with crystal details.

Is there a side of you people don’t get to see?

People don’t always realize how much I love business and science. I’m obsessed with learning about AI right now and figuring out how to apply it throughout our company. I also love longevity science—stem cells, polynucleotides, cellular regeneration. I could talk about that stuff all day. What does having an impact mean to you?

I’m still growing the business. I want to launch fragrance, lingerie, and entirely new categories.

But I’m also thinking a lot about legacy. One project we’re exploring is helping create a fashion business major at NYU. There are amazing design schools, but not enough programs focused on the future business of fashion—AI, robotics, technology, and entrepreneurship. For me, it’s about continuing to create, learn, grow, and contribute.

So Professor Bendet could be in your future?

I don’t know if I have the attention span for that. [Laughs] But helping build a program like that? Absolutely. Supporting the next generation of fashion business talent feels incredibly important. Many of your friends have been on reality TV. Have you ever considered it?

Honestly, I don’t even think people would believe the reality show. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, but let’s just say there’s never a dull moment. I may be a lot of things, but boring isn’t one of them. Do you intentionally keep your personal life more private?

I do, but trust me—it’s not boring. At this stage of life, what feels most important to you?

Family. Always. My work and my teams are incredibly important to me, but every day I’m a mom first and a designer and CEO second. What’s really special now is that my kids are getting older and genuinely proud of what I’ve built. That means everything. T

Ashl ey Stark Ke nner

Creative Director, STARK and Ashley Stark Home

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a female business owner?

Becoming fluent in three languages: creativity, spreadsheets, and pretending you totally meant for Plan B to become Plan A. Early on, I felt like I had to prove myself in rooms where people expected to speak to someone older or someone else entirely. Eventually, I realized credibility doesn’t come from fitting the mold. It comes from consistently delivering great work. I’ve also learned that building a brand is about much more than creating beautiful products. It’s about creating trust—with clients, artisans, manufacturers, and your team. Every decision reflects your values. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I find inspiration everywhere, which is wonderful but slightly exhausting! Travel is probably my greatest source, honestly, because it slows you down enough to actually notice things: a tiled floor, a faded textile, or the way light hits a room at a certain hour. But daily life feeds it just as much. There are so many design studios around the city that I love wandering into. I’ll leave with a photo roll full of things that have nothing to do with what I walked in for. A pattern on someone’s coat, a color combination at a restaurant, a display in a shop window—my brain just files it under “future rug” and moves on. The hard part was never finding inspiration. It’s convincing my family we do need to stop again so I can take another photo.

FORCES FOUNDING

We’re celebrating the female entrepreneurs and business leaders whose bold ideas, unwavering ambition, and community impact are helping define the East End today.

Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin Co-founders, Amber Waves Farm

What inspired you to co-found Amber Waves?

Katie Baldwin: I was working in foreign policy in Manhattan when a book, This Common Ground, sent me down a completely different path. I left the city, apprenticed at Quail Hill Farm on Long Island, and that’s where I met Amanda. We were both people who chose this work on purpose rather than inheriting it, and that shared conviction is what made us want to build something together.

What’s been the most rewarding part of building Amber Waves over the years?

Amanda Merrow: For me, it’s watching our apprenticeship program ripple outward. We’ve

graduated nearly 80 apprentices since we started the program, most of them women, and a number have gone on to start their own farms and food businesses. Every one of them is proof that what we built here doesn’t stay contained to our own fields. As female entrepreneurs, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

Amanda: Neither of us inherited a farm, a customer base, or a roadmap—we built access to land, capital, and community completely from scratch. When you’ve had to fight for your seat like that, you learn quickly who else might be locked out of opportunity, and why, and it makes you more intentional about opening the gate.

Julia-Rose Siegler

Founder, Studio Rose

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a young female founder of a perfume brand?

That being a young founder and having an allfemale team under 25 is one of our greatest strengths. While people often assume that being young creates challenges, I realized early on that the biggest mistake would be trying to distance ourselves from that instead of leaning into it. Because we are our customer, we naturally understand the way women our age think about fragrance. Rather than following the traditional idea that everyone should have one signature scent, we built Studio Rose around the reality that women live many different versions of a day. The scent you want to wear to work isn’t necessarily the one you reach for before Pilates, a first date, or a girls’ night out. That perspective didn’t come from market research. It came from our own lives and the women around us.

Who has been your greatest influence throughout your journey?

Aerin Lauder has been my biggest inspiration throughout this journey. I had the opportunity to intern with her for two summers, and getting to observe the way she curates both her brand and her everyday life completely influenced my experience as a founder. She has this incredible ability to make even the simplest moments feel intentional and beautiful. That philosophy directly inspired Studio Rose and our belief in living life through rose-colored glasses. I fell in love with the idea that the smallest details can completely transform an experience, and I’ve carried that into every part of the brand. From sourcing our bottles directly from France to finding the balance between timeless elegance and youthful design, every decision is meant to make the everyday feel a little more special.

Temidra

Willock-Morsch and Tanya Willock

Owners, Hidden Gem

What’s the backstory on opening Hidden Gem? How did the idea first come to life?

Temidra Willock-Morsch: Hidden Gem started long before we ever opened the doors. Ever since we were little, we dreamed of owning a business together. Our grandmother introduced us to entrepreneurship at an early age; we’d spend time crocheting and knitting with her. She taught us that creating something with your hands had value. Years later, we both found ourselves at similar crossroads in our careers. Instead of wondering what came next, we decided it was finally time to build the business we’d always talked about. What advice would you give to women who dream of turning their creativity into a business?

Tanya Willock: Just start. It’s simple advice, but it’s also the hardest part. You don’t need the perfect business plan or the perfect storefront. Sell at a local market, or start online. Sell from your front yard! Every successful business starts somewhere, and you’ll learn by taking that first step rather than by waiting until everything feels perfect.

What led you to create a platform dedicated to supporting femaleowned businesses?

Patricia Assui Reed Founder, Matriark

I believe that, even though it’s hard to be an entrepreneur, women can achieve more freedom and call their own shot when they have their own businesses. And when women have money, everyone wins—their families, their communities, and their businesses, so supporting them is a way to make an impact in their lives but also in the world at large.

What does being a female founder mean to you today?

Professionally, it means that I have the responsibility and the privilege to work and open doors for other women, and that I get to contribute to the world through my

Claudine Lilien Founder, Claudine

Where do you get your ideas from when designing jewelry?

I design around emotions, not trends. Every piece begins with a feeling, a mantra, or a reminder of who we are at our best—and it becomes something you can wear every day.

What’s been the most rewarding part of building your own jewelry brand?

Watching women connect with the meaning behind a piece and make it part of their own story. That’s when it becomes more than jewelry; it becomes personal. What’s one piece from your collection that you’re most proud of and why?

My Peace Pendant doesn’t just reference “peace” as an abstract idea—it echoes a symbol that represents hope, courage, and choosing peace over conflict.

skills, talent, and work. And from a personal standpoint, it means I get to be an example for my daughter and son, showing them that, though I’m not perfect, I can be a great mother and wife, and also pursue my dreams outside of our family.

What has been the most rewarding part of building the Matriark community?

By far, the best part of building Matriark has been the people I’ve met and continue to meet. Smart, kind, and thoughtful women who want community, want to be seen, and want to see what’s possible when they meet other women. It’s been an honor to nurture these incredible people behind companies and brands, and facilitate the important relationships they are building in our community.

Danielle Candela Founder, Tote Taxi & Tote Camps

What made you create Tote Taxi?

I started Tote Taxi because I saw a need for a service that specialized in transporting personal belongings between Manhattan and the Hamptons. There wasn’t a company dedicated to making that transition seamless. I wanted to create something that felt more thoughtful and elevated than a traditional moving company.

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being in business?

That you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to build a successful business. Early on, I thought success meant proving myself. Over time, I realized it’s much more powerful to create something original that solves a real problem and reflects your own vision.

Mindy Gray Owner, Sagaponack General Store

When did you realize you wanted to open the General Store?

I purchased the store during COVID, when we were all isolated and craving community. The store was reborn with the intention of bringing people back together—to gather, share stories, break bread, and to simply be.

What was the most important step you took to bring your idea to life?

I reviewed historic images of the store and discovered that there had been a front porch. It became essential to the redesign to bring that element back. Porches are a quintessentially American architectural feature, and for the store, one that allows people to have serendipitous encounters with strangers who then become acquaintances and perhaps friends.

Marina Cocher

Founder and CEO, Marina St Barth

Any suggestions for women who are dreaming of creating a business?

Stay true to your vision, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to evolve. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from listening to your passion, to your clients, and treating every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

What do you look for when discovering a new brand?

I look for authenticity, exceptional craftsmanship, and pieces that tell a story. I want every collection to feel unique and timeless, rather than following trends. And I always listen to our clients.

Julia Levi

Founder, Charlie Fox

What led to the creation of Charlie Fox, and why the Hamptons?

Cannabis was evolving, but the experience around it hadn’t caught up. I wanted to change that through hospitality, curation, and design—and build a brand that could extend beyond the dispensary. After years of creating experiences in the Hamptons, it was the natural place to start.

What’s your favorite part of creating luxury experiences for people?

Surprising people in the best possible way. Charlie Fox has never been just about cannabis—it’s about elevating everyday life and the rituals around it. Whether through the brands we curate or collaborations like our exclusive cashmere collection with Kiki de Montparnasse, I love giving people something unexpected.

Sandra de Ovando Founder and Creative Director, Ovando

As the owner of Ovando flowers, if someone could buy only one bouquet this summer, what would you include? I would create something that feels effortless, sculptural, and abundant. Summer is the season of generosity, so I would combine garden roses, fragrant jasmine vine, hydrangeas, delicate cosmos, seasonal grasses, and textural branches. The palette would be soft whites, buttery yellows, and fresh greens, allowing the natural movement and beauty of each stem to shine. It would feel as though it had just been gathered from a magnificent summer garden.

Blake Geffen

Founder, Vivrelle

What gap in the market did you see that led to the creation of Vivrelle?

The idea for Vivrelle came to me while I was planning my wedding. I wanted fun, elevated accessories for each event, from the bachelorette party to the bridal shower, wedding weekend, and honeymoon, but I didn’t want to purchase something new for every outfit. That’s when I realized there should be a more flexible, accessible way to enjoy luxury. I shared the idea with my fiancé (now husband), and we immediately started brainstorming. We put pen to paper and began building what we envisioned as the ideal experience.

What advice would you give to women hoping to start their own company?

The best businesses start by solving a problem you know intimately. Vivrelle was born out of a frustration I experienced firsthand. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need all the answers before you begin. Launch sooner than you’re comfortable with, stay relentlessly close to your customer, and let their feedback shape where you go next. I’d also encourage women to trust their perspective. The companies that endure are rarely the ones that follow the playbook. They’re the ones that have the confidence to write their own. T

RACHEL GILBERT Kayla gown in Orange, $1,995, rachelgilbert.com

Mina 20 laser-cut leather tote in Orange, $2,650, net-a-porter.com

CULT GAIA Patrizia dress in Canyon, $798, cultgaia.com

sunglasses in Orange/ LA DOUBLE J La Scala top in Reef White, $850, us.ladoublej.com

Jora Racer knee-length dress with fringe in Flame, $595, toccin.com

Lauren 1980 Teen small intrecciato leather clutch in Orange, $4,800, net-a-porter.com

ROXANNE ASSOULIN

The Stone Pebble gold-tone carnelian and crystal earrings, $160, net-a-porter.com

SIMON MILLER

Dizzy sequin skirt in Tangerine Orange, $345, simonmillerusa.com

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Calakala 85 suede espadrilles sandals in Brick, $945, net-a-porter.com

JOHN HARDY

Artisan series pebble ring, $19,000, johnhardy.com

LIZZIE FORTUNATO

Gala sequined bag in Tigerlily, $495, lizziefortunato.com

CRUSH

SEASON’S FRESHEST POP OF COLOR.

SYDNEY EVAN

Gold & diamond starburst red coral earrings, $2,630, sydneyevan.com

PUCCI

Printed tulle maxi skirt, $2,300, net-a-porter.com

YVONNE LÉON

Coquillage corail 9kt gold ring with diamonds, $4,490, mytheresa.com

TALLER MARMO

Candice sequined maxi dress, $2,055, farfetch.com

DAVID YURMAN

Petite pavé pinky ring in 18K yellow gold with orange sapphires, $2,950, daivdyurman.com

DOLCE&GABBANA

Printed silk-twill foulard, $315, net-a-porter.com

PUCCI

52mm geometric sunglasses in Orange, $485, saksfifthavenue.com

GIANVITO ROSSI

Sofia 70 leather thong sandals in Brick, $895, net-a-porter.com

DECONSTRUCTING

Hublot’s Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic Watch

Since its founding in 1980, Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot has redefined the industry through its unique use of precious metals and unconventional materials, mastering what the brand calls “The Art of Fusion.”

The Big Bang collection, originally released in 2005, has become a defining line for the brand, symbolizing Hublot’s devotion to technical innovation. With that spirit continuing into the 2026 Big Bang Summer collection, the series introduces pastel ceramic watches inspired by Mediterranean sunsets and coastal landscapes. A standout from the collection, the Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic 42mm, pays tribute to Hublot’s signature chronograph with a lighter, more seasonal feel. Its warm peach palette creates a playful contrast with the collection’s fierce technical design, making it the perfect accessory for any man wearing classic summer attire.

$24,000, hublot.com

Hublot’s signature high-tech ceramic is made from zirconium heated to extremely high temperatures, making it nearly scratch-proof.

The Details

The Unico movement incorporates a double-clutch system, a column wheel visible from the dial side, and a 72-hour power reserve.

Powered by Hublot’s in-house Unico flyback chronograph caliber, the movement features an openheart design that showcases its inner mechanics.

The watch features a monochromatic peach design that extends from the skeletonized dial to the structured lined rubber strap.

Built with 354 components, the Unico movement was designed to maximize reliability and robustness.

The next big category a er tequila & mezcal

Sustainable, Pure, Organic, Artisanal, Additive-Free. Just two ingredients: plant and water.

Available in NYC and the Hamptons

Winning Formula

Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis doesn’t believe in shortcuts. After 25 years in business, the beauty mogul shares how she turned a passion for skincare into a global empire. And now she’s bringing her high-performance luxury brand to the East End!

BY AUDREY GLASS

Maria, what inspired you to launch Rodial?

I grew up in Greece, where I started writing beauty features for Seventeen magazine. It sparked a fascination with skincare that has stayed with me ever since. A few years later, I moved to New York for an MBA at Columbia Business School before joining Salomon Brothers, first in NYC and then in London. Although banking seemed like the sensible career path, it never felt like the right one. When I was fired, it felt like the biggest setback of my life. Looking back, it was the turning point that gave me the courage to start Rodial. What was missing from the skincare market when you first launched?

When I lost my banking job, I realized there was a gap in the beauty market. Twentyfive years ago, most skincare felt generic. I wanted to create targeted treatments for specific skin concerns using unexpected ingredients. That led to products like Snake Serum, Dragon’s

Blood Sculpting Gel, and Bee Venom, which helped put Rodial on the map.

What was your vision for the brand, and how has it evolved?

The vision has always been the same—targeted skincare powered by innovative ingredients. What has evolved is the science. More recently we’ve launched our Salmon DNA range, expanded into complexion with bestselling products like Banana Lowlighter and Blush Drops, and continued to innovate. We work with some of the most luxury stores in the world, from Bluemercury to Neiman Marcus to Selfridges and Harrods in the U.K. I always ask myself, “What is the Rodial woman missing?”

The advantage is that I am the Rodial woman, so many of our products start with something I wish existed.

Many beauty brands have been acquired by larger companies. Why has staying independent been important to you?

Remaining self-funded has allowed me to build Rodial on

my own terms. I talk about the challenges of the first years in my book How to Be an Overnight Success (you can’t). I’ve never wanted to grow simply for the sake of growth. My ambition has always been to create products women genuinely love and trust, and to build a luxury heritage brand that will still be relevant decades from now. Being independent also means we can move quickly, take creative risks, and think long-term.

As a woman who built a beauty company from the ground up, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

Building a business without outside investment means every pound has to work hard. It forces you to become resourceful, creative, and disciplined. Even today, with more than 100 people across 35 countries, I still love rolling up my sleeves and getting involved. That’s what entrepreneurship really is—you never stop being the founder. How does it feel to be activating in the Hamptons?

The Hamptons have been special to me since my Columbia days. I’ve been coming here for years, and I love it in every season. It’s a place with an incredible sense of community, so I’m delighted to be partnering with Spotlight magazine and introducing Rodial to even more women here. What’s next for Rodial?

We have exciting innovations in the pipeline. We’re continuing to expand across the United States, and I’m enjoying meeting our customers in person through events and community building. I often write in my book How to Make Your First Million that businesses should never stand still. Reinvention is what keeps both founders and brands relevant, and that’s exactly how I see the future of Rodial. T

Tell us about your background and how you got into writing. I’m a born and raised New Yorker. I started acting as a child but fell into writing in my mid-twenties. It was the 1990s and there were very few plays for women my age, except for Wendy Wasserstein. Finding rich, new material was difficult. But it was an exciting time in New York for independent theater. You felt that if you wrote something, you could be in it and be part of the producing process. It turned out I was a much better writer and producer than I was an actor. Then I started writing articles and a novel, and never turned back.

You’ve spent decades observing New York and its people. How has the city changed, and has it affected your work?

I’ve had a long love affair with New York. She’s a beautiful beast. People have long written about the city and used it for inspiration. It has a strong presence in 90 percent of what I do and is often a character unto itself. Since COVID, NYC became heartbroken. It’s shifted to a place I don’t always recognize, and that’s been hard to watch. That affects you, as a writer and as a person who studies human behavior and culture. But also as a human.

Six years later, do you think the pandemic has permanently altered how we connect today?

LIVING Proof

Author and New York Times contributor Alix Strauss is known for her bestselling novel The Joy of Funerals

Two decades after its release, she’s celebrating the book’s reissue with a killer promotional tour.

During COVID, our devices, Zoom, and social media became a life force for us. But now, we’ve forgotten how to authentically and humanly connect. I just read an article about how scientists feel we’re speaking less to other people than we have in the past, and that we’re relying far too much on texting or DMing. I’m concerned that’s damaging us. We’re desperate for in-person connection as it is. This may be pushing us farther apart, rather than giving us additional tools for relating to one another.

Some of your live appearances take place in cemeteries and funeral homes. Explain!

When my novel The Joy of Funerals originally came out, funerals and death were still taboo subjects. I knew that to get some attention for a novel with a title, material, and creative structure that was early to market, I would

BY ROB ASHER

have to think outside the box. I went to the famous Frank E. Campbell funeral home and asked if they would host a book party. I expected them to call security. Instead, they said yes. That was a highlight for me, and a true New York moment. When it came time for the 20th-anniversary edition, I went back to Campbell and they were all in for round two. We requested guests come in funeral attire; we served cocktails called “The Afterlife” and “The Eulogy”; we served coffin and headstone cookies and a cake created to resemble the obituary section of The New York Times. A coffee-and-cream scented candle created by Literie called “Paying Respects” was in the gift bag. I added funeral

homes and cemeteries to my book tour as well. Any kind of event you can create that thoughtfully brings people together, makes them feel connected and less alone is so important. Especially now when so many of us are feeling loss, loneliness, and grief. Those are themes that run throughout the novel as well, and so it made sense to bring everything together in a creative, unexpected, and unifying way. What role does the Hamptons play in your life?

My relationship with the Hamptons started like most people in their twenties from New York— you have a summer share on alternative weekends with a bunch of people you don’t really know, who hopefully are not psychotic, and don’t become psychotic as the summer progresses, in a house you can’t afford on your own. You always hoped your bed was still there, that a drunk stranger wasn’t sleeping in it, and that the sheets were clean. All these years later, my goals remain the same, but my circumstances have thankfully changed. I have generous friends with lovely homes who invite me for the weekend, who are not psychotic, and have definitely changed the sheets, which are probably Frette. There are some wonderful hotels out there now, too, if things take a turn, and someone becomes psychotic. How would you say the Hamptons differ from NYC? It’s a completely different rhythm and vibe. The Hamptons is beautiful, lush, and green—a completely different feel, even from Central Park. It has an off switch; New York City doesn’t. Despite the numerous changes that have occurred since COVID, New York is still awake, even if she’s not thriving 24/7.

What are you working on right now?

My second novel, Based Upon Availability, which was a White Lotus before there was a White Lotus, is being reissued next year. I’m still covering trends and culture, and contributing to The New York Times. I’m also working on a fascinating true crime documentary, and just finished a new novel. As for The Joy of Funerals, we like to call it the book tour that never dies! T

BIG DUCK ENERGY

Hatched by a local duck farmer in the 1930s, this legendary piece of novelty architecture is still flying high in a cozy corner of Southampton. BY ROB

ASHER

As you make your way Out East, it’s hard to miss one of Long Island’s most famous and eccentric landmarks—the Big Duck. Built in 1931 by duck farmer Martin Maurer, this whimsical piece of roadside art began its journey in Riverhead. After nesting in a few different locations over the years, it finally found a permanent home in 2007 in Flanders.

The structure captures a unique moment in East End history. In the 1930s, duck farming was a growing industry on Long Island; at the same time, novelty architecture was popular. The combination of both resulted in the creation of the Big Duck. Added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places, it still serves as a quirky gateway to the Hamptons.

For weekend travelers, the Big Duck became a welcome sign indicating that they were almost to their destination. In the design world, it had a polarizing effect. In 1964, Peter Blake, managing editor of Architecture Forum, criticized the creature, citing it as a prime example of American roadside blight in his book God’s Own Junkyard

1931

Original owner Martin Maurer was inspired to create the Big Duck after seeing the Ben-Hur Delicious Drip Coffee on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.

But architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown celebrated the landmark and turned it into a textbook definition. In their 1972 book, Learning From Las Vegas, the couple vacationing from NYC coined the term “duck architecture,” which refers to buildings designed to look exactly like the products or services they sell.

Like Venturi and Scott Brown, most Long Islanders share the same passion for the Big Duck. Its Instagram page (@thebigduckli) is filled with fans sharing their art, memories, and affection for the iconic avian. But the ultimate display of local appreciation happens every winter when the Suffolk County Parks Department sponsors the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck. Since 1988, this community tradition features hot cocoa, cookies, and local kids singing carols. Today, the Big Duck is a visitor center and gift shop, offering apparel, mugs, postcards, and rubber ducks. The landmark’s grounds have also come alive with a new tradition in recent years: the Annual Big Duck Tag Sale, where vendors sell home décor, furniture, and collectibles in a grass field. T

1931

The Big Duck debuts in June in Riverhead. It costs $3,800 to construct.

DID YOU KNOW…

• Built during the duck farming boom of the 1930s, the Big Duck originally sold ducks and ducks eggs.

1937

Maurer moves the Duck from Riverhead to Flanders, where he has a new duck ranch.

1984

2007

The Big Duck returns to its original home of Flanders.

The Big Duck closes as a poultry store. The Suffolk County Department of Parks and Rec acquires the structure and moves it to Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays, where it’s repurposed as a gift shop in 1988.

2021

The Annual Big Duck Tag Sale launches to benefit Friends of the Big Duck and the Flanders Village Historical Society.

• The duck’s eyes are made from the taillights of a Ford Model T, and initially glowed red at night.

• The Big Duck weighs a little over eight tons. In its entirety, it measures 30 feet from beak to tail, 15 feet from folded wing to folded wing, and 20 feet from its to the top of its head.

• A mini replica of the duck was created for the 1939 World’s Fair in Queens, NY.

Jones Road is all about enhancing natural beauty. How has people’s relationship with makeup changed?

I do see a shift and a change. Everything has gotten much more relaxed in general, from clothes to hair and makeup. I personally am wearing less makeup than I ever have because the ultimate luxury for me is an easy routine that works. The Jones Road Beauty customer is most interested in simplicity and using products that make their lives easier. When you’re working on something new for Jones Road, what do you ask yourself?

Is this a product that doesn’t exist in the line? Will it round out our current assortment? Is this new product we’re developing better than anything I’ve ever tried?

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Bobbi Brown

The beauty icon and Jones Road founder has mastered the art of balancing business and beach days. Step inside the entrepreneur, makeup artist, and author’s perfect day Out East. BY

What’s one piece of beauty advice you’ve never changed your mind about?

Lifestyle choices affect how you look, and makeup should enhance who you are, not change who you are.

You’ve been driving the Jones Road truck around the Hamptons handing out samples. Any memorable interactions?

I’ve had many. I’ve heard stories from people of all ages and from all over the world who love the Jones Road brand. One of the most memorable stops we made was when we parked the Rivian in front of Lulu Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor, and I got to take photos with the staff and some of my friends whom I met there. I love how this activation is bringing together all kinds of

people who might not normally meet one another. What is it about the East End that keeps you coming back? Everything. The farms, the restaurants, and connecting with friends. I don’t get to see them as much during the rest of the year since I travel often. Even though summers are so crowded, I’ve still managed to find my little spots that are calmer and more chill. Has your Hamptons lifestyle influenced the way you think about beauty?

I’ve always thought of myself as a lifestyle brand, even though it’s beauty-focused. I love a healthy lifestyle, and that’s what the Hamptons represents to me. Where are you most likely to be on your ideal Hamptons day?

I like to start the morning with a

1 p.m. Stop at Sag Harbor Farmer’s Market to visit Kira Lipp, founder of Kira’s Cookies

AUDREY GLASS

training session at Equinox. Then, I’ll grab a chocolate smoothie at SunLife. If it’s a Saturday, I head to the Sag Harbor Farmer’s Market, shop for some produce, and see my friend, Kira Lipp, the founder of Kira’s Cookies. We collaborated on a delicious muffin called the Bobbi Muffin. After the market, I’ll meet friends or family for lunch at Duryea’s in Montauk. The lobster cobb salad is legendary. Afterward, I love going to my backyard and staring at the cove. I call some girlfriends or talk to my 95-year-old Aunt Alice while I watch the rowers go by. Can you give us a tease of what’s next for Jones Road? We have a new defining mascara launching this month that I’m obsessed with that comes in black and brown. T

3 p.m. Feast on lobster cobb salad at Duryea’s

SWEET REWIND

Sixth-generation Montauk local Jillian Farry set out to create something that would brighten the town. Twelve years later, The Candied Anchor has become the colorful storefront filled with beloved classics and treats from around the world. BY AUDREY GLASS

What inspired you to open a candy shop in Montauk?

I wanted to create something that was year-round and fun for anyone who comes out. So I figured, why not candy? When you come to a seaside town, you think of nostalgia and of experiences you share with your family that you can do year after year. So even if you come in the dead of winter, it’s like a bright pop of color for everyone to enjoy. Your candies come from all over. How do you source them?

That’s definitely the fun part! We try to focus on unique things that you don’t find elsewhere. When I’m on the hunt for a specific candy, we’ll taste 15 different versions until we find our favorite. We don’t have a single source by any means; we probably have around 100 different vendors.

What’s it been like building a business in your hometown?

It’s rewarding. When we opened, I saw kids who were 2 or 3, and now they’re literally 15. It’s the same kind of experiences that I remember having when I was younger, so it’s very much full circle. Now that I have a kid, he’s going to grow up in the store and have that whole childhood, too, which is magical.

How have you seen Montauk change over the years?

The town has definitely changed, but so has everywhere in the world. There’s still a sense of small-town community, even 12 years later. Businesses come and go every year, but the spirit of Montauk is still always there. Small businesses like us, and the others that have been here for years, that’s what makes Montauk Montauk.

we could execute to the level of quality that I wanted to give. Catering took off right before COVID, and then during COVID, because people were morphing how they celebrated with their friends and family. From there, it just snowballed. People want cute little carts and fun stations, and with candy we can do candy bars or what I call a candy charcuterie board. They’re delicious, super fun, and you can walk up and pick and choose whatever you want. What are your best sellers?

Candied Anchor caters to many Hamptons events and celebrations.How has that side of your business evolved?

There was definitely a need for it. The first five years we said, “No, we don’t do it,” because I didn’t want to put our name on something that I didn’t think

The chocolate-covered sea salt caramel pretzels, which is a mini pretzel dunked in caramel, dunked in sea salt, and then rolled in chocolate. With gummies, it varies because it is a self-serve candy bar, so people get to pick and choose everything. If people don’t know what they want, I tell them to grab one of everything. That’s the whole point of a store like this. When you look around the store, all these years later, what makes you the proudest? Maybe consistency. It’s still a self-serve candy bar, and even through COVID, when we had to set up a table and scoop the candy for people, we still maintained that level of selection and the personal aspect of it. The nostalgia aspect is important, too. We still have classic retro candies, like Razzles and Warheads, but we also find the newest and best stuff. The consistency and the quality are what we’ve always tried to uphold, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to keep that. T

THE ULTIMATE GOURMET MARKET

The Art of Summer Entertaining

THE BEST SUMMER MEMORIES START HERE.

Hosting in the Hamptons begins with exceptional ingredients—from fresh local seafood and domestic Prime beef to the season’s best produce. At Citarella, sourcing the highest-quality foods is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve spent decades helping hosts turn simple gatherings into something unforgettably delicious.

THE ESSENTIALS

LOCAL CATCHES:

Including Montauk tilefish, striped bass, and Peconic oysters.

PREMIUM MEATS:

Prime, dry-aged steaks. Heirloom chicken. Handcrafted burgers.

EAST END PRODUCE:

From sweet corn to summer squash.

CHEF-PREPARED SPECIALTIES:

Chilled seafood, seasonal sides, and elevated hors d'oeuvres.

HANDCRAFTED DESSERTS:

Tarts, berry pies, and stunning cakes—baked fresh daily.

HOUSE-MADE DIPS & SAUCES:

Tangy cocktail, creamy dill, and bright lemon-mustard aioli.

FINISHING TOUCHES:

Imported olive oils, fine sea salts, and fresh herbs.

WEEKEND TIMING GUIDE

4 PM — Ice the rosé

5 PM — Prep seafood platters

Expert Tips

GRILLING PRIME STEAKS

From Citarella Master Butcher Charlie Gagliardo.

• Preheat grill to 500°F.

• Oil the grates.

• Brush steaks with olive oil & salt on both sides.

• Grill over direct heat approximately 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

• For more doneness, move to indirect heat to reach desired temp.

SIZZLING SEAFOOD STEAKS

From Citarella Owner & Original Fishmonger Joe Gurrera.

WHAT’S ON THE TABLE THIS SUMMER

SEAFOOD ON ICE: Shrimp, lobster, oysters, and clams—always a hit.

GRILLED & CHILLED:

Prime steaks, seafood salads, crisp vegetables, and chef-prepared sides.

FAMILY-STYLE FEASTS: Handcrafted catering platters, Ready-to-Cook Clambakes, and curated packages.

SUMMER SIPS: Fresh-squeezed juices, herbal mocktails, and organic Italian sodas.

THE CITARELLA PANTRY

Sicilian Olive Oil & Balsamic from Modena Sea Salts & Seasonings

6 PM — Light the grill

Sunset — Serve family-style

• Preheat your grill.

• Oil the grates.

• Drizzle your steaks with olive oil; then, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Place on the grill and only turn once.

Italian Pastas & Sauces

Imported Olives & Antipasti

Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie

Real People. Fresh Food. True Quality. Ultimate Ingredients. Simply Delicious.

The Spotlight Survey

Keren Bartov is the facialist behind some of the world’s most photographed faces, including Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham. Known as Hollywood’s top “skin whisperer,” she has built an empire in the beauty industry based on a rare commodity—undeniable clinical results.

NAME:

Keren Bartov

OCCUPATION:

HOMETOWN:

actress Israel MY FIRST CELEBRITY CLIENT WAS: MY CLIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME ABOUT:

Facialist, founder of clinics (in London and Tel Aviv) and a skincare line

Great skin is built with consistency, precision, and the right treatment plan.

When

THE MOST UNDERRATED SKINCARE HABIT IS:

ONE SPOT I ALWAYS SEND CLIENTS TO (BESIDES MY CLINIC) IS: THE BIGGEST SKINCARE MISTAKE I SEE IS: MY GO-TO COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY OF TREATMENTS IS: MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR IS: A BEAUTY TREND I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW IS: THE MOST LUXURIOUS PART OF MY DAY IS: My quiet hour in the morning MY PHILOSOPHY ON GREAT SKIN IN ONE SENTENCE:

THE FIRST TIME I REALIZED SKINCARE COULD TRANSFORM SOMEONE’S CONFIDENCE WAS: MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS: MY PERSONAL NONNEGOTIABLE WHEN IT COMES TO SELF-CARE IS:

I struggled with acne myself

addicted to massages. My skincare routine, morning and night A SONG THAT INSTANTLY LIFTS MY ENERGY BETWEEN CLIENTS IS: THE ONE PRODUCT I WISH EVERYONE WOULD STOP USING IMMEDIATELY IS: Anything

TELL US THE DETAILS

Want to purchase an arrangement, design your wedding, or use us for a corporate event? No problem! Tell us the details and we will customize your experience based on what you are looking for.

ENJOY YOUR BESPOKE FLORAL EXPERIENCE

Relax and enjoy! We’ll take care of all the details and delivery to ensure your experience is seamless and set so you can enjoy.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Grace Ann Nader

The New York–based fashion model, style influencer, and Love Thy Nader star— and one of the four Nader sisters—reveals some little-known details.

1

I grew up horseback riding and competing in local shows.

2

I was both cheer captain and valedictorian in high school.

3

I have a master’s degree in global public health from NYU.

4

I’m an avid reader and writer, currently working on a few exciting undisclosed projects.

5

I love the outdoors. I’ve camped everywhere from the Arctic in Norway to the bush in Africa.

6

I have a slight obsession with designer bags and boots.

7

I’m part Lebanese and grew up eating Lebanese food at least twice a week.

8 I spent five years bartending and still make a great cocktail.

9

I hate olives, but somehow love a dirty martini.

10 I worked at a heliport for a couple years and know the aviation alphabet and more about helicopters than you’d expect.

At Windsor International Limo, we redefine luxury ground transportation. Whether it’ s seamless airport transfers, corporate travel, unforgettable weddings, or exclusive special events, our commitment to excellence ensures every ride is an experience in sophistication and comfort. Our newest fleet of premium vehicles, driven by highly trained professional chauffeurs, offers an unparalleled standard of service.

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TIMELESS BRIDGEHAMPTON ESTATE ON FIVE ACRES

Nearly

PRIVATE ESTATE NEAR EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE