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Spotlight Fall 2026

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FALL 2026

ON THE HAMPTONS

NEW SEASON UPDATE

A

R S

WHAT TO WEAR WHO TO SEE WHERE TO GO

Y E

BETHENNY FRANKEL’S

SUPERMODEL ERA

10 THINGS with

FERN MALLIS

DONNA KARAN & GABBY DE FELICE FASHION, FOOD & FAMILY

THE HAMPTONS AFTER SUMMER AUTUMN’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS OUT EAST

F I F T H A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O N @spotlightxmagazine spotlighthamptons.com


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Contents ON THE HAMPTONS

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FALL Vol. 2026 5, No. 6

10 CONTRIBUTORS

off US Open season at JFK with Chef Kwame Onwuachi, previewing what’s ahead at the Centurion Lounge.

11 EDITOR’S LETTER

20 WHY HIIT WORKOUTS MAY NOT BE WORKING FOR YOU

Our crew of trusted experts take you into a crisp fall— both here and beyond.

Closing out a busy summer, founder Sydney Sadick is energized for what comes next.

12 HOT IN THE HAMPTONS A new season brings exciting openings, receptions, exhibitions, and more.

14 THE HAMPTONS’ STARTER PACK

September is the perfect time to be Out East. Here’s how we’re making the most of the upcoming fall season.

16 WHO TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Meet some of the fashion voices worth listening to now.

18 AMERICAN EXPRESS HAS THE PERFECT SERVE American Express kicked

40

8 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

Nutrition expert Sarah Wragge offers a 80/20 sweat strategy that may be the perfect way to transform your overall health.

22 MAKEUP MAKES A COMEBACK

Beauty expert Jenna Rennert heralds a sultry return to smoky eyes, blurred lips, and real-deal eyeshadow— no perfection required.

24 THE WAY WE WORE

Designer Jennifer Creel offers an up-close and personal catwalk through the history of New York Fashion Week.

26 THINKING OUTSIDE THE LUNCH BOX

Back-to-school lunch prep is always a challenge, but the solution is easier than you think. Restaurateur and cookbook author Sabrina Rudin explains how.


28 BACK TO COOL

Relationship expert Lindsey Metselaar shares some inventive ways for couples to take advantage of Manhattan’s best dating experiences.

16

30 HAMPTONS FILM TAKES CENTER STAGE

Writer Eric Viner previews the Hamptons International Film Festival, coming in October.

32 T WO GENERATIONS, TWO VISIONS

Donna Karan and Gabby de Felice open up about their close bond, the businesses they’ve built, and what lies ahead.

38 A TASTE OF BETHENNY

With the launch of her Supermodel Café in East Quogue, entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel dishes on building her latest brand.

40 RICH IN COLOR

The two defining colors of fall—burgundy and brown— curated in this season’s most coveted pieces.

42 THE BOOT LIST

The pairs worth stepping into.

LUCA BABINI (1); KYLE GARDNER (1); ALL OTHERS COURTESY. ON KARAN: URBAN ZEN

43 SPOTSTYLE FOCUS

We deconstruct Foundrae’s Love Knot and Balance Element Extension Necklace.

44 A SUMMER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Inside the celebrations, standout moments, and stylish crowds that defined our fifth-anniversary season.

54 GOING THE DISTANCE

From onboard attendant to executive vice president, Andrew Lynch has steered Hampton Jitney through over 50 years of family history.

55 BETWEEN THE LINES

For abstract artist Raf Simpson, canvas and paint provide the ultimate sanctuary.

56 EAST HAMPTON’S GUILD AGE

For nearly a century, Guild Hall has brought world-class culture to its tight-knit local community. Now, following a $29 million restoration, the arts center enters a new era.

38

58 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HANNAH GODWIN

The Bachelor star and entrepreneur tells us about creating her Setty app and shares her favorite moments from a recent visit Out East.

60 THE SPOTLIGHT SURVEY

Actress and Fancy Peasant founder Anastasia Ganias honors her family heritage by bringing authentic Greek pantry staples to the East End.

62 1 0 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT FERN MALLIS

The New York Fashion Week co-founder and industry legend offers some littleknown tidbits that you won’t find on the runway.

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Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 9


Contributors A

R S

THE SPOTTERS

Y E

Our crew of trusted experts take you into the crisp days of autumn—both here and beyond.

SARAH WRAGGE

@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.

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

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. 10 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

Vol. 5, No. 6

SYDNEY SADICK Editor in Chief Publisher

PETER HEMMEL Art Director

ROB ASHER Staff Writer

STEPH DIGUISEPPE Digital Writer

AUDREY GLASS Editorial Intern

LUCA BABINI Cover Photographer

AMY KAMIN Chief Operating Officer For all editorial and advertising inquires, contact SydneyS@spotlighthamptons.com.

@spotlightxmagazine spotlighthamptons.com issuu.com/spotlighthamptons

@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.

Donna Karan and Gabby de Felice, photographed by Luca Babini for Spotlight magazine, wearing Urban Zen clothing. Spotlight on the Hamptons magazine, copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in USA.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

SABRINA RUDIN

@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.


Editor’s Letter

HERE COMES FALL

LUCA BABINI. ON KARAN, SADICK, AND DE FELICE: URBAN ZEN

W

hile it’s always bittersweet to see summer come to an end, there’s no season that gets me quite as energized as fall. Back in the city, the energy is at its highest of the year. The US Open, New York Fashion Week, the United Nations General Assembly, new restaurant openings, back-to-school prep— and seemingly endless events—bring New York roaring back to life. And then, of course, there’s the fall fashion. It’s simply the best. At the same time, September brings one of my favorite versions of the Hamptons. The crowds thin, the air gets cooler, the leaves begin Donna Karan, Sydney Sadick, to turn, and suddenly Gabby de Felice there’s pumpkin and apple cider everything. Most importantly, it starts to feel like a community again. After the nonstop pace of summer, there’s something incredibly refreshing about it. That spirit of fashion, food, and family is at the heart of this issue, beginning with our cover stars, iconic mother-daughter duo Donna Karan and Gabby de Felice. Gabby has made Tutto il Giorno synonymous with Hamptons dining, with beloved locations in Sag Harbor and Southampton, plus Tutto Caffè in East Hampton, and soon to open in Bridgehampton. Now, Tutto has expanded to Palm Beach, where it will be the first waterfront restaurant in town, bringing a little bit of the Hamptons lifestyle south for the winter. Donna’s Urban Zen is woven into that world as well, bringing her distinctive eye for fashion, design, and lifestyle into several of the spaces. In our exclusive cover interview on page 32, Donna and Gabby open up about their familial bond, what they’ve learned from each

other, and the distinctive differences that have allowed each to create a vision entirely her own. Two generations, two visions—and one incredibly creative family. Also inside, Bethenny Frankel gives us an exclusive look at Supermodel Café and the thinking behind one of the summer’s buzziest pop-ups (page 38). We relive the season with a 10-page recap of some of the summer’s hottest parties, dive into our fall fashion picks, go Locals Only with VP of Hampton Jitney Andrew Lynch, and learn 10 Things about fashion industry icon Fern Mallis—plus plenty more to carry you from the Hamptons back to Manhattan. Finally, as we close out another incredible Hamptons summer, I want to thank everyone who celebrated five years of Spotlight with us this season. Five years, countless stories, dozens of events and memories later, I’m more excited than ever about what’s next. Summer may be ending, but Spotlight certainly isn’t slowing down. See you this fall—and this winter!

Editor in Chief/Publisher @SydneySadick | @spotlightxmagazine Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 11


Out and About GETTING TO KNOW THE BREW-SASSO TEAM AT SAUNDERS & ASSOCIATES

JENNIFER BREW

Associate Real Estate Broker and CHARLOTTE

HOT IN THE HAMPTONS A new season brings buzzworthy openings, receptions, exhibitions, and more.

KLEIN SASSO

FARAWAY COMES TO SAG HARBOR

Real Estate Salesperson

Jennifer Brew, Charlotte Klein Sasso

12 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

Sag Harbor has a new place to check in. Faraway Sag Harbor has transformed the former Baron’s Cove into a 67-room boutique escape, complete with coastal-inspired dining at Zagara, a heated pool, and a hidden speakeasy tucked inside. 31 West Water Street, Sag Harbor

NYC BUZZ Joy Behar

STAGE & SCREEN Bonkers Out East

Off-Broadway is heading to Sag Harbor. The View co-host Joy Behar wrote and stars in Bonkers in the Boroughs, a new comedy making its East End premiere at Bay Street Theater from September 2–6. 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor

HIFF at the Baker House

On October 11, the Baker House 1650 will host an intimate reception celebrating the 34th Hamptons International Film Festival. The event will bring together filmmakers, industry insiders, and friends of the historic East Hampton property for an evening of film and festivities. 181 Main Street, East Hampton

Stay Glowing Founded by Heike Muschik, Bronze Boutique & Spa is celebrating 25 years of bringing a sun-kissed glow to the UES. Known for its custom airbrush tans, personalized shades, and skin-focused formulas, the neighborhood staple continues redefining the sunless glow with luxury service. 330 East 65th Street, New York London to NYC London hot spot Annabel’s is heading stateside. The iconic private membersonly club has been approved to take over the historic “Little Flatiron” building, marking its firstever international location in the Meatpacking District. 675 Hudson Street, New York GOOP Uptown Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Kitchen has landed on the Upper East Side for its first-ever branded storefront. Opening as its third NYC location, the wellness brand is introducing a walk-in retail format for in-person ordering and pickup. 346 East 92nd Street, New York Shop for a Cause FIT’s 27th on Sale returns September 23–24 for two days filled with fashion, beauty, and designers, giving industry insiders a multibrand shopping event benefiting the college’s students. 218 West 28th Street, New York

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

How did you two meet, and what made you team up? We’ve been close friends for almost 20 years. Jen has been a respected broker for 25 years. When Charlotte sold her business and decided to obtain her real estate license, teaming up with Jen was an easy decision. The team is strengthened by our alliance with Saunders & Associates. We appreciate their analytic prowess, marketing expertise, and that they’re the top locally owned brokerage. What are each of your backgrounds? We both have extensive experience in the food industry and as entrepreneurs. Jen and her husband operated a venerated family restaurant in New York City. Charlotte and her husband owned the iconic Stuart’s Seafood Market, as well as Sasso Seafoods, the wholesale distribution company, for decades. What excites you about the future of the market Out East? We enjoy working in real estate for the opportunity to meet and help so many people. It’s equally satisfying to us assisting first-time buyers and seasoned real estate veterans. We confidently predict a robust market as older homes are renovated, new businesses thrive, and the beauty of our landscape and seascape keep the Hamptons a prime destination for years to come.


Q&A WITH TIM DAVIS

TALK OF THE TALKHOUSE

A Private Audience with John Mayer In case your invite got lost in the mail, John Mayer took over the Stephen Talkhouse for one of the summer’s most exclusive nights. A very lucky (and small) crowd caught Mayer and his full band, while Andy Cohen kicked things off with a pre-show interview. Having major FOMO? We sure are! 161 Main Street, Amagansett

Stage to Page The Stephen Talkhouse is taking its stories from the stage to the coffee table. The famous Amagansett venue just released Bar, a limited-edition, 400-page book packed with neverbefore-seen photos, rare memorabilia, and memories from nearly four decades of music history, including nights with Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Metallica, and more. 161 Main Street, Amagansett

Power Broker Corcoran

ON VIEW

James Katsipis in Montauk Montauk born-and-raised photographer James Katsipis debuted Solitude, a 15-piece exhibition at Bagatelle Montauk. The collection pairs his ocean photography with works capturing the area at twilight, bringing the beauty of the Hamptons to one of its most iconic settings. 500 West Lake Drive, Montauk

Brice Marden in NYC Brice Marden is getting a major New York homecoming. Between September 15–December 12, Gagosian will unveil I Am Plane Image, the largest exhibition of the late artist’s paintings in the city in over 20 years. The show coincides with the release of his first-ever catalogue raisonné of works. 522 West 21st Street, New York

Christopher Wool at Guild Hall Guild Hall’s front lawn has a new statement piece. Christopher Wool’s Untitled (2018), a bronze and copper-plated steel sculpture, is now on view through November 6 as part of a partnership with BookHampton. The work integrates beautifully into its surrounding architecture and landscape. 158 Main Street, East Hampton

TRAVEL AND STAY American Express Travel Perks Looking to elevate your Hamptons getaway? American Express Platinum Card Members can enjoy exclusive hotel benefits, including late checkout, when booking through American Express Travel. Escape to the waterfront at Montauk Yacht Club or relax at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, and make the most of your stay. Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Road, Montauk; Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, 239 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays

All Aboard! Getting Out East just got easier. Starting after Labor Day, the Long Island Rail Road’s 5:14 p.m. train from Penn Station will run directly to Montauk five days a week with no Jamaica transfer required. The once summer-only ride is officially becoming a year-round weekday staple.

How did the market in summer 2026 compare to other Hamptons seasons? The market has been incredibly active, not only with property viewings but also the number of transactions. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in half-a-dozen sales at the high end of the market this summer. What were both your professional and personal highlights of the summer? In my business life, I have brought several extraordinary properties to the market this summer, and they’re already receiving strong interest and repeat showings. Personally, my son and his family have been with us for nearly four weeks. My youngest son and his husband have spent time here intermittently, which always adds joy to our lives. We’ve had the best time, which enabled me to perform even more efficiently and productively during my work days. Looking ahead to fall, what are your market predictions? I expect that we will end the year strong and dotted with some incredible new inventory and opportunities. Everyone is talking about Water Mill getting a facelift. What do you think will come of this new development? The high sale of the commercial office/business property has created the buzz along with speculation about what’s to come. I will revisit this question at a later date when we see what will actually be executed. Let’s hope there is an element to this that we can all enjoy and participate in. Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 13


IYKYK Pumpkintown, minus the crowds. Nothing says fall in the Hamptons quite like a trip to Hank’s Pumpkintown in Water Mill. Our advice? Go during the week. You’ll get all the gourds, cider doughnuts, apple picking, and quintessential autumn photo ops without battling the weekend crowds.

FALL EDITION

Weekends at Tutto. As the summer crowds start to dwindle, the real chic crowd settles back in at Tutto il Giorno. Grab a table, order your favorites and… if you know, you know: There’s a secret cacio e pepe pasta available just one night a week. We won’t spoil you too much by telling you which night…just ask Gabby!

Wölffer Estate Vineyard after the rush. Wölffer Estate is quintessential Hamptons, but September might be when we love it most. The summer rush has subsided, the vineyard is entering its most beautiful time of year, and there’s no better excuse to linger over a glass of wine and an early-fall sunset.

14 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

The Briermere Farms pie run. A drive to Briermere Farms this time of year is practically mandatory. Yes, you can go classic with one of its famous fruit pies, but Bethenny Frankel tipped us off to another must-try: the coconut cream. Consider your order decided.

Summer may be winding down, but September is one of the best times to be Out East. With city life back in full swing during the week, we crave those Hamptons escapes even more come Friday. The crowds thin, reservations get easier, sweaters come out, and the East End settles back into its effortlessly chic rhythm. Here’s what’s in our starter pack for making the most of the fall season.

Cozy up at Leallo. We love swimsuit season as much as anyone, but there’s something about the first homey days Out East. Leallo makes the cutest sweats, sweaters, and matching sets for coffee runs, lazy mornings, and those suddenly chilly Hamptons nights.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

The Hamptons Starter Pack


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@blaireadiebee

@leandramcohen

Lia Higgins 57,000 followers

Blair Eadie 1.9 million followers

Leandra Medine Cohen 1.2 million followers

As a native New Yorker, former Big Law litigator, and mother of two, Lia Higgins is always on the go. Whether she’s sharing Upper East Side lifestyle tips or documenting her career transition, Higgins followers make up a trendy community of individuals navigating success on their own terms.

@jessicawang

Jessica Wang 1.9 million followers While based in NYC, Jessica Wang has built a global following with her smart style and creative content. After trading a career on Wall Street for the fashion world, Wang now shares everything from viral styling tips to photography hacks, in addition to glimpses into her glamorous lifestyle.

NYC fall fashion is here, and Blair Eadie is taking us along. As the founder of the personal style blog Atlantic-Pacific, Eadie knows how to put together the perfect outfit. Her feed is filled with countless stylish looks and endless inspiration, all while sharing exactly where you can find each piece.

Who to Follow on

Instagram Here are some of the fashion and lifestyle voices worth listening to now.

Certified cool girl, NY Post–approved “professional dresser,” and Substack must-read Leandra Medine Cohen is the ultimate NYC style guide. With an ability to make even the simplest outfit feel elevated, playful, and completely her own, Cohen offers fresh styling ideas and trend-forward fashion on IG.

@wisdm

Wisdom Kaye 9 million followers Wisdom Kaye is taking men’s fashion to the next level. Originally rising to fame on TikTok, the Nigerian-American fashion model and influencer built his following by sharing expert styling tips and proving that the most unexpected pieces can become standout looks with the right eye for fashion.

@luxurylaw

@ronnykobo

@caroleradziwill

Law Roach 2.2 million followers

Ronny Kobo 215,000 followers

Carole Radziwill 670,000 followers

If bold prints and effortless sophistication are your preferred look, Ronny Kobo belongs on your radar. The designer behind her namesake luxury label shares a mix of BTS glimpses into her work process, global travels, and perfectly curated outfits that embody her signature jet-set aesthetic.

From being an award-winning journalist to a bestselling author, Carole Radziwill has done it all. Her Instagram feed captures her chic New York lifestyle with moments highlighting her return to the Bravo universe in the The Real Housewives of New York City reboot.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

This iconic stylist is known for his impressive roster of celebrity clientele. Between attending movie premieres with Zendaya to music video styling with Ariana Grande, Law Roach offers an inside look at his creative process working with Hollywood’s biggest stars.

16 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight


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Spotitorial

Kate Hannan, Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Sydney Sadick, Kenneth Pabon

AMERICAN EXPRESS HAS THE PERFECT SERVE American Express kicked off US Open season at JFK with Chef Kwame Onwuachi, previewing the elevated flavors and hospitality headed to the Centurion Lounge at the tournament.

A

head of the US Open Tennis Championships, Spotlight magazine and a group of tastemakers visited the Centurion Lounge at JFK International Airport for a surprise preview of some of the hospitality and culinary programming headed to the tournament. The afternoon featured a special appearance by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, the acclaimed visionary behind Tatiana at Lincoln Center and a member of the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge, American Express’s program that brings leading culinary talent and elevated dining experiences to eligible Card Members in select Centurion Lounges. Guests were among the first to enjoy Onwuachi’s dishes that will be served at The Centurion Lounge at the US Open, including his Truffle Wagyu Chopped Cheese, Crushed Cucumber Salad, and Bodega Brownie. Inspired by New York and his award-winning restaurant Tatiana, the menu offered a playful spin on familiar city flavors—and a

glimpse of what eligible Card Members could expect at the Centurion Lounge pop-up at the tournament. Throughout the afternoon, guests visiting the lounge had the opportunity to meet Onwuachi and hear more about the inspiration behind his menu, and our group also received a sneak peak of the Centurion Lounge US Open gift bags featuring premium lifestyle products. The gift bags will be available to US Open Centurion Lounge reservation holders while supplies last. The experience showcased how American Express continues to bring together travel, dining, entertainment, and access for eligible Card Members—this time with a distinctly New York spin, just in time for the US Open. Onwuachi joins Chef Mike Solomonov of Laser Wolf as part of the US Open culinary programming, bringing the Centurion Lounge’s signature approach to food and hospitality from the airport to one of New York’s biggest sporting events. T

How did you come up with the dishes to serve in the Centurion Lounge at the US Open? I figured we’re in New York, let’s do the chopped cheese. We do it at the restaurant; it’s smoked mozzarella cheese, ribeye, and a little black truffle. I thought it would be a good taste of what NYC has to offer. What’s the secret to nailing lounge food when serving thousands of people a day? I would say keep it simple, and season your food properly. Inject flavor where you can, whether that’s a dressing on the top, or in the way you’re cooking something—and the marinade. Take that into consideration because there’s so many people every single day. It’s not like you’re doing one plate at a time. How did competing on Season 13 of Top Chef change things for you? It gave me more visibility, so I was able to visit people in their homes for the first time. I was young, too. I was one of the youngest on the show, so I just took it as it was. I got to cook for some amazing people. The judges were some of the chefs that I looked up to my entire life, so I was able to get feedback on my food, and it definitely shaped the way that I cook today. Your new cookbook, All Hours, is coming out. Tell us about it. The food at the lounge is recipes from the cookbook. I didn’t even plan that. It’s definitely an expression of myself. There’s stuff for breakfast or if you’re hosting a party, and Taco Tuesdays. I’m so excited for it to drop on September 22nd.

Access is available to Platinum Card® Members and Centurion® Members. Same-day one-hour reservations are required and will become available exclusively through Resy at 9:30 a.m. ET each day of the tournament, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 13. Platinum Card® Members are eligible to make a reservation for themselves plus one guest, once per day, subject to availability. Centurion® Members are eligible to make a reservation for themselves and up to three guests once per day, subject to availability. Terms apply.

18 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

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CHEF CHAT WITH KWAME ONWUACHI


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Well & Good

SARAH WRAGGE

WHY HIIT WORKOUTS MAY NOT BE WORKING FOR YOU Looking for a way to rebuild your exercise routine? This 80/20 sweat strategy may be the perfect way to optimize recovery, burn fat, and transform your overall health.

20 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

like walking, hiking, slow jogs, yoga, barre, and Pilates, should make up the remaining 80 percent of your training split. The goal isn’t to avoid challenging workouts; it’s to make sure your body has the chance to properly recover from them. Most people think it’s the time spent in the gym or the miles logged that make the difference in their physical fitness. But in reality, it’s the quality of their recovery that determines everything. From now on, focus on making the most of your “A” workouts by strategically balancing them with “B” workouts to support your progress. By understanding and catering to your body’s natural stress response, you’ll more efficiently build a body you’re excited to actually live in. T

Wragge with husband Chris and daughter Wynn

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

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workout that leaves you breathless, drenched, and feeling on top of the world is one of the greatest pleasures in life. You know the kind, where you push your body to its max and maybe even surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. But, as is the case with so many things, too much of a good thing can quickly turn sour. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that ramp your heart rate up to 80 to 95 percent of its max, like sprints, classes, and

heavy weight lifting, are powerful tools for building cardiovascular strength, increasing lung capacity, and strengthening skeletal muscles. But unfortunately, they’re also great at triggering your body’s stress response. While high-intensity workouts do offer immense health benefits, they can backfire on your overall health if they dominate your training split. If your calendar is stacked with only HIIT classes and intense runs, your nervous system will learn to stay in a nearconstant state of fight or flight. This chronic stress response then leads to elevated cortisol levels, poor sleep, increased inflammation, blood sugar spikes and crashes, and hormonal imbalances—all the factors that make it significantly harder to lose body fat. When your body is met with this perceived ongoing stress, its top priority shifts from “fitness” and “fat loss” to “I need to do everything I can to survive.” All the sudden increased cravings, reduced insulin sensitivity, and stubborn fat storage become the results you see and feel from all your hard work and training. The key here is to remember that your body thrives on balance, not burnout. In my practice, I teach my clients to adapt an A/B style workout split: “A” workouts being high intensity, and “B” workouts being low intensity. “A” workouts should make up just 20 percent of your weekly training. Highintensity exercises require a lot from your body in terms of performance, so it’s only fitting that they demand an equal amount of recovery time. Ideally, you should aim for one to two days between each “A” workout session, giving your muscles adequate time to repair and rebuild. Your “B” workouts will be exercises that keep you in Zone 2. This a low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise level where your heart rate sits at 60 to 70 percent of your maximum. These exercises are necessary for recovery, improving your overall cardiac function, and training your body to naturally be in a fat-burning state. Aerobic workouts,


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Beauty Banter

JENNA RENNERT

MAKEUP MAKES A COMEBACK After seasons of bare-faced minimalism, fall heralds a sultry return to smoky eyes, blurred lips, and real-deal eyeshadow—no perfection required. Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo shares ways to master the season’s most expressive—and forgiving—beauty trend.

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Hung Vanngo

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Vanngo suggests using one brown across the lid, adding a second through the crease and smoking the same color beneath the lower lashes. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he says. In fact, that’s precisely the point. For those less inclined to break out a full palette, fall’s smoky eye can be more basic. Cream shadows and swipe-on sticks lend themselves to the season’s deliberately imperfect finish—scribble on, blend with a finger, and resist the urge to overwork it. Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick (5) is a longtime favorite 4 for the one-and-done approach, particularly in toasted browns and taupes, while Charlotte Tilbury’s new ExaggerEyes Eyeshadow Stick (1) offers an equally effortless shortcut. The return of makeup, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the return of a fullcoverage complexion. If anything, the season’s more expressive eyes and lips feel freshest against skin that still looks

decidedly like skin. Rather than masking every imperfection, keep the base sheer and strategic. Vanngo advises not to overdo the prep either: reach for a simple serum, like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (4), followed by a light hydrator, like Laneige’s Balance Mode Shine Control Moisturizer (3). His newly launched Red Carpet Skin Luminous Longwear Serum Foundation (6) follows the same less-is-more philosophy. Available in 38 shades with a natural finish, the lightweight formula is designed to give skin polish without disguising it. “It feels like a serum but acts like a foundation,” says Vanngo, who recommends starting with only a tiny amount. We may be ready to wear makeup again, but we’re not giving up real-looking skin. Fall’s lips are loosening up, too. Rather than a sharply drawn, symmetrical pout, the new finish is perfectly imperfect—color that feels softer around the edges and way less precious. When the eyes are the focus, Vanngo recommends playing down the lip with an easy pink, warmer or cooler depending on your complexion, pointing to Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Lip Liner as a tried-and-true option. “There’s no right or wrong,” says Vanngo. And perhaps that’s the most compelling part of fall’s return to makeup. After years of perfecting the art of looking like we’re barely wearing any, we’re finally having a little fun again. Smudge the shadow, blur the lipstick, and don’t worry too much about getting any of it exactly right. T

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

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lean-girl aesthetic, step 1 aside: Makeup is back! After seasons of sheer skin, brushed-up brows and barely there color, fall 2026 is making the case for beauty that feels fun again. Smoky eyes are back with a softer, more lived-in finish, lips feel deeper and intentionally blurred, and eyeshadow has reclaimed its place as the main event. On the Prada, Schiaparelli, and Tory Burch runways last March, models were sent out heralding the season’s new mood, with eyes darkened, blurred, and deliberately imperfect. For celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo, whose talented hands have graced the lucky faces of Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, 3 and more, the modern smoky eye is less about mastering complicated technique than knowing how to layer a few well-chosen shades. For his eponymous beauty line, Vanngo is launching a 20-Shade Eyeshadow Palette (2) built around natural smoky-eye tones, ranging from soft neutrals to deeper, more sultry browns. Despite experimenting with plenty of color throughout his career, he says most consumers still gravitate toward shades that feel familiar and easy to wear. His foolproof approach begins with four colors arranged from light to dark—sweeping the lightest around the brow area, blending a medium tone back and forth through the crease, and pressing the darkest shade along the lash line. For an even simpler version,


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Fashion Tales

JENNIFER CREEL

THE WAY WE WORE Prabal Gurung show NYFW, Fall 2023

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arly September means back to school and work, the promise of oncoming fall, and most importantly, the kickoff to New York Fashion Week, which was started as “Press Week” by Eleanor Lambert in 1943. She recognized what America was lacking but Paris had mastered—publicity and an appreciation for fashion designers, by label. Paris was considered the only “authority” of high fashion at the time, but became inaccessible during World War II. Lambert changed the world of fashion forever by bringing the press directly to American designers. Presentations were held in showrooms throughout Manhattan for an impressive 50 years. In 1993, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, led by executive director Fern Mallis and president Stan Herman, created a centralized version known as 7th on Sixth in Bryant Park. “The Tents” dazzled for the next 16 years through 2009, and NYFW became the fashion and media mecca that we know today…sort of. NYC used to be the end point after the London, Milan, and Paris shows. Then Helmut Lang shook things up in 1998 by

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moving from Paris to New York and opting to hold his shows in September. Other designers followed suit, making NYC the first stop. That’s when things got exciting. At this heightened point of fashion, getting an invite was an event in itself. The presentation was a Cinderella moment— beautifully calligraphed stationery, gorgeous flowers, and if one was lucky, even a gown to wear to the ball, glass slippers not included. Taking care to look good and wear the latest fashion was both fun and terrifying. Photographers were everywhere, with the amazing Bill Cunningham Stan Herman, taking the lead. I once had a panic moved to Lincoln Center, but Fern Mallis attack at a show, sitting face-to-face then moved back to scattered with Anna Wintour across from me showrooms after 2015. Then on the runway. I thought I would die COVID struck. Everything went in the front row. remote; today, we have a mixed The fun parts outweighed the bag of what was and what came anxiety, and fun was all around; it was to be, holding on to many of the nonstop fashion-action. A chance to techy things that stuck because see friends at one event after another, of convenience. Although we did luncheons were followed by dinners, somehow lose the plot. Eleanor Lambert followed by after-parties, followed by The digital age wiped out after-after parties, each with an outfit artisans in the Fashion District change as if we were on the runway and in workshops and ateliers ourselves. Exhausting, but what a throughout the city, most of wonderful experience! which moved either overseas or When I worked at Ralph Lauren, on-screen. Many of the hands-on we had intimate gatherings with both workers are being phased out, friends and family, as well as all the either due to robots taking over heads of the department stores. Saks or not enough of the younger Bill Cunningham Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, generation learning the trade. Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom But there are positives to the were all there and everyone knew digital side of NYFW. Information one another, mingling in what would on the latest collections is so much eventually become a bygone era. more accessible to anyone who’s Some of my fondest memories are interested. Content is global, and being in showrooms where designers we all get to appreciate not only like Valentino would introduce the the runway but often the BTS craftspeople who made the magic process and craftsmanship. While Valentino happen behind the scenes, and I still prefer to shop in person, we got to meet and applaud them. and I wholeheartedly recommend Celebrities started showing up in the late seeing as much as you can of Fashion Week ’90s, but before then Fashion Week was live, the secret pleasure of ordering something really for the industry and fashion lovers. online in my pajamas is not lost on me. Glass By 2010, NYFW outgrew Bryant Park and slippers, out of stock. T

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

September means New York Fashion Week is on the calendar. This whirlwind event has evolved from “Press Week,” a onetime industry secret, to a digital extravaganza. Here’s an up-close and personal catwalk through its history.


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Around the Table

SABRINA RUDIN

THINKING OUTSIDE THE LUNCH BOX Back-to-school lunch prep is always a challenge, but the solution is easier than you think. From colorful and healthy produce to smart leftovers, packing a wholesome fiber-rich midday meal for the growing minds in your family is the smart way to go.

EAT THE RAINBOW. Yes, even at lunch, even at school, get those colors in! Carrot and red pepper slices, cucumbers with lime and salt, cut apples and pears, purple and green grapes are all perfect lunch box foods. They’re nutrient-dense and full of fiber, 26 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

and I pack plenty for my kids. Don’t forget that protein is important, but fiber is what makes you feel full, so packing a lunch box with plenty of fruits and veggies ensure full, happy stomachs and focused minds throughout the day. KEEP THE MAIN EVENT SIMPLE. Unfollow any account on social media that makes you feel bad if your sandwiches aren’t in the shape of stars. My children rotate between a turkey and goat cheese sandwich, lentil pasta with olive oil and tamari, and toasted bagels with tofu cream cheese. My eldest and my youngest branch out, my middle likes the same lunch almost every day, and I’m okay with that. Remember that lunch is also a touchstone from home, and a source of comfort, so it’s okay to lean in to repetition when it comes to school lunch. Sometimes I buy the organic Applegate Farms gluten-free chicken nuggets and pack those for their “entrée” in the bento box, and when I do, my kids are always thrilled.

LEFTOVERS ARE YOUR FRIEND. Dinner the night before usually becomes part of my boys’ lunch boxes the next day. Whether it’s the ground turkey taco meat that I turn into a quesadilla, or the pan-fried tofu and tempeh that I pair with veggies and nori sheets, or even the rice and beans that I reheat and put in a thermos with some olive oil and tamari. Leftovers make great school lunches, especially in the colder months when my kids love a thermos with something warm inside. Don’t be afraid to repurpose dinner from the night before. T

SIMPLE HIPPIE HUMMUS A classic that my children always enjoy for their school lunch is homemade hummus and crudités. I throw in some crackers and a little goat cheese or cubes of tofu and call it a day! My recipe for Simple Hippie Hummus is nut-free and perfect for a lunch box or an afterschool snack board. Makes about two cups. INGREDIENTS 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 (13-ounce) jar chickpeas, or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed 1 lemon (juiced) 2 Tbsp tahini, plus more to garnish 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to garnish ½ tsp fine sea salt 2–4 Tbsp ice water Assorted crudités, for serving

DIRECTIONS 1. In a food processor, process chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and salt until just combined. With machine running, slowly add up to 4 tablespoons of ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and blend until hummus is smooth and creamy. 2. Place hummus in a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of tahini and olive oil. Serve with crudités. If not eating immediately, store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to three days.

LINDA PUGLIESE (2). RECIPE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF UNION SQUARE & CO.

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ack to school is officially upon us, and that means every parent is asking themselves the same question: What am I going to pack my kids for lunch? People always ask me to share pictures of my lunches on Instagram, and then they’re surprised that the bento boxes I prepare for my children don’t resemble artistic masterpieces, nor are they filled with sandwiches cut into cute shapes or sliced exotic fruits. When it comes to lunch I follow one mantra: It should be simple, delicious, and easy to eat at school. A turkey and goat cheese sandwich works just fine, and my middle son probably eats one almost every day of the school year. When it comes to lunch I’ve surrendered, but simple doesn’t have to mean junk. This meal should be nutrient-dense, full of protein and fiber, and supportive of little growing bodies and minds. Here are my tips when it comes to packing a school lunch that your kids will actually eat and enjoy—and that isn’t a stress for you to pack.


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Summer Lovin’

BACK TO COOL Autumn is the perfect time to explore with a romantic partner—and eat ice cream! As the summer winds down, here are some inventive ideas for couples to take advantage of Manhattan’s best dating experiences.

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veryone knows that September is the best month of the year. Not only is it my birthday month, but the weather is truly unmatched. Summer may have flown by, but that doesn’t mean we’re done making the most of it—or done dating. As we settle back into the rhythm of New York City life, I’m excited to share my favorite date ideas that let you soak up the last of the warm weather while making the most of everything this great city has to offer.

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Catch a tennis match at the US Open.

How lucky are we that the best tennis players in the world are competing 30ish minutes from the city? Grab a honey deuce and your best tennis whites and head over to watch the US Open for a day trip or an evening date. Don’t forget to get a chicken nugget with some caviar on top.

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Watch a movie under the stars. NYC Parks host tons of free screenings in parks across all five boroughs through the summer and into early fall. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and arrive before sunset for the best spot. Don’t forget your popcorn and Buncha Crunch to optimize the experience. You can find free screenings at Riverside Park, Bryant Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Take a Brooklyn Bridge stroll.

In my opinion, there’s nothing sexier than a walking date. Especially if you make fun and spontaneous stops along the way. Plus, you usually save a lot of money. Take advantage of the beautiful nights that we get this month and walk the bridge with your date while looking at our amazing skyline. If you want to stay in Manhattan, you could also walk the West Side Highway at golden hour, then grab drinks at a waterfront bar.

The best dates are the simplest. Start with dinner at a new restaurant, then walk to your favorite ice cream shop. September is one of the last chances to enjoy an ice cream cone without it making you freeze. There’s something nostalgic about ending a date with dessert and appreciating each other’s company.

I’m sad to see summer coming to an end, but I’m so excited for these New York moments that we can create this fall. For more dating, couples, and motherhood tips, 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 ice cream I’m eating, check out @dontexpectsalads. T 28 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

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Enjoy dinner and ice cream.


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Social Report

HAMPTONS FILM TAKES CENTER STAGE With a new executive director and a growing year-round presence, the Hamptons International Film Festival continues its legacy as a premier showcase for world-class cinema and visionary storytelling.

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s the East End settles into the quieter rhythm of fall, one of the Hamptons’ most anticipated cultural traditions returns. From October 2–12, the 34th-annual Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will once again transform the community into a gathering place for filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and cinephiles from around the world. For more than three decades, HIFF has occupied a distinctive place on the cultural calendar. Far removed from the frenzy of Manhattan, the festival offers an intimate setting in which some of the year’s most compelling films and emerging voices can garner attention. This year also marks a new chapter for Hamptons Film with Bob Feinberg at the helm as executive director. Feinberg, who co-founded Montclair Film and previously held leadership roles at WNET, joins Chief Creative Officer David Nugent as the organization continues to expand its reach, during the festival and throughout the year. That evolution is perhaps what feels most exciting about Hamptons Film today. What was once defined primarily by its celebrated 30 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

continuing HIFF’s tradition of pairing major anticipated releases with documentaries, international October festival has grown cinema, and discoveries from into a year-round cultural emerging filmmakers. The complete presence on the East End. Demi Moore 2026 slate is still to come, making the Its programming now extends weeks ahead part of the anticipation. from the annual Screenwriters The festival has long had an Lab, which nurtures emerging uncanny ability to identify films screenwriting talent, to just before the rest of the world SummerDocs, outdoor begins talking about them. Yet its screenings, educational appeal goes beyond predicting initiatives, and film camps awards-season favorites. There’s introducing younger something uniquely Hamptons about generations to the art experiencing cinema here—watching of storytelling. a film alongside its creators, hearing This summer offered a Bob Feinberg the story behind the story, and then preview of that expansive continuing the conversation over approach. The 18th-annual dinner only a few miles away. SummerDocs series, created In a destination celebrated for its beaches, by Nugent and HIFF co-chair Alec Baldwin, returned to East Hampton, bringing acclaimed architecture, art, and summer social season, the Hamptons International Film Festival documentary filmmaking and conversations has helped establish another identity for the with leading creative voices to Guild Hall, East End—one as a serious and increasingly while free outdoor screenings continued the influential home for film and storytelling. organization’s mission of making cinema And as the crowds of summer disappear accessible to the broader community Out East. and the lights inside the theaters come up, However, come October, all eyes turn back October may just be one of the most exciting to the festival itself. Over 11 days, screenings times to be on the East End. T and events will unfold across the Hamptons,

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Actress Demi Moore attended the 32nd-annual Hamptons International Film Festival in 2024, where she received the Career Achievement in Acting Award for her work in The Substance.


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TWO GENERATIONS, TWO VISIONS For decades, Donna Karan and Gabby de Felice have been woven into the cultural fabric of the Hamptons, each leaving her mark in her own way. From how we dress to where—and how— we dine, the mother-daughter duo has helped define a certain way of life Out East. Here, they open up about their fiercely close bond, distinctly different creative visions, the businesses they’ve built, and what comes next for a family that has made style, hospitality, and community its signature. It’s special to have an iconic mother and daughter on the cover together. When you look at each other today, what makes you the proudest? Gabby de Felice: I’m proudest of my mom for being such an innovator. Not only being an iconic fashion designer, but for marrying philanthropy with commerce. Whenever a cause is near to her heart, she uses her platform to raise awareness and raise funds. For example, she was the first American fashion designer to get designers to sell their clothing at Seventh on Sale to benefit AIDS. She also created Super Saturday in the Hamptons to support ovarian cancer. And there are so many other examples. She doesn’t just talk, she acts—and makes a difference. Donna Karan: I’m so proud of my daughter and all she’s accomplished on her own. Where she was given every opportunity to march in my footsteps, she ultimately decided to carve her own path as a designer in the hospitality industry with her husband, Gianpaolo. She’s done it with such style and warmth; you feel welcomed and cared for, like you’ve come into her home.

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Shot on location at Gabby’s and Donna’s homes Hair: Ric Pipino Makeup: Berta Camal Gabby’s and Donna’s Fashion: Urban Zen

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“I always say there’s no ‘I’ in ‘we.’ Together, we can do anything.” —Donna Karan Donna’s and Gabby’s Fashion: Urban Zen

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Donna, what’s something about Gabby that people may not know, but you’ve seen in her since she was little? Donna: Gabby’s always had her own sense of style, completely opposite from mine. Gabby has lived in so many places and has always drawn inspiration from the natural world and the soulfulness of the home. She started wanting to design our homes at a young age, shopping at Gracious Home on the Upper East Side, and redesigning her bathroom with bath mats and curtains. Environment and atmosphere have always been so important to her. To us, family and home are one. Gabby, growing up with Donna as your mom, was there ever a moment when you realized, “Wait, my mom isn’t just my mom. She’s Donna Karan.”? Gabby: People would always stop us on the street, on a beach in Fire Island, anywhere we went, really. But for me...she was always...my mom; she always put me first. Your relationship feels incredibly close. Has that always been the case, or has motherhood and adulthood changed your dynamic? Gabby: I think we’ve swapped. I feel like her mother now, and she’s like my daughter. I’m always concerned about her being way too busy, staying out late, driving at night, or not taking a minute for herself. I’m always worried about her. Donna: Gabby definitely thinks she’s the mother now! Donna, you’ve built one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world, and Gabby has built a hospitality brand that’s become an incredibly loved and respected destination in its own right. What have you learned from each other’s approach to building a business? Donna: Interestingly, Gabby and I both build businesses with our partners. She created Tutto il Giorno with Gianpaolo, and I created Donna Karan and DKNY with my late husband, Stephan Weiss. Husbandand-wife business partnerships are challenging, but for us, in both cases, it’s been successful. Do you ever find yourselves giving each other advice, or is it more that you’ve learned to trust each other’s instincts? Gabby: [Laughs] I always trust my mother’s instincts. I don’t know if I’m giving her advice, but I’m definitely bossing her around. She says I’ve become her mother. Donna: She has! Gabby, it’s been nearly 20 years since you first opened Tutto Il Giorno. Why do you think it resonates with people the way it does? Gabby: I think it resonates because we personally touch and have a presence in all our restaurants. I feel like, especially with the launch of Palm Beach, which is Palm Beach’s first waterfront restaurant, people are like, “How did you and your husband acquire the best property in Florida?" I think it’s because we’re involved. We love being in our restaurants with our friends and family, and they’re devoted to all our Tuttos. We’ve created a community. Tutto isn’t just a restaurant, but a lifestyle.

This year has been a major year of growth for the business. What excites you about bringing Tutto to Palm Beach, and why was this the next natural market? Gabby: Spending the winters in Florida has been a nice move for us as a couple. And our daughter Stefania lives there, too. So for a family, it’s become our new community. What’s the status of the Bridgehampton Tutto Caffé? And what can we expect? Gabby: Bridgehampton will be open in the fall. You can expect an incredible cup of our specialty coffee in a chic and stylish atmosphere. We have more Tutto Caffés on the horizon, which we’ll announce soon. We’re also so excited about our first holiday season at Tutto Mare. Holidays are always magical at Tutto; I get to transform the atmosphere. Donna, we regularly see you at the Sag Harbor location. What’s your go-to order? Donna: The La Donna mocktail, which is cucumber juice, mint simple syrup, lemon juice, club soda, and of course a Gabriella salad, which is really my salad that they named after my daughter. [Laughs] Urban Zen has storefronts in multiple Tutto locations. What does it feel like to blend both of your businesses together there? Gabby: Of course Mom inspires everything I do when I design our spaces. Inevitably though, she ends up sprinkling herself everywhere, including doing photo shoots on the couches at 8 o’clock when we’re trying to serve dinner, making Instagram reels, and changing the clothing on the mannequins while people are eating. But you can always get a reservation if my mother is around! She’ll never say no. Donna: Design is more than about just clothes or restaurant spaces. It’s about a bigger life and helping others to create and collaborate, which is Urban Zen’s philosophy. Gabby, what inspires the menu and décor of all your restaurants? Gabby: My Neopolitan motherin-law is a huge influence on the menu, as is our Executive Chef Agostino Petrosino. From the beginning, Nonna Carolina has been the inspiration for all our signature dishes. Of course, I have my own sense of design, but my mother has inspired me from all her travels, especially Bali. I designed the Hamptons restaurants with our travels in mind, and much of the furniture, tabletop, and ceramics are available for sale through Urban Zen. The Hamptons have shaped both of your lives in different ways. What has this community meant to your family over the years? Gabby: I feel like the secret of our success is all about community. The Hamptons became so significant for us because we raised our children there. They went to school out there. They grew up out there. I grew up there, too! It’s been my home forever in some ways. Donna, what excites you creatively more than anything else today? Donna: Urban Zen’s three initiatives: healthcare, education, and Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 35


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WHO’S MORE LIKELY TO…

preservation of culture. Together they represent the past, present, and future, the mind, body, and spirit. So many people have told me to separate them, to only focus on one at time because it sounds confusing. But honestly, I see them Be running late? as integrative parts of a whole. We Gabby need to learn from the past, take care of our bodies, and educate our Order dessert? children to create a successful future. Gabby You can’t do one without the others. You’re currently working on a Change an outfit documentary. What inspired you three times? to tell your story now, and what do Gabby you hope people take away from it? Donna: I feel like it’s a part of my Convince the other to legacy, and my family thinks that it’s say yes to a new idea? important for us. I want to tell my Donna own story, which this allows me to do. I was a pioneer of how women get Have the best dinner dressed. Women started being part party playlist? of the workforce, and I dressed them. Neither I want to inspire others to create, change, and challenge themselves. Is there something viewers will discover about you that they may not expect? Donna: All I can say is expect lots of surprises. What is one project each of you is especially excited about over the next year? Gabby: I would love to try to develop a product home line with my mom. We want to continue combining dining with retail and to collaborate on home furnishings. We also love to travel the world and source artisan products. We also just finished a big renovation of the Stephan Weiss Studio in the West Village and are looking forward to hosting some incredible events there. Donna: I would love that. We each bring a lot to the table— literally! What’s your favorite activity to do together? Gabby: My mother loves me to join her to watch sunsets. We’re hoping to collaborate on a coffee-table book of her sunset photographs. Donna: There’s nothing more beautiful to share. The best style advice you’ve ever given—or received— from each other? Gabby: To dress comfortably and dress like yourself. Donna: It’s true—if you feel good, you look good. You look like yourself. Finally, when people think of the Karan family years from now, what do you hope they remember—not just about what you’ve built, but about who you are? Gabby: Honestly, making a difference, community, and helping others. My mother is such a pioneer in fashion and philanthropy. With the restaurants, we’re helping people carve experiences, whether they celebrate their wedding or their anniversary. Creating moments for people. Making people happy is the ultimate goal. Donna: Yes, bringing people together and making them feel happy, cared for, and empowered to make a difference. Donna’s and I always say there’s no “I” in “we.” Together, we can do Gabby’s Fashion: anything. T Urban Zen Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 37


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A TASTE of

BETHENNY

Bethenny Frankel is turning her viral Supermodel Snacks into something you can actually taste. With the launch of Supermodel Café in East Quogue, the entrepreneur dishes on building a brand in real time, her better-for-you chicken salad, the power of social media—and why this may only be the beginning. WRITTEN BY SYDNEY SADICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE GARDNER Why was this the right time to bring your social media Supermodel Snacks trend into people’s lives via a pop-up? It was another happy accident. Honestly, I wanted to bring the bagels that I created on social media to life. I’ve been talking about it peripherally. I have so much going on in my business, but I kept saying, “I need to do that.” How did Goldberg’s Bagels become the right partner to actually make it happen? Amanda [Goldberg] from Goldberg’s Bagels was always in my DMs commenting because I went into her store. She was a fan, she’s active on social, and she said, “I think I can do it.” I gave her my recipes, and she lives in the Hamptons, and they were at my house within hours. I’m like, “This bitch rolls like I do.” She was able to be nimble, go with the recipes, and take every note. Why were you especially focused on making the chicken salad better for you? I’m a natural food chef. I used to renovate recipes, and my book Naturally Thin has all these sort of better-for-you recipes. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get it there without tasting like you were sacrificing anything— and you don’t. The chicken salad is excellent and so much better for you. That’s kind of the most miraculous thing. It all is.

How did the idea evolve from creating the products into opening an actual café? I was on a beach walk talking to Amanda about the deal. First, it was really, could she do the bagels? Could she do the other things at scale? And she said, “Also, I have a weird idea. I happen to have this pop-up space in Quogue.” I had passed by it, and I don’t know why I noticed it one time. I’m always looking at everything. I just saw the vision. And you built the café in a month? On the phone call on my last beach walk of the summer, a month from that call, yes. We had nothing. We had no recipe, no nutritionals, no décor—nothing. And this is a real café. I’m so proud of my team and moved by all of it. I’m so excited. The cheesecakes are outrageous. There’s a Rage Bagel. It’s very, very fun and girly and flirty and tongue-in-cheek. I was talking to [my boyfriend] Shane last night; I was like, “It’s been a different summer. It feels like it wasn’t a summer.” And he’s like, “You created something. How amazing.” And it was so true. It’s just a different summer. You’ve built so many successful businesses, but this one came directly from your audience. Does that change the way you think about building a brand? I was at the [The Real Housewives of New York City] reunion, and

one of the biggest questions we got was, “What’s in a Skinnygirl Margarita?” The light bulb went off, and I hit the streets to try to find a deal around it. So the people have always dictated it. It’s always been the same. It’s just the 2.0, modern-day version. TV is archaic in many ways. I don’t need to sit in a boardroom pitching ideas to businessmen to tell me what’s good or not, and six months later, we start producing it and it’s stale by the time it gets to air. I can do it right now. I can shoot, create anything, say anything, market anything right now—direct to the people. So they decided this, which is what’s cool. What are your top tips for entrepreneurs today? The two best tips for businesspeople are to listen to the people and let it happen organically. Go where the fish are. Three influencers begged me for bagels a week before, and I got them to them. They did a review, and it was like my research and development. They’re young girls who are obsessed. So when all three of them said they didn’t like something, I took it off the menu. Like, thank you. And the second is just do it. Don’t think about everything. Paralysis, analysis— let’s go. That’s always been me. I say we’re the Billy Joel of cafés— we’re going to stay open until people don’t come.

Supermodel Café is located at 481 Montauk Highway, East Quogue. It’s open through September 12th.

Are you planning on being there every day? I think I’ll want to stop by all the time. Last night, I was out to dinner with Shane, and we were talking to my team, who was here setting up. He was like, “You want to go surprise them?” I was like, “Yeah.” So we came, and they screamed like it was their 50th surprise birthday party— screamed at the top of their lungs as we showed up. It was fun. It’s very much like, whatever happens, happens. What are the expansion plans for Supermodel Café? First, if we close the café [after the pop-up run], these products will probably be distributed in about nine Goldberg’s locations. If we don’t close the cafe, it’ll either be just here or be in about nine other Goldberg’s locations in the Hamptons—or maybe a limited menu there, so there’s still a reason to come here. This is all literally run and done. So this is just the beginning? Yes! And we have nationwide distribution starting in September online. Another massive billionaire-owned concept has just reached out to distribute these items, and that’s huge. There are a lot of things happening. It was good to do this because it made it real. Now people are coming, and it’s exponentially growing. T Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 39


SpotStyle SAINT LAURENT Renée mesh and leather mules, $1,200, mytheresa.com

VOGUE EYEWEAR Sunglasses with Brown frames, Red lenses, $83, sunglasshut.com

HARITHAND Burgundy Watson blazer, $1,800, harithand.com

TOM FORD Snakeembossed leather long coat, $17,980, bergdorf goodman.com JOE’S JEANS The Meg fauxleather top in Cabernet, $178, saksfifthavenue.com

LOEWE Beaded fig charm, $890, loewe.com

RICH in COLOR

ALAÏA Cropped cashmereblend turtleneck sweater, $2,490; pleated knitted cashmere-blend midi skirt, $3,490, net-a-porter.com

BRANDON MAXWELL The Mila one-shoulder draped jersey maxi dress, $2,100, neta-porter.com CHAN LUU Octo flower brooch in Burgundy, $390, chanluu.com

THE TWO DEFINING COLORS OF FALL— BURGUNDY AND BROWN—CURATED IN THIS SEASON’S MOST COVETED PIECES.

BALENCIAGA Pleated leather jacket, $7,450, net-a-porter.com

SYDNEY EVAN Scallop edge pave rondelle on rhodolite bead bracelet, $1,090, bergdorf goodman.com

AKRIS Medium AI leather and suede convertible shoulder tote in Burgundy, $2,290, nordstrom.com ’S MAX MARA Pencil skirt, $385, mytheresa.com

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ETRO Woven leather belt with coin buckle, $990, etro.com

SPINELLI KILCOLLIN 18K ruby eternity band set, $6,508, therealreal.com

ALOHAS TB.490 Club soft leather sneakers in Burgundy, $143, alohas.com


MAISON MARGIELA Tabi leather ballerina flats in Tan, $1,050, saksfifthavenue.com

FENDI Baguette 26424 tiger-print cavallino leather Re Edition bag, $3,700, fendi.com SIMKHAI Rowen fringe belted wool-blend jacket, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com

ALAÏA Leopard-print cuff bracelet, $1,590, mytheresa.com

JENNIFER BEHR Augustine crystalembellished drop earrings, $500, mytheresa.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION Denise belted linen shorts, $925, mytheresa.com

ATORIE Fireladyfur high-neck cropped jacket, $259, atorie.com

KHAITE Jett leather mini skirt in Brown, $1,900, net-a-porter.com

DÉHANCHE Alcott suede belt in Chocolate, $450, net-a-porter. com

LESET Lauren asymmetric jersey top, $192, mytheresa.com

NILI LOTAN Shon leather barrel-leg pants in Burgundy, $1,990, net-a-porter. com

HERMÈS Pop H ear cuff in New Gold, $375, hermes.com

NOUR HAMMOUR Milo wide-leg pants, $1,204, mytheresa.com

MANOLO BLAHNIK Cleosli brown calf leather slingback pumps, $1,150, manoloblahnik.com

BURBERRY Gabardine asymmetric trench skirt, $1,995, us.burberry.com

FENDI FF squared rectangular sunglasses, $490, mytheresa .com

STOULS Cherry open-back suede halterneck tank in Camel, $755, net-a-porter.com MAX MARA Leather bracelet, $645, mytheresa.com

PRADA Prada Bonnie large suede handbag in Cinnamon, $3,800, prada.com

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 41


SpotStyle

The BOOT List

THE PAIRS WORTH STEPPING INTO NOW.

SUEDE

Suede is taking over in every shade of brown, from warm caramel and chestnut to deep chocolate.

PARIS TEXAS Vera snake-effect stiletto boots, $687, farfetch.com

SNAKESKIN

Snakeskin is having a major moment, bringing just the right amount of print to otherwise simple fall outfits.

KHAITE Bella suede knee boots, $2,200, net-a-porter.com

ISABEL MARANT 75mm Lyone suede and leather booties, $1,490, neimanmarcus.com

SCHUTZ Beatrix suede boots in Root Brown, $378, schutz-shoes.com

SLOUCHY

The slouch is back, with relaxed, slightly undone silhouettes that give boots of all textures an effortlessly cool feel.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Calassohi 90 suede knee boots in Burgundy, $1,545, net-a-porter.com

SAM EDELMAN Saige ankle boots in Roccia, $170, samedelman.com

CROC EMBOSSED

FERRAGAMO Nylu 95 snake-effect leather and suede boots in Black, $2,300, net-a-porter.com

High-shine croc embossing gives the classic boot a glossy, polished update that instantly makes any outfit look and feel a bit more luxe. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 85 croc-effect ankle boots, $1,295, mytheresa.com

CALF HAIR

Bring texture into the mix with calf hair boots, best balanced with understated pieces like straight-leg jeans or a simple mini skirt.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Loo Botta 85 leopard-print calf hair knee boots, $2,495, net-a-porter.com

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JEFFREY CAMPBELL Darling boots, $372, revolve.com

VERONICA BEARD Lisa kitten-heel ankle boots, $550, veronicabeard.com

STAUD Wally slouch boots in Butter, $595, staud. clothing.com

JIMMY CHOO Agathe knee boots 85, $1,795, us.jimmychoo.com

MALONE SOULIERS 70mm Nolan knee-high boots, $1,580, bergdorfgoodman.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

AMINA MUADDI Jamie snake-effect leather ankle boots, $1,065, mytheresa.com

ISABEL MARANT Edrik boots, $1,750, revolve.com


SpotStyle

DECONSTRUCTING

Foundrae’s Love Knot and Balance Element Extension Necklace

The Details Alternating onyx and 18k yellow gold links create the Element Chain with its open construction, allowing for medallions to be added and rearranged.

Ancient symbols meet modern keepsakes in the brand’s diamond and 18k gold balance necklace— a wearable emblem of affection, security, and harmony.

F

ounded by designer and symbolist Beth Hutchens in 2015, Foundrae creates jewelry as a language of self-expression. Drawing from mythological and classical symbols, each piece is designed to tell a personal story and remind each wearer of the values they hold. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, onyx, and 1.2 carats of diamonds, Foundrae’s Love Knot and Balance Element Extension necklace transforms ancient symbolism into a modern heirloom centered on true love, protection, and wholeness.

The Balance medallion brings together opposing forces—lunar and solar, feminine and masculine, yin and yang, all with the purpose of representing the harmony needed to become whole.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

$24,950, foundrae.com

The True Love Knot represents the connection of true love and those we treasure most. The seven diamonds and seven beads surrounding the Love Knot represents the seven types of love identified by the ancient Greeks.

The “La Loba” claw serves as a totem for protection, representing our primal instincts and drawing from the she-wolf’s ancient association of guiding and protecting the soul.

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 43


Spotted!

Sydney Sadick

Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, Sailor Brinkley Cook

Hilaria Baldwin, Stacey Bendet

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT INSIDE THE CELEBRATIONS, STANDOUT MOMENTS, AND STYLISH CROWDS THAT DEFINED OUR FIFTH-ANNIVERSARY SEASON.

Cindy Karen

44 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

Caitlin Collins, Maria Hatzistefanis


Amanda Lauren

Madison Wright, Sydney Sadick, Melissa Polo Landau, Nicola “Coco” Verses

Jean Shafiroff

FASHION ON WHEELS

Michele Heary, Alison Carter-Cady

Ruth Miller, Lauren Day Roberts, Cindy Karen

SPOTLIGHT x MYTHERESA

Melissa Polo Landau

Nicola “Coco” Verses

Spotlight, alongside Mytheresa, was delighted to host an evening celebrating the launch of Mytheresa Out East, the luxury retailer’s bespoke mobile boutique. As the sun set over the East End, guests gathered to toast the season while exploring the custom-designed Airstream, which has been transformed into a traveling luxury boutique. The Mytheresa Out East experience made its way across the Hamptons this summer, stopping at iconic beaches, hotels, wineries, restaurants, and cultural destinations. It offered private styling appointments, curated edits from the world’s leading luxury designers, and Mytheresa’s signature white-glove service in an intimate setting, complete with refreshments and bespoke floral touches.

Aaron Alexander, Carly Glassmeyer Rosenberg

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW WERNER

Eric Viner, Eda Viner

Jeffrey Bradford and Norah Lawlor

Marigay McKee, Marcy Warren, Jane DeFlorio, Julie Macklowe

Caitlin Collins

Jennifer Jablow, Christina Wilson

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 45


Spotted!

Candace Bushnell

Alexa Ray Joel

Leesa Rowland

CREATIVES ISSUE COVER PARTY CELEBRATING

Kim Wilson, Mary Kay Bowden

Claudia Romo Edelman

ALEXA RAY JOEL

Roni Hirshberg

Spotlight welcomed friends, creators, and members of the Hamptons community to toast its Creatives Issue with cover star Alexa Ray Joel. Guests celebrated the new issue while connecting with fellow creatives and industry insiders, all while discovering pieces from luxury brand 11 Juillet. Cocktails were provided by Sotol Romo, which officially made its Hamptons debut, and wines from DAOU Vineyards; Mediterranean-inspired bites came from Calissa Hamptons. Elegant floral arrangements by Ovando transformed the space, while French Socials added beautiful blooms and snacks. The Creatives Issue launch served as a memorable moment for collaboration, creativity, and the East End community that continues to inspire it.

Julia Levi

Allie Provost

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW WERNER AND SEAN ZANNI

Sophie Elgort

Martha Luna

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Jennifer Frommer, Claire Mercuri

Anna Rothschild

Alexa Ray Joel, Sydney Sadick


Sydney Sadick, Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, Sailor Brinkley Cook

Nick and Margot Markel

Cindy Karen, Ramona Singer

Sofia Karvela, Curtis Clarizio

Sotol Romo

DAOU Vineyards

11 Juillet

Courtney Daniels, James Katsipis

Richard Edelman

French Socials

Randi Schatz

Alexa Ray Joel and Ryan Gleason

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 47


Spotted!

Amber Zhaoyang Wang

Casey Fremont, Stacey Bendet

Carolyn Angel Jennifer Miller, Ruth Miller

SPOTLIGHT COVER PARTY IN HONOR OF

Sydney Sadick, Stacey Bendet

STACEY BENDET

Kathy Prounis

Beth Stern

Spotlight brought together the Southampton community for an evening celebrating August cover star Stacey Bendet and the women shaping fashion, culture, and beyond. Set against a stunning sunset, the evening combined an inspiring mix of fashion, culture, and creative talent for cocktails, conversation, and an up-close look at Alice + Olivia’s signature style. Guests mingled throughout the beautiful Southampton space, taking in the luxury fashion brand’s collection. Wine was provided by DAOU Vineyards, and artist Sophie Fain painted live illustrations for the attendees. The event was a true celebration of the Spotlight community and the incredible women at the heart of the August issue.

Shakir Philippe, Michael Catalano

Michele Heary

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW WERNER

Brianne Manz, Peggy Zabakolas

Hilaria Baldwin, Ramona Singer

48 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

Samantha Angelilli

Scarlet Eisner, Stacey Bendet, Eloise Eisner, Jenny Mollen

Julia Levi

Deanna Camille

Jennifer Mahl, Michele Mahl


Bobby and Margie Emden, Terri and Gary Schottenstein

Candace Bushnell

Nicole Noonan, Kelly Brady Cami Alterman, Lori Alterman

DAOU wines

Tom Ierna, Lexi Barbuto

Jennifer Miller

Yodeline Jean

Claudine Lilien

Mara Siegler

Peter Bart Simel

Daphne Velghe

Victoria Hiegel

Jenny Mollen, Stacey Bendet

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 49


Spotted!

Kaleta Blaffer Johnson

Jennifer Miller, Sophie Miller

Indianna Roehrich

SPOTLIGHT X MANOLO BLAHNIK EVENT BENEFITING

Sydney Sadick, Emily Reculard

Sydney Sadick, Amy Segal

PROJECT HEALTHY MINDS Spotlight Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sydney Sadick welcomed guests to an intimate cocktail party in partnership with Manolo Blahnik at its East Hampton boutique. The event brought together fashion lovers and members of the Hamptons community for an evening of shopping in support of Project Healthy Minds. As guests browsed Manolo Blahnik’s iconic designs, they learned more about Project Healthy Minds’ mission to transform the way mental health is understood, supported, and accessed. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Hamptons evening, the party reflected Spotlight’s commitment to highlighting meaningful moments that blend style, community, and purpose.

Ruth Miller

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW WERNER

Ramona Singer

Alexa (Lexie) Rolih

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Gale Brophy, Cindy Karen

Mary Snow

Andrew Werner


Michelle Worth

Eda Viner, Eric Viner

Ramona Singer

SPOTLIGHT AND RODIAL BEAUT Y COLL ABORATE FOR

Sydney Sadick, Maria Hatzistefanis

Caitlin Collins

A LUNCHEON AT SANT AMBROEUS A summer afternoon in the Hamptons brought together Spotlight Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sydney Sadick with Rodial Beauty Founder and CEO Maria Hatzistefanis for a meal at Sant Ambroeus. Among the guests were Ramona Singer, Melissa Urfirer Gottesman, Caitlin Collins, Olesia Stefanko, and more, who mingled over the meal and got acquainted with the Rodial Beauty collection. One highlight was Rodial’s signature Salmon DNA, a cult-favorite formula known for its skin-renewing benefits. Attendees departed with gift bags filled with Rodial Beauty faves and a copy of Spotlight’s August issue.

Gift bags galore!

Rodial Beauty’s star product Salmon DNA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW WERNER

Melissa Urfirer Gottesman, Olesia Stefanko

Lora Drasner

Fern Mallis, Maria Hatzistefanis

Amy Segal

Ruth Miller

Claudine Lilien

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 51


Spotted!

Sydney Sadick

Bobbi Brown

EAST HAMPTON LIBRARY’S FUNDRAISER

Karine Jean-Pierre

Michael Symon

AUTHORS NIGHT Writers, readers, and Hamptons community members gathered for the East Hampton Library’s 22nd-annual Authors Night, an evening celebrating books, storytelling, and community while raising funds to support the library. Held beneath the event’s signature tent at Herrick Park, the event brought together nearly 100 acclaimed authors, giving guests the opportunity to meet writers, discover new books, and have copies signed. And it turned out to be a record-breaking year, with more than $500,000 being raised for the East Hampton Library. PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENE GOLOGURSKY/GETTY IMAGES

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Aziz Abu-Sarah

Norah Lawlor

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Heather Ann Thompson

Sabrina Rudin

Beth Stern

Don Lemon


Olivia Smith, Ramy Brook Sharp, Elizabeth Saltzman, Beth Stern

Michal Bosstick, Xochitl Gonzalez

A WEEK OF RECORDING AND CELEBRATION FOR

Cynthia Rowley, Elizabeth Saltzman

DEAR MEDIA PODCAST NETWORK Dear Media brought its podcast community to the Hamptons this summer, transforming LDV at The Maidstone in East Hampton into an intimate pop-up recording studio from August 10–13. The weeklong activation offered Dear Media talent and guests a unique setting to record Out East while bringing some of the network’s most recognizable voices together under one roof. The celebration featured a cocktail party hosted by Dear Media’s Lauryn and Michael Bosstick and Mark Mullett. More than a summer gathering, the evening served as a fitting finale to Dear Media’s week in East Hampton.

Josh Hart

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTEO PRANDONI/BFA

Nick Adams, Mark Mullett, Sydney Sadick

Erin Lichy

Samara Hillman

Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker

Katie Lee Biegel, Luann de Lesseps

Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 53


Locals Only

Going the DISTANCE

Andrew Lynch

What was it like stepping into your business family? I didn’t really step in from the outside; I grew up in it. My parents bought Hampton Jitney in 1988 from Jim Davidson, who was the original founder. He had done an incredible job building the business but sadly became terminally ill. My parents had recently sold out of a business and met Jim through a family connection. My siblings and I all worked for the company that first summer. I was 16 when I started as an onboard attendant. I went off to school and worked in Boston and NYC but came back full-time more than 20 years ago. When it’s your parents’ company, you’re 54 \ Fall 2026 \ Spotlight

mostly along for the ride. When it becomes your responsibility, you start shouldering the weight of over 200 employees and the challenges of running a hugely capital-intensive business. What do you think has allowed the company to remain such an iconic aspect of the Hamptons? We’re not just a bus company that happens to serve the East End; our work started here and it’s our whole identity. Our people live in these communities. Our staff see the same riders over and over again. That changes how you treat someone. Beyond that, it’s consistency; we’ve kept running in bad years, kept the same logo, kept showing up 24/7/365.

What does a typical day look like for you as executive vice president of Hampton Jitney? There’s no single typical day, which is part of why I like it—one morning its fleet and scheduling, the next it’s a technology or a regulatory issue, and in summer it’s helping to make sure 65 buses and thousands of people are all where they’re supposed to be. The Hamptons have changed tremendously. How have you seen the community evolve? The Hamptons continue to get increasingly more popular. A lot of the heavy bar and crazy sharehouse scene has been chased out. Higher-end homes keep getting built, more restaurant options every year, and a focus on high-quality family time. Twenty years ago the East End emptied out after Labor Day. Now there’s a year-round population out here—people who moved out permanently, people working hybrid, families whose kids are in local schools. How does the business operate during the fall season? The volume changes, but the operation does not. We have an active charter business that picks up with the school calendar, so while our passenger counts may moderate, we continue to stay active. Employees appreciate that they can have steady work year-round. Fall is one of our favorite seasons out here—the North Fork wine and farm traffic, the ocean is still warm, people coming east because it’s beautiful and empty. The mix flips, too— more local and year-round

riders, more people going into the city for the day rather than out of it. And it’s when we do the deep work on the fleet and start planning for the next summer. What has been the most rewarding part of watching Hampton Jitney grow? One is doing something for work that provides real utility and is tangible. Another is the people. We have drivers, staff, and mechanics who’ve been here 20, 30 years—people my father hired who are still with us, and in some cases their kids now work here, too. Building something that supports families over that long is more meaningful than any route or revenue number. Best time of day to make the drive Out East? Thursday evening has gotten popular since COVID. Earlier in the day on Friday is better. The 7 or 8 a.m. out of the city on a Friday—you’re ahead of the traffic and you get a whole extra day out here. What’s next for Hampton Jitney? We’re continuing to reinvest in new coaches; we purchase new vehicles every year, and with prices upward of $700,000 per vehicle, that’s a lot of investment. On technology, we’re focused on the parts of the trip that happen before you board—booking, realtime tracking, an eventual app. Longer-term, we’re awaiting the first electric motor coaches that have the range to fit our routes. We just passed 50 years in business, but the celebration was short because next season’s planning has already started. T

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

From teenage attendant to executive vice president, Andrew Lynch has steered Hampton Jitney through more than 50 years of family history. BY AUDREY GLASS


Spotitorial

Between the Lines

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

For Raf Simpson, canvas and paint provide the ultimate sanctuary. In his new exhibition in East Hampton, the abstract artist narrows his focus, working with a more refined set of shapes, colors, and compositions. BY ROB ASHER

Raf, tell us about yourself. I’m originally from Barbados. I grew up surfing, being outdoors, and spending most of my free time in the ocean. Barbados shaped so much of who I am and how I see the world. My grandfather is an entrepreneur, and from a young age I admired what he had built. I honestly never considered working for anyone. I’ve always valued freedom over security, and I think that has driven a lot of the decisions I’ve made in my life. How did you start your career? I started out as an entrepreneur in payment processing in New York City around 2009. Most of my experience in the U.S. had been in Florida, but I always knew I wanted to live in NYC. I basically made up a company so I had an excuse to move there. Since then, I’ve launched and been involved in businesses across media, hospitality, real estate, and consumer products. Was it difficult to transition from tech to art? I don’t think I transitioned from tech to art. Art added an entirely new and beautiful layer to my life. If anything, painting frees me to pursue all the entrepreneurial things I love doing. I approach my businesses in a similar way to how I approach a painting. There’s an idea of where I want to go, but I’m comfortable letting the process change the outcome. I’ve never felt like I needed to choose one path. I knew I could do both.

Raf Simpson

So when did you start painting? I’ve always loved art, but my wife, Lauren, was the person who encouraged me to start painting. She’s an artist and an all-around creative. She opened my world to architecture, design, and so many of the things I draw inspiration from. In 2020, when COVID hit, I desperately needed a creative outlet. She encouraged me to paint, and the rest is history. How did you know that painting was your preferred medium? My mind moves in 10,000

different directions, and painting is one of the only things that makes it completely calm. It puts me into a state that I can’t find anywhere else. When I’m painting, everything else disappears for a while. More than anything else, that feeling told me this was the medium for me. Why did you choose J. Mackey Gallery for your Between Frequencies exhibition? It felt natural. I liked their eye, I liked the way they presented work, and I liked the relationship.

Between Frequencies runs from August 31–September 6 at J. Mackey Gallery, 62 The Circle, East Hampton.

There’s also something about showing the work in East Hampton that just makes sense to me. The gallery feels connected to the place rather than separate from it, and I think my paintings work particularly well in that environment. I’ve always loved the intersection of art, architecture, interiors, and the way people actually live with art. The Hamptons brings all of those things together. What’s your connection to the Hamptons? Are there any places there you go to for inspiration? I remember going for the first time and being shocked by how understated it was. There’s this real fabric of a year-round community underneath everything. I try to spend as much time there as I can every year with my family. I wouldn’t say I go to the Hamptons and think, “I’m going to find inspiration for a painting.” It’s more that the Hamptons inspires my mind, and whatever is happening in my mind finds its way into the art. Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill is my favorite place to escape, reset, and find inspiration. It feels completely removed from everything and gives me the space to clear my mind. I also love getting on a boat from the marina in Sag Harbor. There’s something about being on the water with no real plan or destination that clears my head and lets me see the East End from a completely different perspective. T Spotlight \ Fall 2026 \ 55


Echoes of the Past

EAST HAMPTON’S GUILD AGE For nearly a century, Guild Hall has brought world-class culture to its tight-knit local community. Now, following a $29 million restoration, the historic arts center enters a new era. BY ROB ASHER The theater was originally named after John Drew, uncle to Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore, and served as a summer testing ground for Broadway-bound productions. Playwrights Tennessee Williams and Eugene O’Neill would later credit Guild Hall with helping establish their reputations, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? scribe Edward Albee served as director for the summer season in 1972. Guild Hall also boosted the careers of painters Williem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock. Guild Hall’s permanent collection houses 2,400 works of art. In 2022, Guild Hall began to undergo renovations. The John Drew Theater was renamed the Hilarie and Morgan Mitchell Theater, receiving more comfortable seating and greater space between rows. It also now has a restored scalloped proscenium frame that was part of Embury’s original design. Recent performers include Fran Lebowitz, Itzhak Perlman, and Marisa Tomei in a staged reading of The Big Chill. T

1973

1945

1930

The Guild Hall Museum receives formal accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, one of the first institutions to be recognized.

Gone With the Wind star Olivia de Havilland performs at the John Drew Theater, in What Every Woman Knows. She returns in 1951 for Candida.

Mary Woodhouse and husband Lorenzo purchase the land, the former homestead of Samuel Miller.

1931

Designed by architect Aymar Embury II, Guild Hall opens on August 19th, in the midst of the Great Depression. A thousand people show up to celebrate the occasion.

1951

1960

2024

• Guild Hall runs 200 programs each year, and approximately 60,000 visitors come through annually. The theater produces more than 100 plays, concerts, screenings, literary readings, and more.

• Beyoncé filmed inside Guild Hall for her visual album Black Is King in 2019.

Theater legends Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon star in Pal Joey. Both later became long-term residents, owning homes in East Hampton and Quogue.

A brief summer run at Guild Hall precedes The Fantasticks becoming the world’s longestrunning musical.

Singer/actor Billy Porter headlines the grand reopening benefit concert at the renovated theater.

FUN FACTS • Mary Woodhouse also founded East Hampton’s first library in 1916.

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• In 1967, Guild Hall was the site of the first bank robbery and narcotics raid in East Hampton. Burglars broke into an empty gallery, mistaking it for another gallery filled with priceless art for an upcoming exhibition.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

F

or almost 100 years, Guild Hall has served as East Hampton’s cultural mecca. Founded by philanthropist Mary Woodhouse on the principle that participation in the arts creates greater civic engagement, the hall was one of the first multidisciplinary centers in the country. Since its opening in 1931, Guild Hall has become the cultural cornerstone of the Hamptons, combining a museum, theater, and education space under one roof. In 1930, Woodhouse and her husband, Lorenzo, bought the land and started construction on the arts center. When it opened on August 19th a year later, it received great fanfare. “East Hampton has never known a celebration like that,” one resident at the time remembered. A thousand people showed up, packing into the theater and gallery. Architect Aymar Embury II, a frequent collaborator of urban planner Robert Moses, designed the building in the Georgian style. Low-slung and featuring white painted brick, it faces East Hampton’s Main Street.


Summer Fridays

1 p.m. Perfect weather means pool time.

10 a.m. It’s not the Hamptons without hydrangeas!

9 p.m. Dinner at Barlume Beach in Montauk. Yummy!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Hannah Godwin You first grew your fan base on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise. How did those experiences shape the career you’ve built today? Going on The Bachelor changed my entire life. I met my husband on it, and my career totally went down a different path. When I graduated college, I was doing marketing, so I wanted to be on the back end of branding, photography, styling, and modeling. It’s kind of funny that going on The Bachelor I had no choice but to lean into just being myself while also being able to creatively direct for brands. When did you realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur? I had always dreamed about having a photo editing app. I actually went to college wanting

to study photography, and I already had a photography business. Honestly, it just kind of felt like a given. Once I grew my social media platform, I wanted to share it with my community. What motivated you to create your Setty app? I grew up in Alabama, and I always wanted to be traveling to New York and L.A., but that just wasn’t in the cards for me financially. I spent a lot of my time creating my own reality, so I thought it would be cool to create an app where you can make anywhere beautiful. You’ve launched a Hamptonsinspired filter on Setty. What was it about the East End that inspired the preset? Everybody comes out here and has this relaxed quintessential

2 p.m. Having an absolute blast all weekend with my girls.

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4 p.m. Time for a barbecue!

weekend with s’mores and those simple summer moments. We wanted to create a filter to help support whatever moments were already happening. We don’t want to create more moments; we just want to highlight the ones that are already there. What do you love most about spending time Out East? What I’ve enjoyed is the inbetween moments—just waking up and having recaps of the night before over a cup of coffee by the pool. Those simpler, smaller moments where not everything is planned out. That’s what makes me want to come back here. What are some of your favorite Hamptons hot spots? I feel like Gurney’s has everything you need. I like to grab a cocktail there before heading to Surf

10 p.m. Surf Lodge never disappoints!

Lodge or starting the night with friends. We also went to Mavericks. We were sitting on the water, and it was such a vibe. And I’m a big chicken salad girl, so Round Swamp Farm is so good. We hear that you have a role on Netflix’s Squid Game: The VIP Challenge. Tell us more! I’ve been open to the right opportunity to go back on TV for a while, but I didn’t want to say yes to just anything. If I was going to do something, I wanted to feel excited and challenged by it. Honestly, Squid Game fell into my lap. The show allows people to prove how resilient they can be. It’s going to be interesting for viewers because it’s a bit different now that there are VIPs. I was starstruck by so many of them. You’ll have to stay tuned! T

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

Fresh off a Hamptons visit celebrating the latest activation of her Setty photoediting app, the reality TV star and entrepreneur opens up about building her business and shares her favorite moments while Out East. BY AUDREY GLASS

12 a.m. Setty s’mores to end the night.


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Questionnaire

The Spotlight Survey Actress and Fancy Peasant founder Anastasia Ganias honors her family heritage by bringing authentic Greek pantry staples to the East End and beyond.

NAME:

Anastasia Ganias

THE BEST LESSON I WAS EVER TAUGHT WAS:

HOMETOWN:

Worcester, MA

What’s meant for you can never miss you.

OCCUPATION:

Actress and founder of Fancy Peasant, a clean Greek longevity pantry line

MY HAPPY PLACE IS:

Sandwiched between my boys or on the water on my boat.

An actress and a mom.

My dad passed away. I found myself cooking recipes from his village in Greece and sharing them on Instagram. Followers kept asking about the Greek olive oil. Grief-stricken, I went on my own Eat, Pray, Love journey to Greece to find the real thing. The rest is history.

MY BIGGEST PINCH-ME MOMENT AS A FOUNDER HAS BEEN:

Seeing Fancy Peasant at Erewhon. I used to sit outside the store as a young actress memorizing my lines—and now our products are there. That one felt full circle. MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS:

A dirty martini.

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MY DINNER-PARTY NONNEGOTIABLE IS:

A solid playlist.

THE MUSICAL ARTIST WHO INSPIRES ME:

Beyoncé, for her ability to reinvent herself and for her authenticity.

THE BEST THING TO DRIZZLE OLIVE OIL ON IS:

THE DISH THAT REMINDS ME MOST OF CHILDHOOD IS:

Spanakopita.

MY CHILDREN ALWAYS ASK ME TO MAKE:

Breakfast smash burgers and spanakopita.

Everything. End of story.

MY FAVORITE PLACE IN GREECE IS:

The islands—all of them!

I WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS:

Someone who left this world a little better than she found it.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE:

THE IDEA FOR FANCY PEASANT FIRST CAME TO ME WHEN:


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.

Visit our boutique or ovandoworld.com to check out our Summer Collection

B O TA N I C A L G A L L E R Y 1091 Madison Avenue botanicalgallery@ovandoworld.com 212.988.2600

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Fun Facts

10 Things You Didn’t Know About

Fern Mallis

The New York Fashion Week co-founder and industry legend offers some little-known tidbits that you won’t find on the runway.

I host the longestrunning series at the 92nd Street Y, Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis. My 16th year kicks off on September 30 with hotelier Ian Schrager.

2

India is my happy place as I love its designers, jewelry, and culture.

3

I’m an avid collector of caftans and collaborated with Max Alexander on the #FernToTheMax collection.

4

I drink chai latte with almond milk only, so don’t invite me for coffee.

5

My cat Dimples is my joy, which also happens to be my middle name.

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6

I spent a month performing offBroadway in Daryl Roth’s production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

7

My portrait hangs with Donna Karan and Calvin Klein in the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

8

I grew up in a basketball-playing family and have been a Knicks fan all my life.

9

I love to cook and use homegrown herbs, but I hate cilantro!

10

There’s a bench in Bryant Park dedicated to Stan Herman and me for co-creating New York Fashion Week, sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger.

ANDREW WERNER

1


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Real estate agents affiliated with The Corcoran Group are independent contractors and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 590 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10065. All listing phone numbers indicate listing agent direct line unless otherwise noted. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Corcoran makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice. All dimensions provided are approximate. To obtain exact dimensions, Corcoran advises you to hire a qualified architect or engineer.


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