Candace Bushnell

Hamptons Fashion Week kicked off their fourth annual show with bang on Friday evening. With designers like Marina St. Barths, Nicole Miller, and Ralph Lauren hosting runway shows, the town of Southampton was the prime destination for all things coastal fashion this weekend. 

The weekend began on Friday evening, with a “shop and sip” event at the luxury boutiques lining Job’s Lane – each store had unique treats such as Scott Protein Balls and Hamptons Water Rose for guests to enjoy while eagerly awaiting the upcoming fashion show. As the white chairs appeared on either side of the road, we settled in for the show. Marina St Barth’s collection held the bold colors, florals and long flowy silhouettes reminiscent of a luxury tropical vacation. Five Story debuted next with drapey and loose, yet structured pieces in serene, wearable colors. And finally, Unsubscribed’s relaxed and effortless “cool girl” looks finished off the show. 

Saturday held the most excitement with shows from sustainable lines Equal Human and Gloria Lee, and industry standouts Cesar Galindo and Nicole Miller. Many New Yorkers took the bus into town just for this day’s events, so crowds of people decked out in glamorous attire filled up rows and rows of seating. 

The day began with sustainable designers. Equal Human’s line featured colorful paint splatters, a mix of girly and edgy loungewear, and cool use of paneling. These details, coupled with geometric patterns, evoked an “art studio” energy from the collection. Gloria Lee’s loose, romantic silk scarf-based dresses gave a sultry, luxurious vacation feel. The use of hair wraps and a signature orange / blue / yellow color combo on silk was elegant and creative. 

Before the evening shows, the founder of Hamptons Fashion Week, Dina Rivera, presented the Fashion Icon Awards. Gloria Lee won for Rising Star of the year, Constance White won for Fashion Media, Cesar Galindo won for Fashion Trendsetter, and Nicole Miller was warmly introduced by Candace Bushnell and honored with Designer of the Year.

The evening fashion shows had the crowd enraptured. Cesar Galindo stunned with boxy, black, edgy designs. Cutouts and metallics featured heavily, as well as a recurring metallic stripe pattern. Galaxy puffers really made an impression, and my favorite detail were the black strings hanging from the back of straps on dresses – leaving a purposeful yet effortless, unfinished look to the garments. Nicole Miller’s designs featured mini structured dresses, whimsical, sports-inspired americana prints, and geometric, kaleidoscope patterns with sequins.  

Sunday finished off the weekend with an elaborate brunch at a Southampton estate. Guests dined on fresh flatbreads, lobster mac n cheese, wraps and sandwiches from The Golden Pear, and fresh juices from Natalie’s. Full on Southampton’s specialty dining and excited by the fashion on display, guests departed the weekend’s event space ready to take their inspiration back to the city.