In summers past, the Hamptons party circuit has been as glutted and glam as the social swirl in the city the other nine months of the year. It's still glutted -- if not more so -- but lately, the glam seems to be missing. It's as if being presented with too many options, the chic set has thrown up their hands in defeat and opted instead to sip their own Champagne at their own beachside manses.
Take last Saturday night, for instance, when there were four major bashes: the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression held a benefit in Sagaponack; Elizabeth Harrison and Lara Shriftman toasted their new book in Southampton; the Nature Conservancy had a "Beaches and Boys" gala in East Hampton, and Hamptons Designer Showhouse had a cocktail party in Southampton.
If you really wanted a free drink, you could certainly find one. But based on the relatively low social turnout at the events, it seemed it was easier to skip the 30-minute drive between towns (maybe more in traffic) and just do your own thing.
That said, there are some upcoming events that promise to be worthwhile year after year. The Parrish Art Museum always throws an elegant dinner, and the discounts at Super Saturday are always a treat. The Watermill Center will hold its annual extravaganza (dress code: "decadent chic") and, later in the season, a concert by Rufus Wainwright. Dior Beauty is having a dinner at Nello Summertime in Southampton for only 30 guests, and Jessica Seinfeld is hosting her annual Baby Buggy luncheon with Derek Lam -- at home, of course.
Comments