Jennifer Lopez at Arthur & Sons for dinner, photo courtesy Arthur & Sons
The Hamptons are having its hottest summer, as evidenced by J Lo’s decision to flee Ben to California to spend quality “me time” in her $10 million 8,660 square foot home in Water Mill. “Jenny on the Block” has been all over the Hamptons working out at Equinox Bridgehampton, having dinner at Southampton’s 75 Main, and holding her 55th birthday at Arthur & Sons in Bridgehampton on Sunday.
Lopez has stolen the summer as every outfit and move she makes is breathlessly documented around the globe – if she were in Mykonos or Italy, she would receive a tenth of the publicity. Her deliberate public appearances say hey, Affleck, I don’t need you. I’m having a great time on my biking and yachting without your morose demeanor ruining the fun-Affleck was never a big fan of the fancy Hamptons anyway – as Dunkin’ Donuts are tough to find (there are four stores).
William & Mar Morosse, photo by Lieba Nesis
If you weren’t on the list for Jenny’s Bridgerton-themed birthday bash, there was more than enough to do in the Hamptons, with nearly ten events on the weekend alone. My fun started on Thursday, July 18th, as William and Mar Morosse hosted a night of flamenco and art at their barn in Southampton.
Sonia Olla & Ismael Fernandez, photo by Lieba Nesis
Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernandez flew in from Madrid to teach Hamptonites Jean Shafiroff, Nicole Salmasi, Maria and Ken Fishel, Elizabeth Steinberg, Ann Van Ness, Fern Mallis, and Janna Bullock what it means to dance with passionate abandon.
Lookonline author Lieba Nesis in front of her picture
Having attended hundreds of Hamptons parties, this one surpassed them all with the epic gift of a silk screen framed self-portrait to all attendees handcrafted by contemporary artist Pierre d’Argyll. The new trend in dinner parties is walking away with one’s likeness in tow—a genuinely unforgettable parting memento.
The hostess Mar’s impactful friendship with a Jewish college roommate moved her to pen a book on Jewish art history entitled “From Covenant to Creativity,” a fascinating read documenting the influential contributions of Jewish artists to the cultural realm.
Jane Scher & Leesa Rowland at Leesa Cover party at Biba Southampton, photo by Lieba Nesis
Friday, July 19th, was no less eventful. It began with a cover party for actress Leesa Rowland at Biba Southampton, where guests like Julia Haart squashed into the store to pick up the “Manhattan” magazine, grab some sweet treats and champagne, and toast Leesa’s grand debut.
Alex & Brad Fishel, photo by Lieba Nesis
At 5 PM, guests, including publicist extraordinaire Norah Lawlor, made their way to the French Heritage Society Cocktail Party held at the home of philanthropists Maria and Ken Fishel in Bridgehampton. This is one of ten summer events held at the Fishel’s palatial estate, and for $500, guests are treated to snacks, cocktails, and lively music.
Dedicated to protecting the French architectural and cultural legacy in France and the United States, The Heritage Society has raised $2.6 million to restore the Cathedral Notre Dame. Ann Van Ness, Cece Black, Elizabeth Stribling, and Jean Shafiroff have participated in this dynamic society for nearly a decade.
Saturday, July 20th, was the busiest day of the summer, with the Longhouse Reserve Gala in East Hampton, the Polo match at the Fishel Estate, which gathered over 1100 attendees, the Southampton Animal Shelter Gala, the Gods Love cocktail party at Lisa and James Cohen’s estate in East Hampton, the Haiti Benefit Bash at the East Hampton airport, a music party at Peconic Bay, and the list goes on.
Campion and Tatiana Platt at Bullock party
I was fortunate to attend the 15th Annual Animal Shelter Unconditional Love Gala as the guest of Jean and Martin Shafiroff, dedicated animal lovers who have supported this organization since its incipience 14 years ago. This year, $1,000 tickets were sold out as honoree Dave Portnoy and his equally famous dog, Miss Peaches, made their much-anticipated debut to a roaring crowd at the tented Wickapogue Road edifice
Portnoy spoke movingly about his adopted dog, Miss Peaches, clad in doggie couture. He said the pitbull had changed his life for eternity and encouraged audience members Brooke Shields and Jill Rappaport to adopt.
One of the leading no-kill animal shelters on Long Island, the shelter relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to provide housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation for homeless animals.
Cathy Bissell received a Lifetime Achievement Award as hungry guests dined on an appropriately vegetarian dinner of eggplant and salmon, followed by lively music and dancing. Animal-loving guests bid on Yankees and Ranger tickets, vacation getaways, yachting, and Tiffany’s experience.
Jean Shafiroff, photo by Lieba Nesis
Jean Shafiroff, clad in a floor-length Carolina Herrera gown, made a generous donation and purchased a table. She and her family have adopted four much-pampered dogs.
Hostess Janna Bullock at her Southampton Estate, photo by Lieba Nesis
Bilboquet Sag Harbor is still the place to be Saturday night, so I went to the lively bar and dancing scene with an after-party at Southampton’s Bijoux nightclub. A relaxing Sunday began with a luncheon at the Southampton beachfront home of real estate mogul Janna Bullock, where I toasted designer to-the-stars Frederick Anderson for his birthday and the opening of his new store at 110 East 31st Street.
Fashion stalwarts Fern Mallis, Jean Shafiroff, Maria and Ken Fishel, Enrico Bruni, Nicole Salmasi, Pamela Morgan, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Candace Bushnell joined legends R. Couri Hay, and Patrick McMullan for one of those perfectly crisp afternoons. Fresh corn, sparkling Caesar salad, refreshing sangrias, and a homemade birthday cake were perfectly executed by the “hostess with the mostess” Bullock.
As news spread that Biden was stepping down, guests excitedly discussed replacements as homemade birthday cakes made their rounds. The Hampton’s summer excitement is underway, and the next two months show no signs of slowing down.
Recent Comments:
Marilyn! What a wonderful and informative article you have written. I so loved Bendels, although (in my opinion) it was…
Merci beaucoup for the article!
Thank you for featuring me and my designs in your article! What a lovely event and how many gorgeous ensembles!
How interesting! Bendel’s was always a favorite store of mine. Miss those days…Thanks for another great article.
Such a LOSS! I feel Bendels was to NY what Venice is to Italy.
Love the stories you create around elements of design!
Always love the look of a high “pussy “ bow. Especially now that I am older, it hides the neck…
Fascinating profile on Jennifer Creel—her jewelry designs are truly unique and elegant!
Thank you….yes!!!!!!
I can absolutely picture you in this trompe l’oeil style, Marilyn. Great article!
Jean Shafiroff certainly understands BEAUTIFUL and remains true to it!