East Hampton, By Design
East Hampton has long been a summer destination. Over the past decade, it has quietly become a design destination. East Hampton Design Days and the East Hampton Historical Society’s Antique & Design Show brought together architects, designers, collectors, editors and makers for four days of tours, lectures, exhibitions, and conversations that extended well beyond beautiful homes.
I attended the opening night of the Antique & Design Show and several East Hampton Design Days events. The highlights offered a glimpse into where design is headed, who is shaping it and why these events are helping define East Hampton as more than a summer destination—they’re helping establish it as a design destination.
The pop-ups
One of the weekend’s greatest strengths are the pop-ups. They create a natural intersection between fashion, interiors and lifestyle, offering an intimate way to experience brands beyond the traditional showroom. Among the best were Helena Simon at Kirna Zabête, Hosted at Veronica Beard and the opening of lauded tastemaker and head of the global luxury lifestyle brand Aerin Lauder’s East Hampton opening of her boutique, Aerin.
Each showcased the brands at their finest. Helena Simon’s delicate, handmade silk florals were displayed against Emm Kuo’s crystal studded raffia clutches at Kirna Zabête, creating l’instant parfait of texture, materials, and design. A couple of doors down, Veronica Beard showcased new tabletop brand Hosted, created by Long Island native Kelly Gaudreau. Slightly cheeky, imminently chic and innovative, it was the perfect pairing at Beard’s eponymous boutique. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, was Aerin Lauder’s activation of her namesake boutique’s newest location, Aerin. Small in footprint but rich in atmosphere, the boutique drew a crowd that included Lauder herself while showcasing some of the strongest merchandising of the weekend. Lauder’s unwavering point of view, understated elegance and disciplined brand identity remain among her greatest strengths. Among them, our new favorite candle in Tuberose.
Separately from Design Days and the Antique Show, we happened upon Brave Pudding’s pop-up at the Historical Society’s Townhouse and Hook Schoolhouse. It embodied one of the weekend’s greatest strengths: unexpected discovery. These one-room spaces were the perfect setting for a selection of product varying from the Invisible Jewel’s one-of-a-kind pieces to Tulipe Fièvre’s scents and candles to Lily Eve’s inspired Hermès towel clutches and the brand’s own Lace Light flats, a delicate yet durable lace flat that defies the ballet flats ruling the current market. A delightful discovery.
The events
Design Days kicked off with a panel on collaboration hosted at West Out East, an immersive showroom created from a converted farmhouse in East Hampton and featuring both unique product and the loveliest, focused staff who both welcome and inform guests. Clinton Smith of Hamptons Cottage and Gardens moderated a panel within the space featuring Chris LaGuardia, Ray Booth, Ann Wolf and Ashley Holden. In addition to the panel, Design Days played host to home and garden tours, among them the iconic Charlotte Moss’ home and gardens, book signings with Ben Reynaert, Ariel Okin and others, plus a Guild Hall pop-up from Tectona and Sherle Wagner styled by designer Sarina Ogden.
The centerpiece of the weekend was the East Hampton Historical Society’s Antique and Design Show. More than 50 dealers come together to present the choicest selection of art, design, furniture, and home decor we’ve seen this side of Dixie Highway. A vintage LaVerne coffee table and near pristine Barcelona chairs were available from The Modern Bulldog, while Andrew Spindler stole our hearts with vintage Victorian banks in the shape of women’s period heels. Lucca Antiques presented a selection of indigo textiles mixed with Americana basketry, and Future Nostalgia Trading showcased a diptych of post-modern mixed media that was enchanting.
The resonance
East Hampton may be the un-hamptoniest of the Hamptons. The village, it’s people, the stores, the galleries, they’re all laid back, easy to interact with, willing to lend a hand and also leave you to yourself. In a snapshot, it’s a lovely village on Long Island that happens to play host to some VIPs with great style, taste and reach.
Unlike larger markets, East Hampton’s events unfold at a human scale. Designers bump into collectors at book signings, editors wander into boutiques, and conversations continue over coffee or cocktails. That intimacy may be the village’s greatest asset—and the reason these events feel less transactional and more like the beginning of lasting relationships.
The biggest takeaway wasn’t simply the caliber of the programming or the objects on display. It was the growing sense that East Hampton is cultivating its own design identity—one rooted in thoughtful curation, meaningful conversation and an appreciation for both heritage and what’s next. Its place on the design calendar is only becoming more significant.
That’s what makes a design destination—and East Hampton is well on its way.
