By: Lieba Nesis
The Hamptons Labor Day Scene is the busiest of the season as Hamptonites attempt a last hurrah. Arriving Wednesday August 31st to get a head start I attended the birthday party of legendary photographer Patrick McMullan at philanthropist Jean Shafiroff’s Southampton home. Attendees included Yasmin Aga Khan, Candace Bushnell, Rebecca Seawright, Janna Bullock and Couri Hay. When I asked Patrick to recall his most epic photo assignment after shooting the rich and famous for nearly four decades he aptly responded “you are only as good as your last photo.”
Patrick instituted a strict no photos policy at the dinner as he needed a break from the constant snapping he endures. To Patrick’s chagrin a couple of naughty guests flouted the order with non-stop selfies. I headed back to my hotel after experiencing a frustrating $700 uber trip from New York to Southampton upon missing my $47 Jitney.
Thursday was equally busy with The Southampton Arts Center culinary SummerFest Benefit honoring Rob and Helena Vahradian held at 25 Jobs Lane. A lengthy evening of delicious food entertainment by Jessica Vosk and a sumptuous after party were provided for a paltry $1,000. Unfortunately expected guests Neil Patrick Harris and Zac Posen were no-shows while Simone Levinson, Peggy Siegal, Susan Rockefeller, Jamee Gregory and Nicole Salmasi held court.
Later that evening a friend held a birthday dinner at famed Bridgehampton restaurant Pierre’s which is renowned for its fresh food and hefty prices. Pierre’s, Tutto il Giorno, and Bilboquet dominated the Hamptons restaurant landscape this summer.
Friday New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright held a fundraiser in Quogue. Rebecca is one of the kindest and most well liked politicians and has become renowned for her bright and exciting fashion attire. Despite her democratic leanings her open-minded acceptance of all viewpoints is remarkable.
Later that evening Yehuda Green wowed congregants of the Southampton Chabad with his spirited tunes at the home of Rabbi Rafe and Chany Konikov. Rafe and Chany are at the top of the Hamptons Jewish heap and they magnanimously welcomed 60 guests to their Chabad house for a delectable dinner. Saturday night was filled with parties and mega Hamptons builder and Trump supporter Joe Farrell held an elegant shindig at his $18 million Bridgehampton estate.
Actor Jared Leto and news host Bill O’Reilly made brief cameos. I even had the opportunity to receive a mini dental exam from dentist to the stars Larry Rosenthal. Bilboquet Sag Harbor was the late night hotspot where a jam packed bar had “summer lovin” Hamptonites jockeying for the last taste of summer.
No Labor Day would be complete without the Hampton Classic Horse Show held at Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. Ladies in their finest hats and dresses joined Michael Bloomberg, Brooke Shields and a bevy of “Housewives” in the sweltering heat where tables of ten started at $12,000 not including food or decor. This is a once a year opportunity where Hamptonites can pretend they care about horse jumping while fraternizing with billionaires such as John Paulson, Howard Lorber and former Trump economic advisor Gary Cohn. Concluding at 4 PM traffic was a nightmare as clogged roads greeted exiting attendees.
Real Estate legend Dottie Herman attempted to make a quick exit from the Classic to welcome guests to her Sunday night party at Capri Southampton. Dazzling in orange, Herman posed for pictures and danced the night away with close friends Jill Zarin and Sheila Rosenblum. If you weren’t lucky enough to score an invite to Jon Bon Jovi’s Sunday night happening Mona Kanaan’s Water Mill dancing-on-tables Mykonos themed party was the next best thing. Held in her $30 million mansion well heeled guests frolicked until 2 AM to the lively Greek and Arabic music. Hamptons women seem to have endless energy and endurance for dancing as they have the luxury of frequenting SoulCycle and Zumba classes on a daily basis.
The conclusion of my weekend was a Monday brunch held at the luxurious Southampton home of the magnificent Janna Bullock. The delightful hostess greeted guests such as Carl and Gigi Grimstad and skincare guru Peter Thomas Roth to her oceanfront palace. Talk abounded about the upcoming fashion week and myriad galas taking place in New York in September as Hamptonites move the never-ending party to a new venue.
