PINES PLAY

Pines Play, a Vibrant New Lifestyle Collection, Celebrates the Gay Paradise of Fire Island Pines

Pines Play, a new lifestyle brand that pays homage to the rich history, unique style, and inherently sexy vibe of Fire Island Pines, is launching this summer. Founded by husbands Dennis Kenney and Steve McGee, longtime Manhattanites who have shared a second home in the Pines for five years, the brand encapsulates a wide range of items from tees and hoodies to limited edition art works and homemade scented candles. All feature original graphics and designs specially crafted to evoke the vibrant, liberated spirit of the iconic gay summer destination.

“Steve and I wanted to create something together that combined our professional backgrounds with our shared love for the Pines,” explains Mr. Kenney, a fashion expert on Good Morning America who previously worked as a Creative Director for one of North America’s largest retailers. His husband Steve McGee is a former Vice President at Bed Bath & Beyond. The pair co-founded Arroya Studio, the parent company of Pines Play.

“We are excited to share our little slice of heaven with gay men around the world.” Fire Island Pines has been a popular destination for gay men since 1952, when it was still illegal for two men to dance together in public. With its lush foliage, white sandy beaches, beautiful modern architecture, and miles of wood plank boardwalks, the island served – and still serves – as a refuge for men to take each other’s hands and explore their natural inclinations. It attracts celebrities from Calvin Klein to Liza Minelli and Andy Cohen.

The Pines Play collection reflects on the laid-back yet stylish vibe of the island paradise. Each piece is designed to capture a different aspect of its essence.

The Meat Rack tank delves into the sexy, naughty history of the Meat Rack, the infamous cruising spot in the Pines. The Shower Tee embodies the freedom for men to show skin and enjoy the liberating atmosphere of the island. The Boys by the Beach design celebrates the carefree, sun-soaked days spent on the shore and the Pines Play Deer hoodie honors the iconic hoofed stags that roam the dunes, a symbol of the island’s natural beauty. The fits of the tees, tanks and hoodies are comfortable and flattering and meant to be adaptable for a casual beach day or a chic night out.

The original designs, created by Pine Play’s in-house graphic artist team, are available as hangable art so that men can bring a piece of the Pines into their homes. They are also featured on glass wear, beach totes, and other accessories and apparel.

Pines Play even brings the scents of the island to homes with candles containing ferns, florals and woody aquatic fragrances. Sourced from Paris and Lithuania, each candle includes a card from the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. The combination of the card and candle may suggest how and at what level the archetype of the candle manifests itself into the individual’s life.

For a real statement piece, Pines Play is unveiling its incredible candle incantations. Hand made by a famous Lithuanian silkscreen artist, M. P. Vilutis, the porcelain jars are adorned with a kaleidoscope of magical symbols and marked with a unique authenticity number.

“As interior designers, we take pride in our taste and are excited to extend it to our customers in a humble yet sophisticated way,” says Steve McGee.

“Our collection appeals to those who value unique, high-quality pieces that tell a story”, he continues. “It is for the man who is not afraid to express himself and enjoys being part of a community that celebrates individuality.”

A percentage of the net proceeds from Pines Play is being donated to Fire Island-based 501(c)(3) organizations. Visit PinesPlay.net. Follow on Instagram @ THEpinesplay