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NATE BERKUS
scene MOOD BOARD THE MONTAUK BEDROOM
Inspired by the color palette of the ocean, the Montauk bedroom is complete with layers of texture complemented by pale shades of blue, white and earthy browns. “It is just like sitting on a cloud and looking at the ocean,” says Wolf. “The bedroom is constantly entertained by the changing colors and vistas of the ocean, making it the perfect place to lie in bed and drift away with the waves of Long Island.”
THE MONTAUK LIVING ROOM
Inspired by the clashing waves of the ocean, the Sag Harbor home shows off midcentury and 19th century furniture around a rudimentary wooden table. The dining area is backed by a beautiful piece by African artist El Anatsui featuring metal parts of wine bottles.
THE SAG HARBOR LIVING & DINING AREAS
Beyond the Walls WE INVITED INTERIOR DESIGNER VICENTE WOLF TO SHARE LOCAL INFLUENCES THAT CONTINUE TO INSPIRE HIS AESTHETIC.
The living room invites a more intimate view of the ocean inspired by wild landscapes. The stone flooring pairs elegantly with the contemporary furniture to create a yin-yang amalgam of natural elements with modern sophistication. The living room also showcases a personal collection of Wolf’s that exhibits his passion for vintage photography from the 1920s.
The living and dining areas in this elegant Water Mill home are carefully divided by horizontal slots that are inspired by the fences on the dunes. The delicate slots and windows are designed to open up into a singular space that beautifully unites the outdoors with the indoors. “The white sheer curtains set a wonderful mood as they dance to beats of the wind,” Wolf says.
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Positioned in a cozy corner of an art collector’s home, the Sag Harbor bedroom is a powerful play of juxtapositions. With rough and smooth textures bringing together elements from different periods, the bedroom is a beautiful marriage of midcentury and contemporary design. “While I am truly inspired by the colors of the ocean, the depth of time and cultures in this bedroom brings about my style in the true sense,” Wolf says.
THE WATER MILL LIVING & DINING AREAS
THE SAG HARBOR BEDROOM
HEADSHOT AND INTERIOR PHOTOS BY VICENTE WOLF; DRIFTWOOD PHOTO BY JOHN SILLIMAN/UNSPLASH; DAISIES PHOTO BY TIM FOSTER/UNSPLASH; SHELL PHOTO BY WYNAND VAN POORTVLIET/UNSPLASH; FENCE PHOTO BY PIERRE PAVLOVIC/UNSPLASH; WAVES PHOTO BY RYAN PERNOFSKI/UNSPLASH
BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
style TREASURED
A Touch of Timeless
“Poul Henningsen is considered to be the father of modern lighting and was one of the leading figures of the cultural life of Denmark between the World Wars. The lamp (price upon request), whose three-part shade is said to be inspired by the arrangement of a dinner plate atop a soup bowl atop a teacup, became the basis for Henningsen’s most successful design.” –Jill Dienst, Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter, coming next month to 183 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, dienstanddotter.com
THE HAMPTONS ARE HOME TO MANY HIDDEN TREASURES, AND OUR ROUNDUP OF LOCAL ANTIQUE STORES IS CHOCK-FULL OF GEMS. BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
“Our bestselling custom oval dining table ($5,800) is unusual and so different from the farmhouse tables we usually sell. This is a Chris designer favorite.” –Chris Mead, English Country Home, 26 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton, ecantiques.com
“We donated one of these fabulous dogs ($950) to our favorite dog shelter, Southampton Animal Shelter, for their annual charity auction and it sold for $3,500! Who doesn’t love a bulldog anyway?” –Chris Mead, English Country Home
“Swedish paintings are gorgeous, especially the midcentury ones (left: Still life in front of a window, oil on canvas, 30.25 inches by 39.5 inches, $3,600). They have something about them that simply cannot be re-created.” –Laurin Copen, Laurin Copen Antiques, 1703 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, laurincopenantiques.com
“The sleek and sexy collection from Willy Guhl Diablo sits so well in a garden. The planters ($3,800 for pair) have a modern elegance and yet are beautifully aged at the same time. I decided to keep a pair for myself to adorn my storefront.” –Laurin Copen, Laurin Copen Antiques
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“These late-Gustavian, stamped chairs (price upon request) by a master chairmaker wherein one can see many late-Gustavian elements—the lion heads, the feet, the finish—are just everything!” –Jill Dienst, Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter
“Transitional pieces like this Baroque/Rococo commode with faux marble top (price upon request) are always of great historical interest as well as visually interesting to me. I love seeing the creation and unfolding of new trends, and how they are interpreted. ... It is also why I adore Scandinavian pieces and their approach to each style.” –Jill Dienst, Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter
DIENST + DOTTER ANTIKVITETER PHOTOS COURTESY OF JILL DIENST; ENGLISH COUNTRY HOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ENGLISH COUNTRY HOME; LAURIN COPEN ANTIQUES PHOTOS BY METAMORPHIQUE DESIGN
“We love color! And we love African handiwork. These baskets from Kenya ($600 each) are great for adding some bold color and interest, and look great alone or in a collection.” –Chris Mead, English Country Home
space IN THE HOUSE
The Outback DESIGNER ANTHONY SPON-SMITH CHATS ABOUT HIS COLLABORATION WITH RH AND HIS AFFINITY FOR OUTDOOR SPACES.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAND
BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
Which places inspire you the most? I don’t think you can beat anywhere on the European Mediterranean during the summer. My theory is that most parts of the world try to emulate in some way the wonderful lifestyle or style that the Europeans have: the fashion, the interiors, the food, the culture. It might not work economically very well, but life’s not all about money... and they know it. How does your aesthetic blend with the Hamptons style? The Hamptons style is something that is loved all around the world, and in Australia we have the large coastal properties that allow us to mimic that perfectly. My design style has always played to that blend of classic, coastal and contemporary that I believe fits in the Hamptons perfectly. What drew you to interior design? My father. He’s always been very artistic and worked in the furniture industry. When I left advertising, I went into business with my father and got the bug for furniture, which led me to study industrial design.
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Your design ethos? When designing furniture, I don’t tend to think about the exact setting but how I can make something simple yet different. If you can achieve both, you have the opportunity at a classic that lasts the test of time and defines any context it is placed into. I love outdoor design because I feel like there is so much uncharted territory compared to interiors. The outdoor space, or setting, is a relatively new luxury, no longer an afterthought. I want to create an architectural statement with the outdoor space and furniture that upstages the indoor one. As such, I still feel like there is a lot of opportunity from a design perspective. How did the RH collab come about? I think that RH only works with the most passionate and inventive furniture artisans. Also, I think that my Australian heritage is something that gives them an international design perspective, especially for my outdoor collections. I am very excited to see it on display at RH East Hampton. 69 Main St., East Hampton, restorationhardware.com
From top: Designer Anthony Spon-Smith with pieces from his new outdoor collection for RH; Prado collection in teak, from $1,395; Capri teak armchair, $995.
Digital Detox GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY BEARS A NEW MEANING FOR A LOCALLY LAUNCHED PLATFORM THAT’S BIG ON CRAFTING. BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
Clockwise from top left: Mind Offline founder Nicole Delma; Peter Spacek Draw Funny light box kit; Mary Jaffe custom boxed vase glazing kit; the eco-friendly kits were designed with a beautiful unboxing experience in mind.
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ith the help of her new venture, Nicole Delma hopes to inspire Hamptonites to rekindle their inner drive to create in a world that is so often driven by false stimuli. True to its name, Mind Offline (mindoffline.co) encourages customers to establish a meaningful connection to the physical world by reuniting with what matters beyond the virtual world. With a commitment to using local and natural materials, Mind Offline works in collaboration with local artists such as renowned illustrator Peter Spacek, ceramic artist Mary Jaffe and wooden surfboard shapers Brian and Aynsley Schopfer of Grain to develop kits in pottery, collage, drawing, soap felting, sewing, knitting and more. “Our goal is to provide
an exquisite unboxing experience, materials and a finished product that the maker will cherish and proudly use and display. By minimizing waste and excluding plastic from our kits, they are designed to be as ecoconscious and beautiful as possible,” says Delma. Case in point: The Mary Jaffe custom boxed vase glazing kit arrives in an elegant cedar box from Grain in Amagansett, with the option to choose an original handshaped vase from Mary Jaffe’s studio and the color palette. Likewise, the Ultimate Big Loop blanket kit is a statementmaking delivery that inspires a skill resulting in a gorgeous keepsake full of warmth, comfort and style. With prices ranging from $30 to $440, new kits are released every week and are available for delivery or pickup in the Hamptons.
NICOLE DELMA AND MARY JAFFE KIT PHOTOS BY CHARLOTTE DEFAZIO; PETER SPACEK KIT PHOTO BY PETER SPACEK
self GOOD DOER
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PADMA LAKSHMI
space GARDENS
Beasts in Bronze WORLD-RENOWNED ARTIST AI WEIWEI REFLECTS ON HIS CIRCLE OF ANIMALS/ZODIAC HEADS AS IT MAKES A GRAND COMEBACK TO THE LONGHOUSE RESERVE. BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AI WEIWEI
W
ith more than 45 international venues that have hosted Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, it’s easy to conclude that the sculpture project is one of the most viewed in the history of contemporary art. East Hampton’s LongHouse Reserve is the first and only venue to exhibit both the Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold series in 2013 and now the Bronze series as part of its 2020 season. We ask the celebrated Chinese artist about his Hamptons comeback.
to look from their perspective. I have never been to LongHouse Reserve but look forward to visiting. In 2013, when I was forced not to travel, LongHouse honored me. My work always connects to real or fake authenticity, their value, and correlations to current political and social understandings and misunderstandings. Perhaps this can be considered with respect to the exclusivity of the location. I think there’s a strong humorous aspect there—about the real, the fake, resources, looting and the appreciation of objects.
What inspired this sculpture project? A multilevel of questioning. The objects and their significance to China’s culture, and to my own language, all from a questionable perspective.
The Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Bronze sculptures debuted at the São Paulo Biennial in 2010. Will their setting in the Hamptons make a difference in how they are interpreted? I think you put up something for people to reinterpret. And because they are animal heads, they have something for everyone’s perspective—even children and art amateurs. I think that’s more important for wherever it is showcased.
Tell us about your relationship with LongHouse Reserve. I think the audience deserves the best. What was then accessible to only a pope or an emperor is now open for all in a public garden. It caters to an audience of people who don’t have too much information about the work and are hence free
How do you relate to this project specifically? I am always
concerned with how we make judgments. Questioning others’ aesthetic judgments helps me question my own moral and philosophical judgment just as in politics. Art is not the end but only the beginning. Otherwise art has no life.
From top: Ai Weiwei; sculptures from the Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads: Bronze series.
What goals as an artist are still left for you to accomplish? I’ve never planned any part of my career—except being an artist. And I was pushed into that corner because I thought being an artist was the only way to have freedom. I’m happy with the work I’ve done, even though I have done so little. After having experienced communism, postmodernism, postcapitalism and globalization, the only thing left to discover is what lies beyond life. On view through Nov. 28, longhouse.org, zodiacheads.com
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THE CHAINSMOKERS
space IN BLOOM
Home Grown WE CHALLENGED FLORAL ARTISTS TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM THE THREE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES THAT DEFINE THE HAMPTONS. HERE ARE THEIR INTERPRETATIONS. BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
CONTEMPORARY SHINGLE BARN
MISSI FLOWERS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
SAG HARBOR FLORIST Anastasia Casale put together this rustic look with a combination of parvifolia eucalyptus, larkspur, green viburnum and parrot tulips. The large, textured baskets complement the mighty gambrels and double heights of a typical barn-style home. “I love using textured elements, and lots of them, in one vase as opposed to a mix in the same container,” Casale says. “The varying sized gray rattan baskets are perfect for holding water and give a barn-style home a perfect beachy addition.” 3 Bay St., Sag Harbor, sagharborflorist.net
Less is indeed more when it comes to a contemporary aesthetic. Florist Missi Bullock combined grace and movement in a windswept arrangement of locally grown tulips, highlighted by a bold silver vase. The contemporary personality comes through with a sophisticated appreciation of elevated simplicity. Clean lines, minimalism and monochromatic interiors popular in the Hamptons sit well with this look. “I tend to focus on the connection of indoors and outdoors,” Bullock says. “I appreciate the flowing softness of nature. When I approach an environment, I observe the room in its entirety and work with complementing the elements of the space and, of course, make sure that it resonates with the individual it is meant for.” @missiflowers, missiflowers.com
ROSES AND RICE This arrangement speaks to the classic lines and style of the shinglestyle home that is so popular out East. Roses and Rice florist Cathy Seeliger celebrates a local favorite, the hydrangea, with a simple mix of snowflake spray and mondial roses. “The simple lines of the hydrangea translate into a lovely contrast to the asymmetrical facades commonly found in the shingle style,” Seeliger says. “While the bright blue of the hydrangea complements the weathered gray facades of the wood cladding, the white hydrangea adds an aspect of crispness to the houses that are often trimmed in white.” 481 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, rosesandriceflorist.com
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R TE EL SH
A R T IN
BY ERICA PRATT & SPOORTHI SATHEESH
We invited a few local artists to reflect upon their story and identity during this point in time as we issued a challenge to turn the proverbial lens on themselves. Our diverse group of photographers, painters, sculptors and installation artists revealed their “selfies” of an emotional self and physical space in an intriguing and, in some cases, mesmerizing way. As much as the mediums varied, so too did the emotional tenor of each piece. Despite the inevitable differences, all of these carry a sense of courage and honesty that’s asked of any introspective journey.
MISTER E MIXED MEDIA ARTIST
“Throughout history, many great artists have used their work as a platform to express their opinions on current events that impact the world they are living in. To me, great art is that which poses a bold question to the viewer but does not suggest an answer in the work itself. The artist’s job is simply to create a dialogue so the viewer can form their own opinion. When the pandemic began and the world went into lockdown, I was inspired to create a series of paintings indicative of the times we as a people faced. The series of paintings that I created is titled The Show Must Go On. Regardless of what happens, the show must carry on. In these uncharted times we are in, it’s the only one thing that is certain.”
ARTIST DETAILS
MISTER E PHOTO BY EMG PHOTOGRAPHY
THE SHOW MUST GO ON SIZE: 36 INCHES X 36 INCHES MEDIUM: ACRYLIC ON OFFICIAL UFC DOCUMENTS, WOOD PANEL mistereart.com
ARTIST DETAILS SELF-PORTRAIT SIZE: 14 INCHES X 10 INCHES MEDIUM: OIL ON PANEL
PAINTER
“Painting one’s self is always a strange introspective experience. This time, though, my focus was outward. I have immense love and compassion for all those who have been and are hurting in this crisis. My overarching wish is that this experience makes us kinder, stronger and wiser. This ended up being quite a unique project. It was created in the time of an unprecedented global crisis. The sadness, fear and uncertainty it created were (and still are) real. I feel all that, along with many other artists and people in general, but instead of turning to those kinds of negative emotions while painting this piece, I chose to engage with hope and prayers. I infused the painting with emotional strength, positivity and true empathy for humanity. At the risk of sounding strange, my intention for this piece, this image of myself created by myself, was to be a silent, pictorial message of faith and the advocation for those in need. I am not sure how successfully it translates, but that was the objective.”
ARTIST DETAILS SELF-PORTRAIT SIZE: 28 INCHES X 32 INCHES MEDIUM: OIL ON CANVAS grenninggallery.com
viktorbutko.com
VIKTOR BUTKO
PAINTER
“I am inspired by the emotions I experience when I observe the condition of nature. This especially rings true now considering the state of the world. I revel in moments of tension—the electric energy before or after a storm, the thrill of the first snow, an unexpected spring flood, the dark romance of moonlight and twilight, the promise of dawn. My aim is to communicate these intangible, fleeting moments to the viewer. Ultimately, art is a mediator interacting within the personality of the viewer, playing on the strings of one’s soul. It is up to me to create a great melody.”
TINA ORSOLIC DALESSIO PHOTO BY TONY REYES FOR NEW MASTERS ACADEMY; VIKTOR BUTKO PHOTO BY BRIAN HARRIS
TINA ORSOLIC DALESSIO
MARC DALESSIO
ARTIST DETAILS
PAINTER
SELF-PORTRAIT
“This was a self-portrait painted in our new studio. As artists we chose a north-facing location to avoid direct sunlight. As it turns out, our studio is slightly west-facing, so as the days get longer we get direct sunlight raking across our building and slipping through the window. As a landscape painter, I missed being outside basking in the full sunlight of spring, so having these few rays of light breaking the gloom in the very late afternoon was a real joy for me. I tried to capture that moment of light and color at the end of our day. The piece was painted quickly over the course of a few days as the natural effect was incredibly fleeting. My wife had finished her own self-portrait, which sits on the easel at the back of the studio. This was our little world for the lockdown.”
SIZE: 11 INCHES X 14 INCHES MEDIUM: OIL ON PANEL marcdalessio.com
ARTIST DETAILS SELF-PORTRAIT SIZE: VARIABLE COMBINATION OF 70 1-INCH X 2-INCH X 3-INCH BLOCKS MEDIUM: SCULPTURE
MARC DALESSIO PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTIST; CONRAD DE KWIATKOWSKI PHOTOS BY JEFF LINCOLN
collectiveartdesign.com
CONRAD DE KWIATKOWSKI MEDIUM ARTIST
“I created this piece during COVID as a rumination on life and a way to organize my thoughts. In an authentic way, it is a ‘selfie’ of my mind, body and spirit. These laboriously handcrafted ebony blocks take hours to make, and each one can be arranged in myriad ways. I would take long meditative walks with a block in my hand and reflect upon all the issues COVID had conjured. Anyone who knows my work knows I am heavily influenced by ancient cultures. They possess the power to speak to me across space and time. This piece is inspired by the sacred Inca temple of Qorikancha, which is constructed of similarly shaped blocks.”
ARTIST DETAILS EVERYDAY OBJECTS IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC SIZE: 11 INCHES X 14 INCHES MEDIUM: WATERCOLOR ON PAPER bastienneschmidt.com
BASTIENNE SCHMIDT PAINTER
“In this time of heightened anxiety and turmoil, I began working on a new series entitled Everyday Objects in the time of a Pandemic. In a Zen-like state, I created at least one or two watercolors a day. This is a conceptual art project, one that reflects questions about ‘self’ in this difficult time. The drawings of everyday objects (which I am now surrounded by) are a looking glass into the uncertainty and newness of this unpredictable situation and the anxieties and excitement that are simultaneously happening inside myself.
As artists we are called to respond to difficult times, not necessarily to offer solutions, but to ask questions. Choosing these objects became a game of sociology: I looked at everything from Lysol to toilet paper to measuring tape to baked beans. Domestic life never looked so appealing and fun. Once I began inserting books and book titles into the mix, it was hard to stop. I knew where to attach The Idiot by Dostoevsky and The Plague by Camus. I used brand names, such as Heinz Ketchup and Oreo, and placed them next to masks and soaps. This project is a Rorschach test about America. All these iconic brands in colorful packaging can do nothing to protect us against a virus.”
ARTIST DETAILS SELF-PORTRAIT SIZE: 16 INCHES X 20 INCHES MEDIUM: PHOTOGRAPHY antoineverglas.com
ANTOINE VERGLAS “To my great surprise, this confinement and forced lockdown have made me rethink the essential ingredients required to experience a harmonious, joyful and healthful life. In contrast to my past, when I traveled constantly, I now have the privilege of reclaiming the intimate pleasures of family time, the delight of healthy cooking and the comforts of home living. I must say I feel extremely fortunate to have spent the past three months at a farm in Springs, East Hampton. This stay has rejuvenated my passion for nature, resulting in a resurgence of my landscape photography. It has also reignited my interest in gardening, farming and agriculture. Far from the scene of restaurants, clubs, fashion shows, photo studios, hotels and airports, I would have never imagined the soulful satisfaction I found.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS
PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTIST DETAILS SELF-PORTRAIT SIZE: 20 INCHES X 24 INCHES MEDIUM: OIL ON LINEN kellycarmody.com
MELORA GRIFFIS PAINTER
“Sheltered in place alone, the world is magnified and reflected from a device held in the palm of a hand. An opportunity to consider the sea change in our midst arises from a communal pause. Agendas appear to have gone awry— parties canceled. Humanity has delivered an invitation to examine the quality of our collective condition as well as our individual one. My work is personal. As a result of this self-reflection, it enters into a dialogue with a broader social conscience. There is no end to the spectrum of color in skin when painting a portrait. The essence of the human spirit is all dressed up asking the question: Where she will go?”
ARTIST DETAILS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS
THE PARTY’S OVER SIZE: 60 INCHES X 33 INCHES MEDIUM: OIL ON CANVAS meloragriffis.com
KELLY CARMODY PAINTER
“It’s been, among other things, a quiet time of painting. I wanted this self-portrait to include a suggestion of my environment and the atmosphere of my physical space during this extended time at home. It has been a very quiet time, as there was not the usual comings and goings of people in and out of the studio. I utilized my environment differently as everything was being used for the purpose of painting. I have a glimpse of my kitchen table frontlit with a mirror placed behind it reflecting the window light and my backlit portrait. Of all the working space in the studio, it is the kitchen I gravitate to, the epicenter of activity in our environment.”
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CHARLOTTE MCKINNEY
Space A Southampton kitchen showcasing Fame Luxury Stone’s Calacatta Lincoln marble
SET IN STONE
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAME LUXURY STONE; DEVELOPERS: LIFTON GREEN AND JBIALSKY
FAME COHEN OFFERS A LUXURIOUS COLLECTION OF NATURAL STONE TO COMPLETE THE GLAMOROUS LOOK FOR YOUR HOME THAT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED. BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH Fame Luxury Stone’s (fameluxurystone.com) wide variety of marble, precious stones and granite is the result of owner Fame Cohen’s globe-trotting to source a gorgeous selection of materials for her clients. “Natural stone is like a beautiful person,” says Cohen. “It’s the freckles, the highlights, the birthmarks and energy that make them attractive. I find the same beauty in the unique nature of stone, and I’ve branded that.” Among her favorites, the Calacatta Lincoln ranks high for its elegant veining and striking white marble background that up the wow factor in any kitchen or bathroom. The treatment is done in Italy and adds durability to the slab so that it’s less porous and easier to fabricate for clients who may want a mitered edge or a look that requires more precision. One look at the results, and you’ll be in rock-solid agreement with Cohen: Every room can use a little tablet touch.
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MARIO CARBONE
scene CULTURED
Art for Our Times AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR MARCIA MILGROM DODGE MAKES SURE THAT CULTURE HAS A PRESENCE IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD.
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Marcia Milgrom Dodge’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin’
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arcia Milgrom Dodge, a Tony Award- and Drama Desk Award-nominated director and choreographer, is a true believer of arts’ imperativeness and stands by John F. Kennedy’s call for a culturally rich world regardless of the times. To ensure an artful experience in today’s zeitgeist, she decided to go down memory lane for an eight-part online interview series called “Backstage With MMD: Random Notes & Anecdotes From Productions Directed By Marcia Milgrom Dodge.” The talks are part of Bay Street To-Go, the new virtual education program at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater (baystreet.org). “I needed a way to soothe
the sadness setting in, so I thought, ‘Why not a trip down memory lane [to] happier times?’” says the director. “My family and I loved our summers in Sag Harbor when I was working at Bay Street Theater, where I directed eight shows. I came up with ‘Backstage With MMD’ to bring the theater-loving community together and reminisce with some wonderful artists about their special time at Bay Street. The episodes so far have been joyful and poignant. And I’m getting pretty good at Zoom-ing.” But the truth is the arts community on the East End is resilient, and has been for some time. Michael Pintauro, Bay Street Theater’s marketing coordinator, applauds
organizations across the spectrum for having responded to the COVID-19 crisis with remarkable aptitude and creativity. As a result, virtual programs have enabled theaters like Bay Street to communicate with their audiences and patrons, all the while supporting actors and artists. “We’re lucky to be among this unique blend of brilliant arts professionals, talented artists and creators, and dedicated supporters,” says Pintauro. “While each of us are forced to constantly adapt, we continue to find new ways of engaging the community, and because of that I think the arts on the East End will be able to withstand whatever this crisis throws our way.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BAY STREET THEATER
BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
@HAMPTONSMAG MLHAMPTONS.COM
OLIVIA PALERMO
style HEEL HABITS
Clockwise from top left: 651 boot in Kona calfskin, $1,195; 801 heels, $895; the 651 boot is a statement-maker; 601 heel in genuine python, $1,195; HAIKI co-founders (and mother-daughter duo) Helene “Haiki” Feldman and Leila Feldman; 251 boot in calfskin, $995; 601 heel in kid suede, $795.
Knockout COME THIS FALL A NEW BRAND IS SET TO STOMP INTO YOUR WARDROBE. THE BRAINCHILD OF BRIDGEHAMPTON’S OWN HELENE AND LEILA FELDMAN, THE COLLECTION OF SHOES, BOOTS AND CLOTHING BLENDS THE CLASSIC AND AVANTGARDE. PREPARE TO BE BLOWN AWAY.
What is the vibe of the brand? Our designs are purely instinctual, with an eye toward
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architecture, minimalism and brutalism. Pulling inspiration from the greats, we envision HAIKI as the romantic child of Rick Owens and Comme des Garçons. We design using 50 shades of black (is there any other color?), focusing on bold textures, skins and leathers. We do not believe in seasons; boots can be worn in summer and sandals in winter. The HAIKI woman loves to wear leather and bold designs, both rebellious and elegant, and can go from boardroom to ballroom in the same pair of shoes. You seem to have really tapped into the celebrity market. At the request of Elizabeth Saltzman, we created a small
BY SPOORTHI SATHEESH
collection of beautiful evening shoes that were worn by celebrities during the 2020 award seasons as well as Paris and New York fashion weeks. This first collection has been worn by numerous stars including Gabrielle Union, Idina Menzel, Ashley Benson, Joey King, Barbie Ferreira, Saoirse Ronan, Tessa Thompson and Logan Browning. What’s next for HAIKI? We anticipate expanding beyond
shoes and ready-towear, starting with a curated collection of jewelry and statement pieces that vibe with the HAIKI femme. Drawing from what works in our wardrobe, we have conceptualized chunky rings made out of stone, and a series of arm and wrist cuffs. We’ve also created the prototype for the perfect crossbody black leather bag, designed for the active HAIKI woman in both function and form. For the first capsule collection, we
designed three heights (fun fact: Lady Gaga wore the 140s to the 2020 Super Bowl!). In the upcoming collection, we will be introducing a combat boot and lug city boot, our take on the shifting trend of how people are dressing. The HAIKI ready-to-wear collection will feature an oversized blazer, a bomber jacket, a bomber/ blazer combo, a long vest and oversized hoodies and muscle tees in cotton and cashmere. Everything is designed, sourced and manufactured in New York. We are anticipating the launch in fall 2020.
CAPSULE COLLECTION PHOTOS BY HARRISON BOYCE; HELENE AND LEILA FELDMAN PHOTO COURTESY OF HAIKI
What compelled you to start a fashion brand? Helene Feldman: We decided to launch HAIKI (haiki.com) out of a purely selfish motivation. We found ourselves constantly on the hunt for comfortable, edgy platform shoes but couldn’t find a luxury product that checked all the boxes. Most high-end designers only offered limited styles every season, but no one designer had offered a complete collection of sandals, boots and evening shoes that were both elegant and wearable (for more than an hour!). And so we decided that if we couldn’t find it, we’d make it.