ODE TO JOY

Frances Valentine’s resort staples bring winsome elegance to Southampton. BY JULIA SZABO

The Canvas Fringe Candy Stripe Hat is a perfect accessory for a beach day.

Kate Spade, née Katie Brosnahan, passed too soon into fashion’s pantheon—the beloved designer’s untimely 2018 death is still mourned by her well-heeled-andhandbagged fans, who continue to sport the many timeless items bearing her name, from totes to eyeglass frames. Happily, Spade’s Golightly spirit and impeccable style live on in her nal creative project: Frances Valentine, the label she co-created with her husband, Andy, and close friend Elyce Arons, who calls FV “a modern American lifestyle brand with a joyful perspective.”

Embroidered tunics, Mary Jane ats and a world of wicker bags—plain or embellished, structured or less so— all are destined to become required resort staples, on par with Lilly Pulitzer shifts or Jack Rogers sandals. The Delightful Caftan—essentially an elongated tunic, a peony print in white, navy or robin’s egg blue—is just the thing to pair with heels and a Buccellati parure for an East End evening. Sustainability is prioritized alongside style, with FV nery packaged in biodegradable and/or reusable packaging (including poly bags made from 70 percent cornstarch and 30 percent PLA/PBAT).

There was no more perfect summer home for this newcomer than Southampton: “We were thrilled to nd a beautiful location in the heart of Jobs Lane for Frances Valentine,” says co-founder Arons. “It is such a beautiful street, perfect location and fun for people to explore the town. We have been so welcomed by all of our neighbors, and although my home is of cially in Bridgehampton, I just love Southampton.” 42 Jobs Lane, Southampton; francesvalentine.com