IN THE HAMPTONS – A GLIMPSE INTO THE SEASONS’ SCENE THIS WEEKEND
Perhaps the most whispered-about gathering this summer is Uncharted, a private summit tucked behind manicured gates, a property of co-founder Mike Loeb, and a collision of tech, finance, and the minds redefining both. Among the guests, founders, funders, futurists, and cultural catalysts, conversations go off script, exploring ideas in motion and connections without pretense. During a pop-up talk on the beach, a highlight was the co-founder of Tesla, Martin Eberhard, answering the question, “What Founders Get Wrong,” and providing a lesson on the basics of “What Problem are you Solving.” He also spoke about the early stages of investigation into a fossil fuel alternative, which ultimately led to the development of the electric car.
In attendance was Stephen Silver, who for over four decades has led Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, bringing world-class jewelry to the Bay Area and building partnerships with Independent Swiss watchmaking maisons – delivering mechanical poetry and flying tourbillons into the heart of tech country. Spearheading a multi-million dollar, mixed-use retail and dining development known as The Villa Menlo Park with son and company President, Jared Silver, the Silvers have carved out a luxury corridor tailored to the area’s cultural pulse, complete with fine jewelry and watch boutiques, a bespoke German safe maker, communal indoor-outdoor space, and Michelin recognized, award-winning Cal-Indian restaurant and cocktail bar Eylan. Of this retail transformation, Silver had this to say: “In 2018, we set out to create a development that would answer the local community’s need for a new gathering space and destination that remains locally grounded, yet rivals the world’s great shopping cities. With The Villa Menlo Park, the transformative property that Silicon Valley has always deserved, I’m proud to say we’ve accomplished that.” The high jewelry penthouse on the third floor is set to open this year.
Pop-ups are not just about product anymore – they are immersive brand worlds. Such was the HUB, in Bridgehampton, which later Friday hosted designer Kobi Halperin for a multi-day pop-up before his European travels this summer.
And then onto the American Heart Association Gala at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Racket Club, honoring friend and colleague Fern Mallis. Of her many contributions, highlighted was the creation of the iconic “Red Dress’ charity initiative she spearheaded by calling on the design community to create original “red dresses”, then displayed in Bryant Park during Fashion Week as a fundraising event. In an emotional and moving acceptance, Fern acknowledged the impact the program has had in supporting the cause. Tameron Hall presented the award.
To close out the weekend, a summer soiree was hosted by the visionary duo, Leviev Diamonds executives Chagit Leviev and Greg Sofiev, as a fundraiser for the Southampton Arts Center. Amidst the storied Hamptons estate of Lauren Day Roberts and Bob Roberts, they crafted an atmosphere of quiet luxury, featuring elegant guests sipping champagne and Aperol spritzes. Showcasing rare natural diamonds and bespoke high jewelry designs, each piece a conversation starter, they shared a sneak peek at the brand’s upcoming creative campaign.
An exciting and inspiring weekend. See you soon!
Maryanne Grisz is a global producer, specializing in brand strategies with digital and experiential initiatives in fashion, film, music and the art world. She is President and CEO for the Fashion Group International, a worldwide, membership nonprofit organization of industry leaders in the fashion, beauty, lifestyle and retail sectors. With FGI global headquarters in New York, Maryanne oversees and directs international marketing, branding and growth strategy for 26 international FGI regions.