The Hamptons is home to some of the best fashion talents and style. We’re Spotlighting a few of our favorite talents who help make our community shine.
SALLY LAPOINTE
of LAPOINTE
The designer to the stars
Sally, it’s been over a decade since you launched your namesake brand. How has Lapointe evolved during that time?
In the beginning of my career someone told me that I should know “it takes ten years to establish a fashion brand”. Naively, I didn’t believe that, but it is very much the truth. My brand has evolved so much over the years, but still has the same DNA at its core. Learning the ins and outs of the business takes time, and like any artform your craft just gets clearer and more refined over time.
Who was the first celebrity to discover your brand?
Lady Gaga. I launched my brand with a runway show in 2011 and the following day she requested one of the dresses that went down the runway. It was very exciting, and I will always be appreciative to her for being an early supporter.
In just this year alone, Oprah, JLO and Jill Biden, among many others, have been spotted in your brand–what’s that moment like for you every time you see someone so inspiring wear your designs?
It never gets old, it’s always an amazing feeling. Seeing women that inspire me wearing my pieces is the ultimate reward.
All of the women you dress vary in age and body type. Why is that important to you?
I will say this has been a huge area of satisfaction for me, seeing that my brand has so much range from size, age, profession, gender, you name it. All walks of life wear my pieces and it just doesn’t get any better than that. I think it speaks to the longevity of the brand I have built.
There’s an incredible denim coat that JLO wore recently. Is that your most viral piece of the year so far?
I believe so yes, clothes are very emotional, and that piece just hit the mark. We sold out on our site and had a long waitlist. I made another production run of them and again they sold out instantly.
For those who don’t know, you were originally born in Massachusetts–how did you first discover your passion for design?
I actually grew up painting, it wasn’t until I was at RISD that I discovered fashion. Seeing the program really opened my eyes and I thought “wow I can do this”.
Describe your design aesthetic.
Color driven statement dressing.
What’s been your proudest moment as a designer?
Going to Oprah’s house and fitting her for a custom look for her when she hosted the Adele comeback concert for TV. We even sat and had some food and chatted after the fitting. We talked about never giving up, and it was just an amazing moment woman to woman. Your IG bio says you are not afraid to make a statement, own who you are. What are 3 words to describe you?
Passionate, empowered, and authentic.
Is there anyone on your bucket listleft to design for?
Beyonce.
TANYA TAYLOR
of Tanya Taylor
The master of prints
Tanya, tell us about your summer collection and the inspo behind it!
Our summer collection is a balance between subtle femininity but with a bold color palette of limes and guava. I love designing for how I want our customer to wear our collection, I created pieces that are relaxed, chic and energizing, a mix of how life looks in the summer.
How do you describe your perfect idea of summer style?
Uncomplicated chic outfits that allow you to love the season and what you are doing. I love a bare midi dress with chunky sandals that allows me to run after my kids but also go for drinks at the beach.
What have been some of your proudest accomplishments in your over 10 years of owning your namesake brand?
Being able to dress Michelle Obama when she was First Lady and bring my mom to the White House to meet her. Meeting and dressing women and knowing they feel happier and more powerful wearing us. We were one of the first few brands to offer an inclusive size range and still offer our collections in sizes 00 to 22. It’s so wonderful to be able to dress a diverse group of women. Also, building a successful brand that allows me to support the causes that I care about. Over the years, we’ve been able to support Memorial Sloan Kettering by designing headscarves for women undergoing chemotherapy treatments and helping to redesign the exam room curtains in the center’s pediatric wing.
How did you originally go from studying finance to becoming a designer?
After graduating with a degree in finance, I felt that a typical career in finance wasn’t for me, so I enrolled in Parsons to explore a career in fashion design that would allow me to combine my creative and analytical talents. I am surrounded by so much creativity and have so many role models who are entrepreneurs who have provided me with the courage to build an artful fashion brand that is bringing happiness, optimism, and energy into people’s lives.
Fun fact: you worked for the Olsen twins back in the day! What did you learn from them?
It was so interesting to work for bosses who were designing for other women our age using instinct and a very personal point of view. They loved vintage and color and had such bold ideas. What I took away from my time with them was to embrace every single bit of my creativity.
How do you incorporate art into your brand?
Our prints are all hand painted; I think this is the way I tell stories through color and art in each of our pieces. I grew up in a very artistic household where my mom would let me paint the walls of our home, so it felt natural to build a brand where art was the focus. I strongly feel art and color can be therapeutic. We now bring our art beyond clothing and teach painting classes in hospitals, with retailers and spread the joy of creating art to others.
We’ve seen you summering Out East over the years! Why is the East End important to you?
It is my happy place. I feel inspired, calm, and grounded when I am in East Hampton and being able to ride bikes, go to the beach, be with friends and cook non-stop is how I dream of spending my time. It’s not coincidental that so many artists (Lee Krasnodar, Elaine de Kooning, Warhol, Jackson Pollock) preferred to create Out East. It has magic in the air!
Congrats on opening your first brick-and-mortar store on the UES! Why was now the right time to open your first boutique?
We’ve been in business for 10 years and I wanted to mark the milestone by opening our first retail space. I want our customers to walk in and be inspired by a wonderful curation of products across fashion, accessories, and design, that will all be handpicked by me. It’s a glimpse into my world and the things that get me excited. I’ve envisioned a brick-and-mortar store since day 1 of starting this business, and I know it will become a space for our community to gather and grow.
GAMZE ATES
of MY BEACHY SIDE
The master of crochet
Gamze, what’s the back story behind My Beachy Side?
The creation of My Beachy Side has been a journey back to my roots in Turkey where I grew up: to create a brand that is a beacon of hope for talented women who are unfortunately curtailed by limited job opportunities and access to education. And, to create a fashion statement that incorporates sustainable practices into its core. Crochet, which has a naturally low environmental impact, was the perfect medium. The beauty of this craft is how it intertwines sustainability and empowerment, offering a potential solution to help women in need create their own destiny, one crochet loop at a time.
Why was it important to base your business in Turkey?
As a Turkish American, having been born and raised in Turkey and making the United States my home for the past 35 years, I’ve found a unique opportunity to intertwine my cultural roots with my mission. This project allows me to give back, particularly to the women in Turkey. The artistry and skills required to create our handmade pieces are abundant there—it’s a testament to the rich and vibrant heritage that I’m honored to be a part of.
How did your partnership with Emily in Paris come to be?
Every extraordinary endeavor begins with the bond of friendship—just look at the dynamic duo, Emily and Mindy. My dear friend, the mastermind behind the show, Darren Star, brought their story to life. With the second season set in the enchanting French Riviera, it presented an ideal backdrop that aligned seamlessly with our brand, making this collaboration a perfect match.
Can we expect more pieces?!
Stay tuned!
Tell us about your summer collection.
It radiates an aura of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless glamour and elegance, reimagined with a contemporary twist. The collection is filled with nautical hues, seen across the world from the Côte d’Azur to the sun-soaked beaches of the Hamptons.
What is next for the brand?
It’s time to expand our brand to other seasons! We’re excited to unveil an array of cozy sweaters, chic cardigans, and hand-knitted winter caftans. I’m also thrilled about our forthcoming collaboration with Hikmet Barutcugil, the preeminent living maestro of marbling, a traditional Turkish art form steeped in centuries of rich heritage. This marks a pioneering endeavor for us, as we’re infusing this near-forgotten art form into our fabric, ensuring its legacy lives on.
We love seeing you in the Hamptons! What does a typical day Out East look like for you?
For me, the Hamptons is synonymous with the spending time with friends and family. My days often commence with a rich cup of coffee at Tutto Café and conclude with delectable dinners at my good friend Valeri Mnuchin’s restaurant, Leon, on Shelter Island. Whether it’s embarking on a sunset cruise to Montauk or Orient Point or simply enjoying dinner at home, these moments are what truly imbue the Hamptons with its unique charm for me. During COVID, I picked up gardening—an unexpected passion that keeps me busy in the spring and summer.
ALEX AND MICHAEL TOCCIN
of TOCCIN
The go-to for everyday classics
What’s the backstory behind TOCCIN?
We met as college freshmen and have been bringing out the best in each other ever since. After moving to New York and establishing individual careers in the fashion industry, we made the jump to working together and haven’t looked back. Each of our businesses continues to serve as the foundation for the next . We started with a digital platform helping women talk about fashion and trends in an approachable way, which led to TOCCIN, our first collection inspired by the wants and needs of real women. The enthusiasm for TOCCIN (@toccin.official) led to the creation of a new brand, LDT (@ldt.official), named after our daughter, Liv Dakota Toccin, which takes our signature “put-together” aesthetic and infuses it with bold, youthful joy. We actively use our personal channel @alexandmichaeltoccin to share a BTS look at all our collections, share styling tips, stay connected and give people a glimpse into our no-day-is-the-same lives as full-time parents, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
What are each of your roles at the company?
Alex is our CMO and muse, and Michael is our CEO and leads sales and design.
Tell us about your summer collection!
It’s time for Golden Hour! Our summer 2023 collection is inspired by the illuminating optimism of a summer sunset. From sand to soiree, there are nods to nostalgic summers with crochet and fringe while also looking towards the future with sleek, streamlined silhouettes. Sophisticated neutrals and knits are complemented by bold hues of orange and graphic prints across a selection of dresses, pants, and tops.
How does the Hamptons serve as inspo for your brand?
Our Hamptons house is our oasis, so it is not only the place where we come up with all our creative ideas, but the setting also inspires these ideas, everything from the setting, to our house and interior design, to the local shops and our friends.
Where is TOCCIN sold?
Toccin.com, Saks, BG, and Rent the Runway
MARINA LARROUDE
LARROUDE
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.
Marina, what inspired you to launch Larroudé?
I was inspired to launch Larroudé by the women who surround me. From school drop-offs, to cocktail parties and everything in between, I noticed a gap in fashionable footwear options that could take us through our day-to-day with high quality pieces at an attainable price point.
You’ve had nearly two decades of experience in the fashion industry (Barneys, Schutz, etc); what did you feel was missing in the world of shoes to launch your brand?
High quality fashion shoes at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank. Everything was either out of reach or poor quality. I wanted to make a shoe that women would reach for year after year because of their comfort, timelessness, and confidence boost.
Why are collaborations important to Larroudé?
We are a conversational brand. We love to collaborate with other fashion designers to bring their point of view to our shoes, and vice versa. We launched our collaboration with La Vie Style House Caftans in May and were thrilled to see our prints come to life on a new wardrobe staple. This June, we continued the relationship we forged with Jennifer Fisher Jewelry and have transitioned from boots to sandals! Not only do these pieces help us reach new audiences, they also enable both partners to flex their creative muscles. These partnerships have been a core part of our business since day 1.
Tell us about your special edition Hamptons shoes.
Each collection we drop an exclusive season print. Like collectible items, once they are sold out, they are gone for good. It was so fun to see these prints come back to life on La Vie’s iconic caftan which you can match with our Larroudé shoes! These matching moments are available to shop IRL at La Vie’s Southampton store.
What’s your advice for those trying to rise up in the fashion industry?
Grow your passion through learning! Watch all of the movies, read all of the magazines and continue to immerse yourself in the endless education available at your fingertips!
Favorite things to do in the Hamptons during the summer?
We love Shelter Island and spend a lot of time there. Beach walks, family swims, barbecues & Tracy Anderson workouts– I love it all.
PLUS! A DESIGNER COLLAB TO KNOW: Wölffer x ZIMMERMANN
Joey Wölffer tells all!
Joey, what sparked a collaboration between Wölffer and ZIMMERMANN?
With similar senses of sophistication, luxury, and lifestyle, there is so much synergy between Wölffer and ZIMMERMANN. Fashion and wine complement each other in so many ways, so we felt like this partnership just made sense!
Tell us about the design concept behind the new bottle.
ZIMMERMANN is known for its distinct feminine designs that merge a modern sensibility with timeless charm, and their collections frequently incorporate memorable prints and vintage-inspired styles. Combine their effortless elegance with our Summer in a Bottle branding, which is reflective of the relaxed and luxurious ambiance of the Hamptons lifestyle, and you have this beautiful design that blends sophistication, natural beauty, and the joys of summertime.
Why is serving a chic bottle as important as a delicious glass of rose?
A stylish and aesthetically pleasing bottle adds to the overall experience of enjoying a glass of rosé. It makes the visual presentation more enticing and memorable, creates a positive first impression, and elevates the drinking experience. Not to mention, the bottle can act as a beautiful decorative element when served at gatherings!
Why is gifting this special Summer in a Bottle the perfect hostess gift for fashion lovers?
Picture this: as you set the table for your gathering, a beautiful bottle of Summer in a Bottle takes center stage, instantly transforming the ambiance into a stylish summer oasis. Not only does it bring delicious refreshment, but it also doubles as a dazzling decorative piece, adding that extra touch of sophistication and style for any soirée!
How will you be activating this bottle this summer Out East?
The Wölffer Estate x ZIMMERMANN Edition Bottle is available exclusively at our Tasting Room Boutique, the Wine Stand, and on wolffer.com. This is our first limited edition bottle, and it is so special to us, so we wanted the availability to be very exclusive. As for events, ZIMMERMANN served the wine at its intimate Hamptons dinner in June, in ZIMMERMANN’s East Hampton store for an intimate shopping event benefiting the Bridgehampton Center, and we tied it into our 35th anniversary celebrations last month.
