CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: At the Forstemann Estate with Tim Davis for an elegant cocktail party. Celebrating a great night with friends Aida Turturro and Lynn Blumenfeld at the Montauk Yacht Club. With founder and CEO of Circa, Chris Del Gatto, and model Veronica Webb. Kicking off Bridgehampton Polo with Jon Singer of Singer22.

It’s been said that behind every great man is a great woman. In this issue we celebrate the Hamptons’ own Ricky Lauren, the muse behind Ralph Lauren’s success. So often we focus on the celebrities, but seldom do we ask about the people behind their triumphs. Ricky is a woman of elegance and poise. She is not only an author—recently releasing her third publication, a beautiful coffee-table book entitled Ricky Lauren The Hamptons: Food, Family, and History—but also a mother, wife, and quintessential hostess.

I first met Ricky when her daughter Dylan was honored as the Pioneer Chapter of Hadassah’s Women of the Year in Westhampton Beach. I met her again while she was on her ritual morning run in Central Park. These small, personal encounters have led me to believe that Ricky is the epitome of a Hamptons woman, and I am honored to have her grace our cover.

This week we also celebrate one of the East End’s greatest family philanthropic outings, the 23rd annual Albert Einstein College of Medicine Wild, Wild West Carnival. This event attracts more than 1,300 children and parents each year. With hundreds of activities, including tug of war, arts and crafts, watermelon-eating contests, and more, this fun-filled family day benefits women’s health and cancer research.

Later this month, another carnival benefit heads to the East End. The Max Cure Foundation will host its third annual Roar for a Cure Carnival. This not-for-profit organization helps provide alternative options for families and their children in the fight against pediatric cancers. The Roar for a Cure Carnival promises exciting activities, food, prizes, auctions, raffles, and much more.

I anticipate the month of August to be steamy and hot. Relief, as always, comes from going to the beach or jumping into the bay, where we can rejuvenate, relax, and recharge. I look forward to bumping into you there, and I’ll see you in town!

DEBRA HALPERT

PS—This summer Hamptons magazine invites you to share photo inspirations of your Hamptons!

Follow me on Twitter at @debrahalpert