The Ultimate Camera Case
November 19, 2012
Designed for the true artist, First & Company has created an immaculate piece to express true individuality and style—the Voyager camera case ($5,000). Hand-pieced together in California by skilled artisans, the whiskey batido leather is tanned to perfection and carefully hand-finished for a truly unique look. The sturdy pine wood casing is joined with antique brass rivets that enhance the old-world charm. Out East, the Voyager camera case will be available only at Tenet in Southampton. “The Voyager camera case is the perfect gift for the Hamptons man due to its vintage look and luxurious detailing,” says Tenet owner Jesse Warren. “The craftsmanship of the case is incredible, and it’s sure to make a fantastic gift.” Tenet, 91 Main St., Southampton, 377-3981
The Annual East Hampton Historical Society Tour
November 16, 2012
After 27 years of home tours in the region, there is still more to see assures Richard Barons, executive director of the East Hampton Historical Society. “There are so many fascinating people here, so it is unlimited as to what is available,” he says.
This year the Historical Society hosts its cocktail and opening party at Bonic Acres, a fascinating home deeply ingrained in the village’s history. The home was originally built in 1891 for William Wheelock, a doctor who collected antique furnishings from the residents of Main Street, all of which were eventually donated to the Historical Society. In the 1970s, the shingle-style home was renovated by famed architect Robert Stern and has served as an influential work within the new shingle style. Today’s owners are world travelers and their décor, which will be on view at the opening party, features mystifying doors from an Indian temple and an exciting blend of folk art from around the globe.
The Historical Society’s house-tour committee selects homes such as Bonic Acres for the annual fundraiser based on their spectacular architecture as well as their exceptional interiors and gardens. “It’s got to be an interesting house, but it’s also got to be interestingly furnished,” says Barons. A highlight of this year’s tour is this Sayres Path house and hanging gardens, which marries innovative architecture and inspired interiors. Inside the Wainscott home is a celebrated collection of contemporary art, while the unusual Maziar Behrooz–designed modern exterior (SHOWN) is regarded for its sharp, acute angles. “It is a brilliant and striking house,” says Barons.
With the house tour on November 24 and the previous day’s opening party, the Historical Society aims to raise between $100,000 and $150,000.
—ALLISON POLSTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CARBONE
Thompson Ferrier Candles for Fall
September 17, 2012
Westhamptonites Pauline Dana and Raffi Ar slanian developed Thompson Ferrier, a fresh label of scented candles and diffusers; the pair even patented the sculptural glass vessels that contain their candles. “We literally started from the ground up,” says Arslanian. “Candles usually sit dormant, so most of the time, they are just pieces of glass.” But Thompson Ferrier candles come in decorative glass vessels, not basic stock glass.
Dana and Arslanian spent four years developing fragrances, and Thompson Ferrier candles feature 17 to 27 layers of essential oils, rather than the one or two notes of fragrance found in most candles. Variations include Rhubarb Anise with strawberry, sugar cane, black licorice, and raspberry hints, and Tabac Rose with crystal ginger, tobacco leaf, and sweet orange aromas ($58 each).
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOLFO VARGAS
Design Detail: Sferra's Cozy Throws
September 10, 2012
Celine throws ($88 each), Sferra. Gansett Lane Home, 6 S. Etna Ave., Montauk, 668-8050
Adding a luxurious throw to a common room or bedroom on the East End can add new dimensions to a space. “There is nothing better to add texture and subtle color to a room by the sea,” says Montauk-based interior designer Mary Coleman Lynn.
In her traditional- and transitional-styled Hamptons projects Lynn sometimes integrates Sferra’s Celine throw from Gansett Lane Home. “The colors are amazing,” says Lynn. “They come in all the colors of the sea, which is easy, since most of the decorating out here tends to work around those sea foam-y greens and blues.”
Beyond the varied hues, the Celine throw is also a welcome addition because of its soothing texture. “It feels like cashmere, but it’s cotton, which is so nice and versatile, especially when you are snuggling up under a blanket,” she says of the 100 percent cotton throws in herringbone weave with fringe. In her own designs, Lynn has placed them on the back of a chair, on the edge of a bed, and even over a wicker sofa in a screened-in porch. She also recommends folding the throws near a fireplace. “It’s just a perfect blanket for reading on the porch with a glass of rosé.
—ALLISON POLSTER
Elie Tahari's 3 Ways to Enjoy the Last Parties of Summer
August 31, 2012
How do you celebrate the end of a fun, relaxing summer with friends and family? By throwing a great party, of course. Here are some tips for mastering every occasion, every time from Sagaponack resident and renowned fashion designer, Elie Tahari.
Set the mood.
The key to a great house party is making guests feel like they are at home. Each summer, we invite all of our family and friends to our Sagaponack home, or as my kids like to call it, “Camp Tahari.” We create a mix of our favorite summer music, grill comfort foods, and talk for hours.
Do something unique.
Get everyone excited by throwing a fun barbeque dinner on the beach, and be sure to have plenty of chilled white wine. We have a big wall on the side of our home where we like to project the latest movies during outdoor parties, which keeps things interesting. Arrange for an after-dinner bonfire and it will be a party not quickly forgotten.
Entertain with ease.
Guests likely attended your party because they want to spend time with you. I always try to remember this, spending time walking, talking, and dancing with all my friends and family.
—ELIE TAHARI
