Hamptonite of the Week: Susan Blond
July 03, 2012 | Talk of the Town
Occupation: President and CEO, Susan Blond, Inc.
Hamlet: Sagaponack South
When did you start coming to the Hamptons and how has it changed since then?
I started going to the Hamptons in 1979. Everyone was cool back then and no one wanted to show they had money, which was easy because we didn't. People wore faded Lacoste shirts and thrift store dresses. There were a lot more open fields everywhere. The towns had absolutely no designer shops, although, I remember Ralph Lauren having the first one. Great artists dominated the feel of the place, especially at Bobby Van’s in Bridgehampton. You would see major artists every time you were there.
What’s your best, worst, or most hilarious Hamptons memory?
Jerry Harrison, from the Talking Heads, liked the little cottage I used to rent on Town Line Road in Sagaponack, which was bought and rebuilt years ago by John Sykes. I was surprised to arrive one Friday afternoon to find Jerry in the house. He didn’t need a key because he had broken in through a window.
Do you have an inner circle or group of friends that you hang out with most often in the Hamptons?
I love my son’s godmother, Beth DeWoody, and try to get together whenever she's in Southampton. I met her through the whole Warhol gang: Tom Cashin, Jay Johnson, and David Croland. I was best friends with Charla Krupp, who's no longer with us, but still see her wonderful husband, Richard Zoglin. Charla and I met when she was at Glamour magazine and I would try to get our artists and products into her magazine.
What are your East End traditions or must-dos every summer?
I started observing the Sabbath around 15 years ago, and the greatest thing about that is we use no electricity and don't drive so you're so aware of how beautiful the area is and you just take it in. I make two big meals at our house and many small ones for a lot of guests. We always walk to the beach, where we see a lot of buddies. I love to go into Sag Harbor on late Saturday nights and walk by the boats and in and out of the stores. Donna Karan's Urban Zen is lovely and, even after hours, you can sit in the garden area.
Who throws the best parties?
Ninety percent of all parties are charity events now, and the Robert Wilson Watermill benefit is a real standout. I also like anything the Parrish Art Museum puts on. For the best party hosts, it's a toss up between Beth DeWoody's theme parties and Richard and Eileen Ekstract's events, where Eileen cooks for 200 people and makes it look effortless.
Where do you go for a drink and what’s your usual?
I never learned to drink but I like to go to The American Hotel. My usual is Pellegrino, but I might try a red wine because their wine cellar is so incredible.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten in the Hamptons?
Before I was kosher I would have to vote for the lobster roll at Lunch on the way to Montauk. For dessert, the strawberry rhubarb pie is divine.
Where do you go to totally unplug?
After being in the city all week it's a real luxury to be able to listen to the birds and the ocean waves by the pool and smell the honeysuckle. When life gets a bit tense, I can go back to that place in my mind.
What’s your summer anthem?
"Surfer Girl" by The Beach Boys.
What was the last thing you bought in the Hamptons?
A Jason Wu shirt-dress at Gail Rothwell.
Last night of summer, where can we find you and what are you doing?
You can find me on the beach in Sagaponack with my husband, Barry Bloom. I'll be taking in the sunset and sketching the beachgoers with watercolors.
What’s the difference between a true Hamptonite and a weekender?
A true Hamptonite doesn't have to have 18 bedrooms, a bowling alley, and a screening room.
PHOTOGRAPH BY PATRICK MCMULLAN
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