Polo Insider: Angela Giannopoulos Talks Inspiration for the VIP Tent
August 10, 2012
Giannopoulos (RIGHT) with Marie Michaels at Bridgehampton Polo opening day this year.
This weekend, as you sit in the luxurious Bridgehampton Polo VIP tent, take a moment to appreciate the design genius of it. The woman behind this gorgeous tent is Angela Giannopoulos of Studio3, a full-service event design and production company, who has created chic party settings for everyone from Baby Buggy to Donna Karan. As I toss the coin for this weekend’s event, I’ll be thinking of Giannopoulos and her team, as well as everyone who makes Bridgehampton Polo such a beautiful place to spend summer Saturdays.
How did you get involved with Bridgehampton Polo this year?
ANGELA GIANNOPOULOS: My dear friend Gabby Karan De Felice suggested I get involved. We’ve worked on projects in the past, and thought this would be a great fit.
Tell us about your inspiration for the chic new look of the VIP tent.
AG: The beach, of course. I love working with shades of gray—it feels as though the sea has faded the color, creating a wonderful palette to work with. I wanted the tent to have an effortless look, casual but chic. The landscape of the Hamptons is so beautiful that I didn’t want to over-style the tent.
Can you give us tips on how to create the perfect outdoor lounge?
AG: Lounges are meant to be less formal than regular seating. They should be low to the ground, and comfortable so lots of pillows are a must. And a large, comfy beach bag never hurts.
You have been doing design and production in the Hamptons for quite some time.
AG: I’ve had the pleasure of working in the Hamptons for the last six-seven years, and working with the most amazing clients!
Which events might we have been to that you designed?
AG: I’ve worked on Baby Buggy for multiple years, Byrd Hoffman events, Blue Dream Annual Gala, Donna Karan events, etc…and private events, too.
What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Hamptons?
AG: Lazy days at home with friends and family—poolside. I love taking my three nieces and nephews to Hampton Coffee, then a quick ride to Flying Point Surf for some goodies, and of course, an ice cream!
—SAMANTHA YANKS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK MCMULLAN/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM
Cause for Celebration: Get Wild Gala at Dune Beach
August 10, 2012
Guests interact with a great horned owl at last year's Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center Summer Gala
Dig your feet in the sand and support the animals at The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center's Get Wild Summer Gala on Dune Beach (Saturday, August 11). Guests are encouraged to leave their shoes at the docking station and hit the beach barefoot for a night of dancing, silent auctions, and delicous clambake fare. Hamptons favorite Jetty Four will perform and live animals will be out and about. The event is chaired by animal advocates Christopher Obetz, Beth Ostrosky Stern, and Ellen Scarborough. Proceeds will benefit The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, which cares for orphaned wild animals and helps return them to their natural habitats. Tickets begin at $200 and are available here. (6–8 PM) Dune Beach, Southampton Village (parking at Cooper's Beach), 728-4200; info@wildliferescuecenter.org
Photo Friday: A Classic Moment
August 10, 2012
Each Friday, we choose a photo from our "Share Your Best Shot" gallery that's especially inspiring and authentically East End. Submit a photo here or tweet us your snap with hashtag #HamptonsShots.
Hampton Classic Horse Show; capture the moment (Bridgehampton, 2011)—Erno Szentgyorgyi, Southampton
Charity Register: August 10-16
August 10, 2012
Guild Hall
What: The not-for-profit organization’s Summer Gala will benefit the Guild Hall theater, museum, and education center. An evening of dancing, cocktails, dining, and a live auction awaits at a private estate, while a VIP preview of the exhibition Eric Fischl: Beach Life will be held beforehand at Guild Hall.
Where: A private estate
When: Friday, August 10
Best Buddies
What: Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney welcome guests to their home in support of Anthony Shriver’s Best Buddies organization, which strives to forge opportunities for people with disabilities. The fourth annual Best Buddies Hamptons Gala takes on a French theme and promises to draw more than 350 guests, including Brooke Shields and Robert Wilson.
Where: The home of Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney, Water Mill
When: Saturday, August 11
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
What: The Hamptons Happening will honor renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten this year. Chefs from his restaurants—such as ABC Kitchen, Perry St., and The Mercer Kitchen—will be serving cuisine from their menus, while a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL from Aventura Motors will be up for auction.
Where: Home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel, Bridgehampton
When: Saturday, August 11
Katie Ford Foundation
What: All proceeds from this event go toward fighting slavery across the globe. The luxury auction features two nights at the Standard Hotel, one night at c/o the Maidstone, dinners at some of New York’s finest restaurants, Pilates classes, massages, and more.
Where: Marie Eiffel’s home, Shelter Island
When: Saturday, August 11
The Max Cure Foundation
What: The foundation invites adults and children alike to B-East Amagansett in anticipation of next week’s Roar for a Cure Carnival. While adults participate in a spinning class, children take part in activities, including walking on balance beams, rope swinging, and egg-and-spoon races.
Where: Amagansett Square, 154 Main St., Amagansett
When: Saturday, August 11
Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center
What: Get Wild Summer Gala encourages guests to leave their shoes behind for a beach clambake with dancing, music, and even live animals.
Where: Dune Beach, Southampton
When: Saturday, August 11
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
What: Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink, cochaired by Maria and Larry Baum and Lisa and Richard Perry, will feature a paddleboard race in the afternoon followed by a sunset party in the evening. The host committee includes the likes of Tory Burch, Donna Karan, and Matt Lauer.
Where: The residence of Lisa and Richard Perry, North Haven
When: Saturday, August 11
East Hampton Library
What: This year’s Children’s Fair will benefit the East Hampton Library’s yearlong children’s programs. The fair will feature carnival and pony rides for kids, while adults indulge in a silent auction. Performances by Story Pirates, Bradley True, and Magic Al enliven the afternoon.
Where: Gardiner Farm, 36 James Lane, East Hampton
When: Sunday, August 12
Breast Treatment Task Force
What: Donors challenge themselves to a fierce spinning session at Spin for BTTF in order to raise funds for the Breast Treatment Task Force. The organization helps uninsured patients receive breast cancer treatment, screenings, and more. Special gift bags with water, towels, and shoe rentals await riders.
Where: Flywheel, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor
When: Tuesday, August 14
Links: Anthony Bourdain's East End Problems; NYC Welcomes WordHampton
August 09, 2012
Image via
Anthony Bourdain was tweeting #hamptonsproblems this past Sunday. Apparently he had a hard time finding neck, shank, and oxtail for his Sunday gravy. Wife Ottavia (who’s an excellent Twitter follow) was along for the ride, helping Bourdain lug groceries and tweeting pics all the while. [@OttaviaBourdain]
In addition to the annual Authors Night on Saturday, The Feminist Press has arranged a Sunday evening fête featuring readings by authors Helene Aylon and Claire Reed at the East Hampton home of Flora Schnall. [East Hampton Star]
The Surf Lodge’s days of earning 680 violations (all from last season) and “disrupting the peace” are officially behind them, according to Black Book. [Black Book]
The New York Times’ Pete Applebome hails The American Hotel for its “eternal” allure, landmark status, and storied past. [The New York Times]
Katie Lee and Ben Watts are among the best Instagram follows in all of the Hamptons. [Guest of a Guest]
WordHampton’s Steve Haweeli is expanding to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey with new PR firm Metro Restaurant Marketing, allegedly setting up shop in Manhattan on Third Avenue. [East Hampton Patch]
