The Hamptons for the summer? Groundbreaking…said no New Yorker ever.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city’s A-Listers famously (or infamously, depending on who you ask) trek out east for weekend sun and soirées. By train, (private) plane or automobile, the crowd streams in to rub expensive shoulders at private events, from afternoon charity fundraisers to glamorous evening galas. At each function, guest lists may slightly differ but the sights are the same: Van Cleefed heiresses snap selfies with boat-shoed Wall Street tycoons. Trust fund babies and industry offspring compare inheritances. Ivy League-educated creatives wear Rolexes so shiny that you can’t help but wonder what their daddies do.
Despite astronomical incomes, The Hamptons is no stranger to the mainstream effect. You see, once something becomes popular, it’s no longer cool. We’re looking at you, Michael Rubin. This summer, the ritzy social agenda is facing a shakeup. Fashion’s who’s who are ditching the billionaire’s famous “All White Party” in favor of something a little more refreshing. A little more vibrant. A little more originale. For this crowd of industry bigwigs, orange is the new white. The setting: a sprawling $20 million seaside estate. The dress code: coastal cool streetwear. The cocktail of choice: Aperol Spritz, of course.
This past weekend, Hamptonites toasted to the inaugural HS Beach Haus summer event series, hosted by…you guessed it—Highsnobiety, and none other than the iconic spirits powerhouse Aperol Spritz. At the end of the exclusive Lily Pond Lane, a gargantuan manor and grounds aptly named “Mostly Dune” transformed into a country club-esque party setting. A towering white tent peered over privacy hedges, the only fixture visible from the street. Italo disco and funk music echoed in the distance. Upon arrival, pastel-wearing fashionistas and their perfectly coiffed plus ones were checked off the list and ushered into golf carts to drive them down the private driveway. The mansion grew larger, the music boomed louder. “Welcome to Saltburn,” they laughed, iPhones in hand capturing the magnificent entry.
“Would you like a Spritz?” gorgeous waiters bedecked in Aperol-emblazoned polos greeted invitees as they elegantly slid out of their chauffeured vehicles. Even more gorgeous? The orange drinks reminiscent of their last sunny getaway to the Amalfi coast. At the top of a set of brown brick stairs, the scene unveiled itself. Guests gasped and dug for their cameras to capture the landscape. Clockwork.
Croquet balls racketed on the flawlessly manicured lawn alongside cornhole competitors. Long-necked waiters streamed along the patio, platters of mini pastries and lemon-dolloped yogurt parfaits in hand. Partygoers lounged on poolside sunbeds, cooling themselves off with orange Aperol fans—dolce vita, East Hampton style. Brunch was in full swing with DJ Lovie curating the vibes on vinyl.
Under the large white tent, filmmaker Nicholas Lattimore and model Lisa Nicole James mingled with Noah’s Brenden Babenzien and Estelle Bailey-Babenzien over the upcoming collection from the quintessential New York street-prep brand. Canvas tote bags adorned with the brand’s signature red cross, paisley printed towels, and vintage-style beach chairs set up a scene fit for the 1998 J.Crew catalog. If the rise of #vintagecoastal aesthetic was just a rumor, this confirms it.
“This is what I want—a little bit of culture with my fashion,” James eyed the limited edition vintage-inspired tees. This wouldn’t have been an HS party without a nod to the trends, now would it?
“So let us get this straight”, you ask. “A new age American streetwear brand and an old world Italian apéritif are the formula for fashion’s biggest fête?”
Yes, interestingly enough. Here’s a refresher (pun intended).
On one side, you have the ritzy multi-generational Hamptonites, well accustomed to summer aperitivos in Positano, and by no means strangers to the flavorful fizzy drink. Aperol and its iconic orange hue have forever been mainstays at every social event. Yacht parties? Check. Gala dinners? Check. And while these Hamptonites might know what’s traditionally tasteful, the latest fads they could use some brushing up on.
Aperol summer has arrived. We’re entering a hot new era for the apéritif, officially the drink of choice for trendsetting Gen Z-ers. Mark our words: the others will follow.
Combine the zeitgeists of two generations and boom, a viral darty. Simple as that. Nearly as simple as the recipe for the spritz (3 parts Cinzano Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water, for those wondering). Another one, bartender?
The long-necked waiters returned and whisked away empty cocktail glasses and brunch plates. Round two kicked off, with funk soundtracking by Mo Yasin. A red bikini-ed somebody jumped in the pool. A Speedo-ed companion waded in not far behind. Rebecca Minkoff mingled in the shade. And oh yes, the Aperol flowed.
Move over, Rubin. The Hamptons just got a hot new Haus party. But to get on the list, you’ll have to wear color.
Click here to enter your Aperol summer era.