Hamptons Fashion Week is set to celebrate industry icons and emerging designers during a two-day event from Friday, Aug. 29, through Saturday, Aug. 30, in Watermill.
“This year it’s called Meet the Icons,” said event founder Dee Rivera of DCG Media Group LLC. “It’s a White Party, and we are highlighting very key, iconic people because every year we do the fashion icon awards.”
The event opens Friday with a launch party hosted by Zoe Hospitality at 755 Montauk Highway in Watermill. The evening will feature previews of Saturday’s runway collections, live entertainment, and networking opportunities with stylists, editors, designers and others in the fashion industry. Artisanal cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by local chefs will be served. Check-in begins at 5 p.m.
Saturday’s lineup includes the Fashion Icon Awards at 5:45 p.m., followed by runway presentations from 7 to 9 p.m. An after-party with entertainment by DJ Jon Gosselin of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” starts at 9 p.m. Check-in on Saturday opens at 1:45 p.m. Early arrivals can enjoy Bubbles & Bites, featuring DJ Chef from Food Network’s "Cutthroat Kitchen," entertainment by Alchemy DJ Nelson, opera singer Arielle, and more.
“Fashion Week is always trying to discover new and emerging designers,” Rivera said in an interview with South Shore Press. “So, one of the new designers that we have is (Himanthi Wanninayake, founder of) Atelier H. She has a beautiful ready-to-wear collection that we’re highlighting on the runway. We’re also highlighting Cesar Galindo, a celebrity designer who has been with us since the inception in 2019. Then, we have this other designer, Vernice Holmes, who does these beautiful art pieces.”
The event will also feature boho chic and vintage styles by Johnny Was. Day Two programming emphasizes sustainable and inclusive fashion.
Several industry leaders will be recognized with special honors. Celebrity stylist Freddie Leiba will receive the Style Icon Award, fashion icon Jean Shafiroff will be honored with the Philanthropy Award, Sue Phillips will receive the Fragrance Icon Award, and media executive Victoria Schneps will also be recognized.
Celebrity presenters include Regina Kravitz of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, TV and event host Prince Mario-Max, author and media professional Constance White, and celebrity stylist Nolé Marin.
Rivera described the origins of Hamptons Fashion Week.
“I've been going to the Hamptons for a very long time, and I just always saw the same events over and over and over, and I felt like they were missing something different. My background is fashion, and I've been part of Fashion Week forever so I thought we should do something for Hamptons especially. So, I called my lawyer; we trademarked it; and voilà there you have it.”
Since its 2019 debut, the event has continued to grow.
“It has become a signature event that everybody goes to every year. So, it's been very exciting to see something that you create grow into something that everybody knows about,” said Rivera, a New York native who serves on several boards.
Rivera acknowledged the challenges of growing the event.
“I'm gonna be honest; it's been a lot of work. It's like raising a child. So, when you raise a child it's so beautiful but then you're like, ‘Oh my God the preteens!’, and then they become teens. So, it's been like that but it's been very rewarding to be discovering new designers and making a difference in people's lives especially in the fashion industry.”
She added that it’s not uncommon for emerging designers to be based in the Hamptons, contributing to the growth of the local fashion scene.
For more information, visit https://hamptonsfashionweek.com.