The Quest for "it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Hamptons Magazine Hosts Closing Day of Mercedes-Benz Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field with NBA Star Dwayne Wade in the SWAGG Mobile Application Lounge.

Hi!

Hamptons Magazine & Jason Binn hosted Closing Day of Mercedes-Benz Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field with NBA Star Dwayne Wade in the SWAGG Mobile Application Lounge.  This final week, Week 6, may have been the smoothest and calmest this summer. The SWAGG Mobile Application Lounge which featured the musical stylings of celeb DJ Solange Knowles welcomed visits from: NBA great Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat and girlfriend Actress Gabrielle Union;  Actor Wilmer Valderrama; Social Beth Ostrosky; 4 time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon; San Antonio Spurs Richard Jefferson; TV Personality Dr. Ruth Westheimer; Stella Keitel;  Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen of the Real Housewives of New York; Celeb Stylist Paul Wharton of the DC Housewives; Survivor Nicaragua Contestant Dan Lembo.  Attendees gathered anxiously as Certified (6) competed against the famed Blackwatch (7). VIPs relaxed in the SWAGG Lounge and previewed the new mobile application set to be released during the 2010 holiday season.  At that time the highly anticipated app. will allow consumers to purchase, exchange, and redeem gift cards from their phone.  To follow are exclusive photos from the event.

Top to Bottom: Beth Ostrosky; Jennifer Sitomer with Blue Star Jets President Ricky Sitomer; Guest & Tracy Stern of Salon Tea; 75 Main Owner Zach Erdem

*photos by The Quest for "it"

   

Second Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally --New Date August 28th

                                             Hi!

It's BACK! As the ideal way to celebrate summer the Second Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally returns as the epitome of luxury and distinction—an East End afternoon of exclusive world-renowned vehicles, stylish surroundings,gourmet bites and refreshing cocktails. The glamorous, red-carpet event will take place at Georgica Restaurant & Lounge, one of East Hampton's finest dining and nightlife venues with an invitation-only guest-list of jet-setters, from celebrities and socialites, to media and business moguls.

Ferrari aficionados will have the opportunity to partake in the Hamptons rally, cruising past breathtaking estates, polo fields, vineyards, marinas and the ocean front, all of which will be preceded by an intimate brunch reception.  Following the rally, the drivers and guests will enjoy a late afternoon fête, complete with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

As founder and host of the event, Nathaniel Christian is a Ferrari enthusiast and collector; the long time New York resident credits his passion and fondness for the history and craftsmanship of the vehicles as his inspiration for the event.  Nathaniel Christian has become a luxury lifestyle expert, as a real estate, restaurant and nightlife entrepreneur.

The impressive list of event lifestyle sponsors will include Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Bombardier Flex Jets, Dayton & Sydney Wealth Strategies, Panoramic View Resort & Residences, and Putnam Leasing.

HAMPTONS WEEKEND REPORT: Jogo by Pooneh Opens!

Reported from the weekend of  July 31, 2010

Hi,

The recent Bridgehampton opening of Jogo by Pooneh meant a splash of spicy color for the local Hamptons dwellers as they made their way to enter the much anticipated store opening.  The newly opened space boasts a white pickled floor and airy ceilings, which on this day were complimented by soothing yet upbeat bossa nova and samba rhythms.  Models in jewel toned bikinis accented via gilt buckles and applique played "Jogo beachball." ("Jogo" means "play/game" in Portuguese).

Haley Binn, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Susan Shin, officiated the opening celebration which also served as the kick-off for August 21st Best Buddies Gala.***  A generous portion of the proceeds from the evening was donated to the organization, whose mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "JOGO BY POONEH" is a celebration of passion for life, color, opportunity and for giving back," explained owner Pooneh Mohazzabi.  

Attendees included Jason Binn, Gigi Stone, Countess Luann de Lesseps,Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen, Melody Weir and Soraya Whelton.  Over acaí-infused cocktails, attendees admired stylish selections that included: cotton shifts, sheer beach cover-ups, colorful lace-up sandals, and silky caftans tied with gold cord adorned with dangling charms and stones.

The storefront was revved up with live dancing lessons, samba that is, courtesy of the Grupo Irek band whose native garb and Brazilian dancers in emerald and ruby headdress greeted guests.  Kosia Asiamah, both coiffed and crafted the hair and makeup of the days entertainment with an indigenous feel of Latin American flair.

***-This summer's Best Buddies Gala takes place at the home of Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney.  

*photos courtesy of Adriel Reboh/Patrick McMullan

The Hampton Designer Showhouse 2010 Gala Preview

       Hello,

A different year, a different show house, but the level of excitement remains the same. Taking place at a traditional shingle style house*** in Sag Harbor, the Hampton Designer Showhouse 2010 Gala Preview to benefit Southampton Hospital, offered a magnificent evening of both interior design and decorating at its finest.  Presented  by Traditional Home, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the showhouse which featured both a distinguished and varied group of participating designers. 

Upon entry, the luxuriously decorated bi-level boasted a sense of comfort and style. Guests were immediately drawn to the entry that unfolded to the spacious living room all decorated by HB Home, if not to the scenic view of the lush backyard and swimming pool.  Notably HB Home's  Patricia Healing and Daniel Barsanti utilized a grand console table, shagreen pedistoles, Zoya loveseats, HB Home bar, and more.

Amidst cocktails and hors d'oeuvres that ranged from chilled shrimp to truffle pizza, guests were able to peruse the house and grounds at their leisure.  This year's house notably had a unique main floor loft as well as rooms that featured exquisite items, retro and contemporary, for sale.

Showhouse standouts include: the main floor dining room courtesy of Richard Keith Langham Inc., a studio courtesy of Lucas Studio Inc.; a downstairs home theater courtesy of Audio Command Systems Inc. and Barbara Ostrom; a game room courtesy of Bradley Stephens; and a upstairs bedroom by Jack Levy Design.  

Creator of the downstairs home theater Barbara Ostrom (see photo above), whose design experience ranges from  former President Richard Nixon to Fashion Designer Kimora Lee Simmons shared how she worked her magic on her showhouse room. This night as her partners at Audio Command Systems ran a showing of Across the Unvierse Ms. Ostrom explained, "I wanted to make it very intimate and glamorous and exciting, but yet warm and cozy that you'd want to bring someone into it.  Its got a lot of different influences: Contemporary, art deco, traditional. We put a big reel up, and I did Gone with the Wind around it, we had somebody get images and blow them up for me. I set it up as if it were in someone's home."  Boasting recliner chairs for viewing, contrasted with bar seating allowing for the alternative of easy lounging and possible cocktails and nibbling.

VIP attendees included: B Smith, Meredith Ostrom,

***-shingle-style house built by Frank Bodcenchak of Edge Real Estate

*photos by The Quest for "it"

HAMPTONS WEEKEND REPORT: HK Gallery's Summer Salon features Elliott Erwitt

                                                               Hi!

The Hamburg Kennedy Gallery opened this weekend in Southampton to a select crowd of art lovers. The opening reception which featured works by photographer Elliott Erwitt was hosted by Fabiola Beracasa, Fernanda Niven, and Melody Weir.  A substantial amount of the day's proceeds were set to benefit The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF). 

An opportunity to view original black and white photographs by longtime fine art photographer Elliott Erwitt came by way of timeless shots spanning several decades.  Of particular interest was a beach scene of male eligibles 

circa 1960's

 as well as classically beautiful shots of the late legendary screen star Marilyn Monroe.

Over champagne, cheese, and chocolate covered strawberries, guests enjoyed both the exhibit and the gallery. A few notable attendees included: Robin Leacock Baker, Alina Cho, Marla Hamburg Kennedy, Emma Snowdon-Jones and others.

***-Marla Hamburg Kennedy and her eponymous gallery have been notable fixtures in the art world since 1978--curating, advising, and collecting contemporary and vintage photography, and fine art.

*photo by The Quest for 'it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The Real Housewives and the Kardashians Hit Opening Day of Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field

Hey There,

SWAGG, a new mobile application, set to launch later this year held an exclusive VIP tent on the Opening Day of Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field.  The opening day festivities meant a one-of-a-kind SWAGG Lounge, which was visited by the likes of Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, Bethenny Frankel,and Jill Zarin.  Welcomed by a velvet rope and step and repeat, VIP attendees of the SWAGG Lounge were at no loss for comfort as they nibbled on everything from Pop chips to sumptuous hors d' ouevres.  Celeb DJ D-Nice was on the 

1s and 2s 

and a few lucky patrons even scored a seat and cocktails. To follow are precious photos from the SWAGG Lounge.   

Left to Right: Jill Zarin & Kourtney Kardashian; Bethenny Frankel, Scott Disick, Lourtney Kardashian

*photos courtesy of SWAGG

  

  

Hamptons Weekend Report: Self Magazine Welcomes Dylan Lauren

                                                  Hey There!

It's no secret that some of the city's most influential socials are much like the rest of us--multi-taskers! However, it's a welcome change when they leap beyond the proverbial fashion mag and go for something sassier.  Enter Dylan Lauren.  Ms. Lauren was recently welcomed this past Saturday, July 17th, as Contributing Editor to SELF Magazine at Montauk's Surf Lodge.  The chic hotspot, offered patrons a full evening--rosé wine, sunset, and a concert by Donovan.  Overcrowding almost led to brother Andrew Lauren barely getting a spot for his safari style Landrover.  Yet and still, he made it in to celebrate sister Dylan's new SELF Magazine column as "candy curator" for the 7 million healthy readers who, as she said to party host and Editor-in-Chief Lucy Danziger, should "treat themselves right to the treat of the month."  (see photo at left of Lucy Danziger and Dylan Lauren second from right)

VIP guests*** enjoyed small bags of colorful chocolate covered sunflower seeds--Ms. Lauren's first monthly reader recommendation.  Curious as to her thoughts on beauty? Here's a tip directly from Dylan Lauren: wear Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder #3 with yellow, orange, or lime for a great sun-kissed glow. 

***-The Satorialist Blogger Scott Schuman, Photographer Garance Dore, Gigi Stone, Self VP/Publisher Laura McEwen, SELF Entertainment Director Laura Brounstein, and of course Ms. Lauren's personal friends

*photos courtesy of Daisy Johnson/Patrick McMullan

Opening Day of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field - Just a Few Days Away!

                                                                Hi,

Are you ready for the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge*** at Blue Star Jets Field?  Polo matches return to Bridgehampton this summer with six weeks of the most exciting memorable action in the world.  The sport's greatest athletes will compete for polo's most treasured prizes--the Mercedes-Benz Cup and the Hamptons Cup.  As in years past, the East End's most famous polo tournament will be witnessed by most noteworthy VIP's and celebrated personalities.

This season's partners include: Mercedes-Benz, SWAGG, Blue Star Jets, Ralph Lauren, Patron, La Societe Stella Artois,  Smart Water, Pop Chips, Coca Cola, Bertaud Belieu Wines, Jarlsberg®  Cheese, Zino Platinum Cigars, Crumbs Bakery, Financial Times,  Susan Foster Jewelry, and Hamptons Magazine.

Look for the SWAGG lounge, based on the new mobile application to be released during the 2010 holiday season which will allow consumers to purchase, exchange and redeem gift cards.  Also look for Polo Ralph Lauren's onsite shop which will have exciting goodies.

***-Headed by event organizers, Strategic Group, the season will commence on Saturday, July 24^th, 2010 and will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 28^nd, 2010.  A portion of proceeds from the Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge will go to South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition.  The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament.  Matches will take place from 4pm-6pm

*photo Copyright © 2008 Shari Barton-Oberstein

HAMPTONS WEEKEND REPORT: 11th Annual Love Heals at Luna Farm Presented by Sony

                                                                 Hello!

Each new year brings a slightly different take when it comes to the summer's more popular charitable fundraisers.  The 11th Annual Love Heals at Luna Farm was presented by Sony**this year and hosts, Social Peter Davis and Fashion Media Personality Mary Alice Stephenson.  The huge tent that sits upon Luna Farm in Sagaponek was back, complete with silent auction, barbeque dinner by the now legendary DeForest Gibbs, sweets by CRUMBS bakeshop, and a Patron sponsored bar. The theme for this year entitled  A Picture Perfect Summer was a huge success raising nearly  $350,000, which directly benefits Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education.

Early arrivals included Peter Davis and Love Heals Co-Founder Dini Von Mueffling, in a vibrant multi-colored Missoni dress.  As the two made their way around the luminous tent, nearby guests mulled over silent auction items,***flashed smiles at the adjacent customized SONY Make.Believe stations, swayed to the sounds of Celeb DJ Mel Debarge, and helped themselves to either huge amounts of fresh barbeque or Nathan's hotdogs followed by cups of Ben & Jerry's.  Amongst the ever growing crowd we looked for standouts, either those tied to the Grand Sponsor--the Rosenthal Foundation, or a few of the evening's many Benefactors.****  

Over tunes that included everything from Fergie to Outkast to Stevie Wonder, we spotted Supermodel turned actress Molly Simms, Cinema Society's Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Singer Becca Diamond, Interior Designer Celerie Kimble & Boykin Curry, Social Cristina Greeven Cuomo, CNBC's Donny Deutsch, Social Eric Villency, Model Hillary Rhoda, NBC's Hoda Kotb, Media Mogul Charlie Walk and Wife Lauren, Matt White, Niche Media Founder Jason Binn (see photo at left with Gotham Magazine Editor Samantha Yanks), and Social Victoria Leacock Hoffman.

Before heading out, we availed ourselves to a quick visit with Co-Host Mary Alice Stephenson; dressed in a sleek black sequin Lanvin cocktail dress, she shared how she became involved in the evening. "My evening's been great. I am so thankful to all of the people who have come out in support.  I think it's a very glamorous Love Heals tonight. Dini Von Mueffling is an old friend. She asked me to host, and I had a lot of charities that I'm involved with and I of course always heard of Love Heals, and it's an honor to be asked and I am excited to be here and help in any way."

Upon exiting, gift bags were given that contained a bevy of fun and exciting items courtesy of brands like Scoop, Completly Bare, Cocodot, Navy Beach and more. Another great night was had by all.

*photos courtesy of Adriel Reboh/Patrick McMullan

**-Sony α NEX Cameras

***-Silent auction items ranged from an Ericka Bloom Pilates Plus Deluxe Package to a TPC River Highlands Golf Foursome, to  a $500 Rag +Bone Gift Certificate, and many other valuable items in between.

****-Benefactors included-The May & Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Martin Varsavsky, The Neisloss Family Foundation, The Lorber Charitable Fund, the Lizzie & Jonahtan Tisch Foundation, Margaret & Daniel Loeb, Third Point Foundation.

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The 2010 Hampton Designer Showhouse Kickoff Cocktail Party Hosted by HB Home

Hello!

Saturday, July 10th was a very busy afternoon out East.  So many events and so little time, but none quite as inviting or distinctive as The 2010 Hampton Designer Showhouse Kickoff Cocktail Party, sponsored by Traditional Home, benefiting Southampton Hospital.  This year the event which took place at the East Hampton location of HB Home was packed to the rafters with attendees  all abuzz about the upcoming Hamptons Designer Showhouse Gala Preview Party slated for July 24th in Sag Harbor.  Several Interior designers were on hand to discuss their upcoming participation, among them Barbara Ostrom who will decorate the showhouse's family theater and Nancy Pearson who will design a room on behalf of Traditional Home. Attendees enjoyed sumptuous bites--we were partial to the spiced chilled shrimp and the polenta rounds topped with artichoke, as well as lemonade, Pellegrino, and Rose Table Wine courtesy of the Wolffer Estate.  Spotted were HB Home Owner Daniel Barsanti and former New York Mets First Baseman and World Series Champion Keith Hernandez. To follow are precious photos from the event.

Left to Right:  Interior Designer Sun Y Lee, Keith Hernandez, Joe Lucas & Rajaie Khoury, Peggie Walker

*photos by The Quest for "it"