Inside the 5th Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch
On Saturday, June 22nd, Hamptons Tastemaker Vanessa Gordon and Award-Winning Entertainer Deborah Cox hosted an elegant afternoon to remember at the 5th Annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch. The star studded guest list gathered at a stunning private estate in Watermill to mingle, explore curated vendor offerings, enjoy performances, and more, all of which benefited Francesco’s Foundation, a charity organization seeking to promote hope and prevent teen suicide.
Photo by Sean Zanni
Francesco’s Foundation aims to preserve the well-being and mental health of youth, especially those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, by promoting kindness, inclusivity, and gun safety. Diana Cochran, Francesco’s mother and the founder of Francesco’s Foundation, was in attendance and shared a touching speech about the importance of advocating for teens’ mental health in honor of her son.
Photo by Sean Zanni
The tone of the event was set by violinist James Teal, who serenaded guests with renditions of popular hits while they posed for photos on the red carpet. The event was well attended, welcoming a sold-out gathering of 300.
Photo by JT Santini
Among the attendees were fashion designers, authors, press, entertainment industry professionals, influencers, and more; including Marc Bouwer, Sid Rosenberg, Jennifer Dilandro, Meredith O’Connor, Jean Shafiroff, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, and Iliana Guibert. Of course, hosts Vanessa Gordon and Deborah Cox graced the red carpet as well, with Vanessa styled in YVON by Hillary Jean of LWA Luxury Hampton.
Guests socialized and shopped as they savored gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Tullulah’s including Tuna Crudo, Mini Assorted Quiches, Black Truffle Vol-au-vent, and my personal favorite, Mini Lobster Rolls. For those who prefer a sweet treat, Levain Bakery provided an assortment of delicious cookies and Dawlcakes celebrated the launch of their customizable collection with a Deborah Cox-themed Dawlcake alongside other treats.
Refreshing beverages also flowed freely, including Lemon Maple Bourbon Smashes and Watermelon Basil Margaritas created exclusively by The Cocktail Collective for the event. Additional beverages included Deborah Cox’s own Kazaisu rosé wine, Aphrodise Sparkling Rosé, Juliette Liqueur, local favorite Talkhouse Encore, TÖST, and cocktails by Chinola.
Photo by JT Santini
Among the luxurious activations were shoes by Alexis Isabel, jewelry by Human Design Hawaii, clothing and accessories by LWA Luxury Hampton, customizable permanent jewelry by Shop Alexandra Madison, and more. In addition, attendees experienced a curated gifting suite including brands such as Stella Bella Beauti, EVER Cleanical Skincare, and Wildly Salted.
Entertainment was plentiful as attendees were treated to a special performance by Cuban American Latin Pop Singer Sasha Prendes, danced to summer hits played by AMP Entertainment’s DJ, and watched in awe as Josie Tate of KHS Gallery painted live. An intimate sushi making experience led by The Sushi Class was even available for select attendees.
One of my personal favorite activities were the tarot card readings by Celebrity Astrologer Alisha Sharma, who indulged each guest in a personalized overview of what’s to come in their future. Alisha also offered clarity to guests seeking an answer to a certain question, whether related to their love life, career, or personal journey. Luckily, I was assured that my future is bright!
Photo by Sean Zanni
Other fun opportunities included B12 shots provided by NuHydration, chair massages by Mobile MLD & Massage Therapy, IV Hydration by IV Drips Hamptons, a showcasing of skincare expert Pietro Simone’s signature treatments including Endospheres and Signature Exosomes Facial, and photo opportunities in a specially curated 360 photo booth by Visions by Angel as well as a floral photobooth by JMC Photobooths.
As the event took place on a sunny, late June afternoon with temperatures reaching 82 degrees, cold towels courtesy of Montauk Ice were a must. Also striving to keep guests cool was ice cream cart Cream & Sugar, who offered an exclusive menu with flavors of Honey and Lavender, Vanilla with Rainbow Sprinkles, and a delicious Salted Caramel.
Guests also had the chance to bid in a silent auction, with extravagant prizes including a Virgin Voyager Cruise, an Ultimate Glam Package from Humble & Vain, a 3 Month Bespoke Reserve travel concierge service by Lavon Private Luxury, a 30-minute Virtual Private Medium Reading with Alaine Portner, a stay at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, and a variety of art pieces by Sergey Kir. All proceeds benefited Francesco’s Foundation.
Decco/Party Up Productions was at the helm of full production, design, fabrication and event rentals for the 5th Annual Brunch event, ensuring a fabulous afternoon for vendors and attendees alike. Another figure crucial to the event’s success was Marisa Shwartz with Sweet Lemon Events, who led event production from set up to break down.
Loaded gift bags with a retail value of over $2,500 included products by Casa Officialé by Deborah Kugler, Pietro Simone Skincare, Long Beach Island Candle Co., Dylan’s Candy Bar, Dragon Hemp, Lunalis Cosmetics, Mad Hippie, Dr. Sobel, My Mood Bars, MALIN+GOETZ, Cob Foods, Revitin, Talkhouse Encore, AWWA Period Care, Camille Rose, TabUp, and more, housed in canvas totes courtesy of Mad Hippie. Also inside were class cards for Barry’s, Fierce Grace NYC, and Hamptons Wellness on Wheels, awarding guests the opportunity to keep working on their “summer bodies” for free! Calissa also gifted $50 Sunday brunch gift certificates to each guest.
The stunning afternoon was certainly a must attend, serving as a luxurious weekend activity for guests and offering brands the opportunity to network with an affluent crowd.
To get involved in next year’s festivities and learn more about the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, visit @HamptonsInteractiveBrunch on Instagram or go to HamptonsBrunch.com.
