Dan's Papers - May 29, 2009 - New Kids On The Block

Diane von Furstenberg headed for the Hamtpons for the summer and landed on Jobs Lane in Southampton. The new pop-up shop that is 1,300 square feet of fabulous space will carry the "Rock Goddess" collection, including ready-to-wear, swimsuits, shoes, handbags and accessories as well as select pieces from pre-fall and will also offer a variety of beach accessory exclusives. "I wanted it to have the feel of a caravan," said von Furstenberg, "as if we are going to the Hamptons for the summer and setting up our camp!" The caravan spirit extends to the design of the space. Flowing fabrics, luxurious woods and exotic details define the décor. Signature ikat prints are tented from the ceiling and draped into dressing rooms, while found objects from DVF's travels mixed with antique Moroccan lamps and vintage trunks. The combination of new and old, discovered and uncovered, creates a space that is entirely unique, but authentically DVF. Renowned for its iconic wrap dress and signature prints, DVF has grown into the global luxury lifestyle brand known today. Welcome to Southampton.

CJ Laing and its exclusive collection of resort wear have arrived in Southampton. A staple in Palm Beach, CJ Laing's signature silks, linens and detailed embroideries are now displayed to full advantage in its beautiful sun drenched shop placed nicely in a lovely Southampton Village courtyard. Reminiscent of summers in St. Tropez, the store's crisp, white clean lines are the perfect backdrop to the CJ Laing collection of bright color laden clothing, making this a wonderful place to start your hunt for the ideal Hamptons summer wardrobe.

Tommy Hilfiger has just opened in East Hampton. The store reflects the brand's aspirational yet affordable philosophy. "East Hampton embodies Americana with a fun yet sophisticated style," said Tommy Hilfiger. Intimate and vibrant, the 1,850 square foot interior space is where traditional meets modern. The walls are accented in leather and walnut and adorned with antique brass fixtures. Persian rugs mingle on a herringbone oak floor, while aged leather and linen seating provide a rest area. The store's facade, a white brick exterior with awnings and brass lettering, pays homage to its Hamptons surroundings. Both women's and men's products, including vintage, will be offered. For summer 2009, the store will open with "Hamptons Bohemia," a selection of items inspired by the nautical character of the Hamptons, featuring lobster prints and cricket sweaters. Men's and women's offerings will include a mix of US and European sportswear, with men also having tailored options and women the runway collection and swimwear. Accessories, including bags, hats, sunglasses, watches, intimates, scarves, jewelry and footwear, are also available.

Hermes has made its journey to the Hamptons with its first-ever seasonal store. Looking very chic, the pop-up store's interior is surrounded by scaffolding, wrapped in white mesh, with its merchandise displayed on very elegant shelves. The new store will feature a special assortment of summer items from all 14 product categories, including a special limited edition of the East Hampton beach towel, which will only be available for a limited time at the new store. The 2,000 square foot boutique is dedicated to resort and summer and will provide an opportunity to showcase products for the summer from all categories ranging from ready-to-wear, accessories and home.

J. Crew will be opening a Madewell boutique May 28, marking the fourteenth Madewell shop for the hip women's specialty retailer. Once an authentic work wear company, Madewell has put its stamp on timeless cool styles. Since the first Madewell store opened over two years ago, the brand has quickly gained a following among stylists, artists and celebrities for its tightly-edited assortment of downtown-chic essentials, including garment-dyed denim, washed Italian leather jackets, bright printed scarves, hand-designed graphic tees and Italian suede boots. The 1,000 square-foot store will feature exclusive items and services including favorites such as handpicked collections of vintage finds, photographs and memorabilia, straw beach hats, hand-woven bracelets from Mexico and its own neon zinc.

Are you a new kid on the block? E-mail me telling me all about your new shop on the East End at: newkids@danspapers.com or via fax: 631-726-0189.