Charlotte Ronson

In a place like the Hamptons, where putting nickels in your penny-loafers is about as edgy as it gets, Charlotte Ronson is a refreshing jolt of style. In fact, it was local Rocowear Executive Damon Dash who once said: "If Ronson made it, you know it's hip, it's chic, it's current."

Vintage	Charlotte Ronson	Charlotte Ronson	Vintage	Vintage

With Gisele, Kate Moss and friend Lindsay Lohan among the high-profilers wearing her mod baby-doll dresses, plaid rompers and chunky knits, Ronson's effortless, dressed-down glamour has always fared well among the jet-set crowd of urban waifs and socialite ingénues. Her line was picked up by Blue & Cream in East Hampton in recent years, and, as of late, the youthful dresses and booties have infiltrated the preppy button-down packs sauntering down Main Street.

"I like style that doesn't seem like you're trying too hard," says Ronson, a lifelong local in the Hamptons. "I'm looking for the kind of casual and easy that exudes femininity."

While you'll find Ronson and her team of cohorts hitting up such nightclubs as The Box and Beatrice Inn in New York, when she makes it to the East End, she avoids guest-lists and big parties. "I've been coming out here with my family forever, but when I'm here, I lay low. It's more about the days than nights and I'd rather hide out, spend time with my family..."

Missoni	Charlotte Ronson	Valentino	Charlotte Ronson	Charlotte Ronson

Family time for the Ronsons, to be sure, is no Brady affair. Her siblings include twin sister, celebrity DJ and presumed lover of Lohan, Samantha Ronson; burgeoning chic-ette Annabelle; and Grammy-winning DJ/producer Mark Ronson. "The creative process has always been a collaborative thing in my family," enthuses Ronson. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

At this year's Fashion Week, Samantha spun the tracks, Annabelle hit the catwalk, and "Vote Ronson" T-shirts designed by Mark were taken away in grab bags. In 2007 she drew on her 90s childhood with punky plaids at her English schoolgirl-themed show, but this year's spring line channeled a late-60s Jane Birkin-with blousy tops, high-waisted skirts, boho prints and suede boots with oversized cuffs. Still playing with fearless and youthful femininity, Ronson explains, "For my next line, I was inspired by The Virgin Suicides. We're working with different textures and prints and trying to combine unexpected elements-like chunky knits with more whimsical florals."

"We've moved into a more contemporary market," says Ronson, adding that growing up has infused sophistication with her signature urban-yet-girly aesthetic.

Vintage	Charlotte Ronson	Charlotte Ronson	Bootsby Charlotte Ronson

Among her other current projects are a limited edition T-shirt collection with her mother, Anne Dexter Jones, and another with best friend and fellow-Nightingale alum Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss. She's also designed the "perfect jeans" with Earnest Sewn; she is collaborating with Urban Outfitters, and just designed a bikini for Billabong in LA. Ronson is also working on a collection of "must have" handbags with Nicole Richie and songstress Lily Allen. It's a very full plate for the girl who started off customizing vintage rock n' roll tees for friends and now boasts a devoted following who patronize the dozen or so free-standing stores in Japan, as well as shops in New York and LA. "No one tells you how much hard work it takes," she says, sounding winded. "It's not as easy as it looks. But I'm lucky to love what I'm doing. Without that, you can drown in it."

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