En route to our summer homes in the Hamptons, an increasing number of us are now making a rewarding detour on the L.I.E.'s Exit 36 for the glamorous shopping center that boasts 60 of the most impressive names in the fashion industry.

"We wardrobe the Hamptons lifestyle," is what you'll hear when store managers at Americana are asked about the growing influx of buyers from our outpost on the East End. Indeed, bathing suits, hostess gifts, golf shoes and evening gowns are just some of the staples we shop for on our way to a sunny weekend. And who can blame us? Americana has become one-stop shopping for all of the designer names we care about and no less an architect than urbane Peter Marino has created the center that houses them all; meticulous landscaping by Wolfgang Oehme adds beauty and charm.

Some 50 years ago, the Castagna family began creating this open-air shopping destination now known as "Miracle Mile" among the fashion cognoscenti. A good number of additions and renovations have emerged this season: Prada (Dossie Goodman, 516-365-9700) has a newly renovated space with a sprawling glass facade and lofted ceilings, where you'll find the new spring ready-to-wear line, in which Art Nouveau meets hippy romantic with plaid prints, sculptural heels and whimsical wood-nymph illustrations printed on chiffon and entwining the bodices of dresses. Catherine Malandrino (Lorraine DiGennaro, 516-627-5680) is festooned with its signature amber patchwork of mirrors and an oversized runway couch; the store carries both the Catherine Malandrino and Malandrino Collections, as well as her line of shoes and handbags. This season's spring line features romantic ruched silk in jewel tones and a new line of fitted leather jackets. Donna Karan New York (Nicholas Gennis, 516-869-0500) is a new arrival this year, offering earthy, draped silhouettes, classic cuts and safari-inspired casual wear.

Among this season's highlights are a belted, Monroe-style sundress and deep red jersey knits that summon the agile spirit of a dancer. Housed in a striking glass structure supported by limestone walls, the sleek architecture of Louis Vuitton (Pedro Davila, 516-365-4766) is complemented by vintage LV trunks and antique decor. Beneath the soaring ceiling is a 60-foot-long counter of bags, including the Richard Prince collection, in which the artist's spray painting and texts were worked into the classic design. Brooks Brothers (Joe Dente, 516-365-3502) houses men's furnishings and women's clothing on the first floor and men's suits, sportswear and slacks above, offering a wide selection of clean-cut classics and staples of old-school prep, including an impeccable version of the plaid-on-plaid suit. The store is a large, sun-drenched duplex tastefully decorated with antique globes, orchids and French horns. Loro Piana (Dorene Brettner, 516-869-9469) has made-to-measure sweaters in baby cashmere, specialty lightweight leather totes and bespoke suits fitted by in-store Italian tailors. Michael Kors (Christine Healy, 516-365-3512) has just expanded its store. Known for its polished and sophisticated American sportswear and jetset design attitude, the new collection includes an indigo python handbag, strappy gold platforms and an empire-waist chiffon gown in orange and pink. This year Salvatore Ferragamo (Andrew Micci, 516-365-9765 ) celebrates its 80th anniversary, and the new collection at the Manhasset boutique features cutaway dresses, Lucite wedge heels and coral bags in patent leather. The boutique showcases its women's ready-to-wear line as well as the collection of shoes, silk and leather accessories. The most sought-after shoes this season are ballet flats in primary colors and python driving flats for men. The Dolce & Gabbana (Michelle Wolf, 516-627-7742) boutique features an impressive interior: vast dark-glass display surfaces, baroque chairs and magnificent crystal chandeliers. The tulle dresses in floral pastels evoke this season's Impressionist inspiration. At CH Carolina Herrera (Ana Santalices, 516-365-5560) lavish designs, including floral-print dresses decorated with artful swaths of beads, capture the zest of the current collection. The contemporary, clean setting at Giorgio Armani (Alain Brito, 516-627-6001) is the perfect backdrop for the designer's classic aesthetic and the boutique offers timeless pieces as well as some more fashion-forward designs like beaded racer-back evening tanks. At Dior (Giulia Sellino, 516-365-5680), you'll find the immaculate designs of John Galliano in an exuberant setting, where this season's menswear-inspired pinstripe suits and wide-legged cuts are displayed alongside such feminine fabrics as leopard-print chiffon. Hirshleifer's (Tova Soto, 516-627-3566) is a spacious specialty store that boasts several "stores-within-a-store." Here you'll find Valentino (Jennifer Wolk, 516-627-3566) debuting a sophisticated ready-to-wear and accessories collection. Chanel (Natasha Estep, 516-627-3566), featured in a luxurious, custom-designed setting, offers extensive ready-to-wear, accessories, handbag and shoe collections. Billowy sheers evoke springtime at its most sumptuous in the current collection by Jil Sander (Shari Hoffman, 516-627-2617), and on offer at J Mendel (Linda Ugenti, 516-627-3244) are fur services and a stunning collection of draping white gowns. Jimmy Choo (Ilene Rosenfeld, 516-627-3566) has a boutique full of sultry heels and bags. Roberto Cavalli, Chrome Hearts, Balenciaga, Chloé, Missoni, Loree Rodkin and Versace are among the myriad designers on display at Hirshleifer's as well, and flirtatious Pucci gowns, sultry day-glow Loboutin cork platforms and bags by Balenciaga in vibrant neons are among the season's collection. A new addition to the store is the Hirshleifer's Shoe Boutique, where coveted designers like Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Lanvin and Christian Louboutain are displayed on sleek chrome and glass shelves. A fiberglass optic light sculpture hangs from a soaring atrium and eco-friendly fjord stones serve as seating.

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Hampton Style Archive