Curating Connections: Inside Vanessa Gordon’s First Collab with LDV at The Maidstone

Photo Credit: Alena Kostromina

When Vanessa Gordon invites you to a luncheon: you say yes. Not just because she knows how to throw a party (she does), but because she knows some of the most interesting and inspiring people on the East End.

The first collaboration with LDV at the Maidstone Hotel was an elevated experience from Vanessa Gordon that felt like the start of something special. She is just about as ‘Hamptons’ (adj. meaning chic) as the Maidstone Hotel. I call her the Hamptons Catalyst for Connection, and I can’t wait to see future collaborations!

What makes Vanessa excel as a hostess is that she considers everything, from details to design. Sure, she works the room like a foreign dignitary and makes every guest feel special (if she invited you, you are). But it’s more than that. There is a tremendous level of attention to detail and care that she works hard to keep unseen.

If you don’t know LDV at the Maidstone Hotel, it’s the quintessence of East Hampton. I overheard Vanessa describe the space as, “one of those hidden sanctuaries where the outside world melts away.” When she speaks like that, you can tell she is a writer. And, I couldn’t say it better than that. From the valet (an often overlooked, but essential luxury), to the craft cocktails (freely flowing), to the food (more on that later)…I live here and it felt like vacation!

The crown jewel of the event – or, should I say, gold standard (?) – was easily the simply stunning unveiling of Sara Shala’s new Fashion Line. Instantly recognizable and iconic, the brand’s minimalist aesthetics incorporate texture and detail with striking architectural elements. Like the designer, the jewelry is timelessly beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated.

Everybody looked incredible, which was unsurprising given the gorgeous guest list, which featured Linsey Davis, Matin Maulawizada, Kizzy Knight, Adriana Castro, Erika Katz, Sara Shala, Kim Rosario, Alexander Mason Hankin, Annabelle DeGrazio, Angelina Harron, Devanshi Garg Sareen, and Elizabeth Kurpis, just to name a few.

(I know Vanessa was hosting, but let’s give those dresses some shine! I love the late August aesthetic in the Hamptons she modeled—we’re a little done with white and ready for some colors!)

As a writer, I’m so lucky to know Vanessa. Events like this and her Interactive Brunch are invaluable in meeting interesting people to profile for Hamptons.com. Come Fall, I’ll have a loaded lineup of Hamptons entrepreneurs, authors, artists, lawyers, actors, organizers, and estheticians!

Proof of Vanessa’s impressive ability to curate special experiences, for me, was all the fascinating (and of course, beautiful) people seated near me! Judging by the subtle sounds of laughter and rapt conversation all around the courtyard, I’m sure I would have felt the same way anywhere I sat.

Still, I know Vanessa doesn’t leave the connection up to chance, “I am honored to have had the opportunity to join forces with LDV Hospitality at the Maidstone to celebrate the closing of the summer season in the Hamptons,” expresses Gordon. “The Maidstone is a property that is near and dear to me and in my own hometown. The quintessential beauty and landscape is exactly what I look to for that perfect blend of luxury and escape amongst the bustling summer crowd. I am elated to have the opportunity to continue this partnership with LDV at The Maidstone and spearhead more events in the foreseeable future!”

Of course, the food was fantastic—this is East Ends Taste, after all. The luncheon menu, developed by The Maidstone Hotel, featured summer favorites such as the Yellowtail Crudo, Grilled Peaches, Cacio e Pepe Cappellacci, and Branzino, just to name a few. Chef Jorge Espinoza executed the dishes.

The cocktail menu was crafted by Giacomo Ellena, Director of Bars for LDV Hospitality. And I’m super glad that Great Jones Distillery is back in the Hamptons (shoutout to their brilliant, and beautiful, head distiller Celina Perez!)

Vanessa is no stranger to hosting and curating interactive experiences, especially when it is lunch-related. Of course, there were the in-demand Hamptons photographers (Hi Alena Kostromina), but there was also a real-life Polaroid camera to make it extra special! Speaking of extra special, who doesn’t want to be part of an intimate garden-side interview with Tania Rubis.

I was a big fan of Adriana Castro’s impossibly charming design-your-own-custom-fans with stitched designs just for you. Speaking of Adriana, the visionary ‘slow luxury’ designer’s iconic homeware line was an instant conversation starter. Also, JSYK, Adriana’s current Hamptons pop up ‘La Costa’ is open at Capri Hotel until after Columbus Day!

In the Hamptons, the little luxuries go a long way, like when you find your seat with a hand-poured candle custom engraved with my name on the side by TAJA Collection. That’s a nice touch, and I now have my eponymous candle here at my desk. It smells great, btw.