The idea to launch a completely online magazine focused on the Hamptons was a novel concept a decade ago. It was a time when Google was not yet a search giant, Facebook was a little known dorm room project, and smartphones didn’t exist except for in the imagination of Steve Jobs. With the simple mission to help our readers “enjoy life more” we set out to share the best of the East End and celebrate the amazing people and places that make this region so special. It was there in the Southampton office of web design and development company Hamptons Online that Hamptons.com was born.
Ten years later, Hamptons.com has grown into a destination for millions of web surfers aspiring to the luxurious and multifaceted way of life which we, as year-round residents and summer visitors alike, all know and love. Packed with photos and features that shine a light on the people, places, and things that make the Hamptons so vibrant each day is an editorial journey that furthers our goal. Every page is packed with resourceful and entertaining content intended to delight and inform.
It was to celebrate the event of Hamptons.com’s 10th anniversary on a near-perfect summer evening that nearly 600 guests filled ArtHamptons cavernous tent to the rafters. Glasses filled with smooth Star Vodka, local Southampton Publick House brews, wines by Sequoia Grove, and Xante liqueur were raised by well wishers including past and current contributors including real estate guru John Viteritti, wickedly witty TJ Clemente, and photographer Sam Rivers as well as noted artist Emilia Kabakov. Esquire Networks’ “Lucky Bastards” castmates and friends Charles Ferri, Lorenzo Borghese, and Rocco Cafferli greeted fans at Charles’ Star Vodka bar. ArtHamptons’ own Rick Friedman and Cindy Lou Wakefield dropped by as did Guild Hall’s Ruth Appelhoff, Steve Haweeli and Nicole Starr Castillo of WordHampton, Daria Deshuk, noted writer and Hamptons real estate expert Michael Braverman, and stylist to the stars Montgomery Frazier.
Also in the mix to celebrate were Jonathan Smith of Sotheby’s International Realty, gallerist Tulla Booth, Marie Ann Mordeno, Christine Intrabartolo, portrait photographer Lucille Khornak, Dr. Fred Levine, Barbra Frerichs of Mosquito Squad, Cheryl Frazer, long-time friend to Hamptons.com Edward Callaghan, and the list goes on and on. A thank you goes out to Hamptons vet Dr. Cindy Bressler who brought a special treat, Hamptons.com logo sugar cookies for our guests to enjoy during the party.
To the delight of all, guests went home with a Hamptons.com logo bag loaded with goodies from L’Oreal Paris, Captains Neck & Co, Salon Grafix, Pretzel Crisps, Anthony Logistics, The Maidstone, Poppin, Devries, Aquahydrate, and a limited edition Hamptons.com logo t-shirt. What’s a party without an after party? To keep the festivities rolling into the night guests headed over to Antonio Fuccio’s chic Georgica Restaurant & Lounge for special cocktails and dancing.
It is my pleasure and honor to steer this ship these many years as Executive Editor & Publisher with a truly exceptional team including our Managing Partner Joseph Kazickas, Deputy Editor Nicole Barylski, Hamptons Online Web Designer extraordinaire Mike Goodsell, our many contributors and editorial assistants, our tireless sales team of Multimedia Sales Manager and Senior Contributing Editor Douglas MacKaye Harrington and Senior Multimedia Sales Executive Michele Steudte, and our Hamptons Online team of Bruce Fletcher, Mary Wilson, and Katrina Lovett. It is to these creative and talented individuals to whom I raise my glass and wish us all a wonderful decade ahead. Cheers!