Letters

On September 5, a mostly mysterious event was rumored to take place in our neighborhood. We had been dreading the final outcome ever since its construction commenced in early August.

Over the past six weeks, we’ve been witness to this massive pop-up-tent-event complex being erected on Khalily Stables grounds. It’s a luxury equestrian estate. There was no advance notice. The workers gave only vague replies. The rumors were that it might be a political event, or maybe a fashion event. Strangely, it turns out it was both.

Here’s the question: In what world is it possible that a permit for such a massive event, which includes four towering air conditioned tents, some as long, one longer, than a football field, let alone the four weeks of construction chaos and noise — the air hammers, earth moving equipment, towering forklifts, electric generators, air conditioners, etc. — was approved by the Town of Southampton?

How is that possible? Legal? Unless … you know.

Town Code on events states in part: [Permission will be denied if] “The event will disturb the public peace and good order of the Town or adversely affect the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties …”

Well, welcome to the quite powerful world of Ralph Lauren.

Women’s Wear Daily Digital seductively kept it all on the DL.

“EXCLUSIVE: Ralph Lauren Returning to the Runway Sept. 5.

The American designer will be showing someplace near and dear.”

— July 1, 2024

HYPERBEAST dangled the secret news to amp readership.

“The designer [Ralph Lauren] has not yet revealed the official location for the event, but stay tuned to Hyperbeast for updates.”

— July 1, 2024

The New York Times put it kindly after all was said and done.

Fashion review:

“How Ralph Lauren Got Jill Biden to the Hamptons”

The designer held a show on Long Island and built a dream world as a backdrop — September 6, 2024

“Ralph Hampton (Mr. Lauren has a home in Montauk) was merely the latest, most extreme iteration: more than 100 looks from his Purple Label and Polo lines a …”

“The problem is, at a time when the stakes of the outside world feel increasingly urgent, and the question is how to dress for the moment, ultimately what that served was not burgers and local wines, but disconnection.”

I’m happy for Ralph, really. He’s got a great personal story and I admit to owning his beautifully designed and crafted clothing. But I’d prefer he stay out of our backyards.

So much for a peaceful end to a beautiful summer that used to be our Hamptons.

Peter Zamiska

Bridgehampton