On July 19th, the Parrish Art Museum will host one of this summer’s most anticipated soiree, drawing artists, aficionados, and acolytes to an otherworldly event. This special evening will honor Stephen and Sandy Perlbinder, philanthropists and art world patrons who have dedicated over five decades to curating an influential collection of modern and contemporary art.


Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder.

This visionary affair will also fête contemporary artists Sanford Biggers, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Nina Yankowitz, whose innovative contributions embody the excellence celebrated and supported by our vibrant creative community.


Dorothy Lichtenstein and Clifford Ross.
Roberta Amon, Douglas Baxter, Ross Bleckner, and Denise LeFrak.
Eric Fischl, Milly Glimcher, Arnold Glimcher, Slavka Glaser, and Slavka Glaser.

What began as Samuel Longstreth Parrish‘s vision to house his collection of Italian Renaissance Art has evolved into one of the most dynamic centers in the field, now prominently emphasizing and celebrating the long creative legacy of Eastern Long Island.


Samuel Longstreth Parrish.

1891: Parrish (top row, middle) along with fellow Southampton patrons founded the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
1891: Parrish (top row, middle) along with fellow Southampton patrons founded the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

Historically, the East End proved a powerful draw for artists, who sought refuge and inspiration in its distinctive light, pure air, and — in those early days — affordable land.



The Parrish has been a hub for one of the most concentrated creative communities since its founding in 1898.   Today’s home was designed by the internationally acclaimed firm of Herzog & de Meuron. The building is integrated into the landscape and suggests the origins of the artistic and agricultural communities who settled here.



Now, chairs Charlotte Lucas Pilaro and Afterglow Party chair Laurence Milstein, along with Host Committee members Elizabeth and David Granville-Smith, Alexandra Stanton, Yanina Fuertes, and Frederic M. Seegal, are launching the event into a new galaxy. Their “Echos of the Cosmos” fete will propel attendees to a heavenly experience.


Image Description: Emily Onkey
Emily Onkey.
Image Description: Yasmine Higbee
Yasmine Higbee.

L. to r.: Elizabeth Kurpis; Elise Taylor.


Separate fashion pieces are very much in vogue right now and an excursion to Saks.com presented a chic collection to wear together or apart, all summer long and into the fall.  Imagine any of the skirts with a crisp white shirt, and the tops with a sleek pair of white pants or jeans.  Separates are ready-made for travel, as they multiply your choices for pairing. We added some dazzle with a Lele Sadoui embellished headband and star studded earrings.



A word about headbands: Headbands can be the summer answer to “what to do with my hair?” The decorative styles from Lele Sadough and other designers, the bands become an accessory to enhance your ensemble. Put your hair in a low ponytail and add one to your crown or wear your hair long and pull the crown back with a band. There are so many ways to enhance your hair’s style.

Ashley Copeland, Veronica Atkins, Laura Lofaro Freeman, and Maryanne Horwath.
L. to r.: Mary Frank and Terrie Sultan; Roberta Mastromichele and Matt Dillon.

Hilary also recommends pretty, shining things. “Echoes of the Cosmos” made me think of stars sparkling in the midnight blue of the skies above. I turned to Mytheresa.com to find pieces that would evoke that feeling and found many options. Gold, Silver and Navy blue, all will shimmer at this special event.”



Image Description: Lilah Ramzi, Larry Milstein
Lilah Ramzi and Larry Milstein.

Sophia Elghanayan, Darren McNerney, Alessandro Ford-Rippolone, and Carlin Smith.
Sophia Elghanayan, Darren McNerney, Alessandro Ford-Rippolone, and Carlin Smith.

Expect galactic energy at the Afterglow Party as the dance floor ignites with vibrant young attendees, setting the entire tent abuzz with excitement.


Maximilian Eicke, Irina Eicke, Stefania Rousselle, Kathryn Kerns, Casey Kohlberg, Lizzie Asher, Anthony DeWitt, and Alexandra Paul Zotov.
Maximilian Eicke, Irina Eicke, Stefania Rousselle, Kathryn Kerns, Casey Kohlberg, Lizzie Asher, Anthony DeWitt, and Alexandra Paul Zotov.
Skye Ostreicher, Brandon Singer, Amanda Shane, and Anthony Moreno Robledo.
Skye Ostreicher, Brandon Singer, Amanda Shane, and Anthony Moreno Robledo.
Miss Claire Sullivan and Tourmaline.
Miss Claire Sullivan and Tourmaline.
Lizzie Asher.
Larry Milstein.
Kendall Werts
Kendall Werts.
Angel & Dren.

So go ahead and join the celebration of the most highly anticipated benefit event! All funds raised during the Midsummer Gala support the Parrish’s education initiatives, exhibitions, and programs that energize the creative legacy of Long Island’s East End and beyond.



Photos & images courtesy of the Parrish Art Museum and the archives at New York Social Diary.
Hilary Dick and Karen Klopp of What2WearWhere.com. They take the guesswork out of dressing, the legwork out of shopping, and the panic out of packing.©

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