For celebrity stylist turned global fashion mogul Rachel Zoe, the Hamptons is not merely a trendy geographical retreat; it is a lifelong sanctuary, a place of profound emotional resonance, and a vital thread in the very fabric of her identity. Having spent every single summer of her life on the East End of Long Island, Zoe is a true Hamptonite at heart, and her signature aesthetic perfectly mirrors the breezy, upscale elegance of this legendary oceanfront enclave. When asked to define her daily summer style, she enthusiastically confesses to living in “caftans all day, every day!” This effortless approach to high-end glamour translates into a gorgeous wardrobe consisting of one-shoulder gowns, vintage Halston treasures, and flowing Yves Saint Laurent silk dresses, all effortlessly paired with classic espadrilles, cork wedges, wide-brimmed sun hats, and her trademark oversized sunglasses. Over her fifty-four years, the fashion icon and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has walked almost every inch of the South Fork’s beautiful, sun-drenched coastline. Her seasonal journey began in the quiet, windswept dunes of Amagansett, eventually migrating through prestigious neighborhoods like East Hampton, Sagaponack, and Water Mill. In her youth, she always stayed under her parents’ roof, but as her own family grew to include her beloved sons, Skyler, now fifteen, and Kaius, now twelve—whom she shares with her ex-husband Rodger Berman—she began renting her own private summer estates. Zoe is quick to point out that despite living in sunny Los Angeles with its coastlines and ocean views, there is an irreplaceable magic to the East Coast. The crisp morning air, the historic weathered shingles, and the sheer nostalgia of a Hamptons summer possess a unique allure that West Coast beaches simply cannot replicate, making her return each season an absolute necessity for her head and her heart.
When Zoe unplugs from her hectic, fast-paced life in the fashion industry, her Hamptons itinerary prioritizes deep personal connection, acts of sisterhood, and the absolute thrill of finding hidden sartorial treasures. One of her first stops upon arriving on the East End is visiting the boutique of one of her dearest friends, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, the creative force behind the highly coveted bohemian-chic brand LoveShackFancy. Zoe jumps at any opportunity to support her close friend, confessing a deep obsession with the line’s signature lacy summer dresses and matching two-piece sets that capture the romantic, vintage-inspired essence of East Coast living. Yet, her summer routine is as much about restoring her inner peace as it is about refreshing her wardrobe. To achieve true relaxation, she carves out dedicated time for a spa day at Naturopathica on Montauk Highway in East Hampton. Sharing this quiet, therapeutic escape with her mother and sister is a non-negotiable yearly ritual, allowing three generations of women to slow down, enjoy soothing massages, and laugh together away from the demands of daily life. The indulgence continues with her passion for curation and vintage hunting. Zoe never misses a trip to her favorite local vintage shop, which she credits as the ultimate source for timeless fashion treasures. Run by incredibly sweet owners who treat her like family, this curated boutique is a goldmine where she searches for rare vintage Chanel and Hermès bags. Zoe admits she never leaves empty-handed, always finding an iconic piece of fashion history to bring home, proving that even on vacation, her legendary stylist’s eye is always active, inspired, and searching for the extraordinary.
No traditional summer on the South Fork would be complete without highlighting the rich culinary and viticultural tapestry of the region, and for Rachel Zoe, that experience begins and ends with the majestic Wölffer Estate Vineyard. The estate’s highly celebrated “Summer in a Bottle” sauvignon blanc and rosé are constant fixtures on her table, flowing freely at backyard gatherings and serving as her go-to gift of choice for friends all year round. Beyond the exceptional wines, the vineyard serves as a vibrant, multi-generational community hub where Zoe seamlessly blends her sophisticated social life with her role as a devoted mother. Every Friday night, she takes her teenage boys, Skyler and Kaius, to the beautiful under-the-radar Wölffer Wine Stand. Against the backdrop of endless green vines glowing in the soft amber light of sunset, they gather on blankets to enjoy live music, fresh local air, and a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. While Zoe sips on a chilled glass of local vintage and chats with close friends, her boys get to experience the wholesome, timeless joy of an East Coast evening under the stars. It is this unique combination of world-class winemaking, family-friendly vibes, and casual outdoor entertainment that perfectly embodies the spirit of her summers. The vineyard acts as a bridge between her public persona as a high-society tastemaker and her private reality as a mother who wants nothing more than to create simple, lasting memories for her children before they stand on the edge of adulthood.
Dining in the Hamptons is a deeply sensory, theatrical experience that Zoe approaches with joy, prioritizing waterfront views, family-style feasting, and places where her active boys can play freely in nature. For a long, lazy lunch or an early evening dinner that immediately transports her to the French Riviera, she frequents Duryea’s in Montauk, a stunning waterfront restaurant on Fort Pond Bay where the atmosphere is as spectacular as the seafood. Here, her sons love to run out onto the wood docks and scramble over the coastal rocks while waiting for their meals, while Zoe relaxes with a fresh, massive lobster Cobb salad, seasoned branzino, and a crisp, chilled glass of rosé that instantly brings back memories of Saint-Tropez. Further east in Montauk, Zoe has established a sacred birthday tradition at the bohemian sanctuary known as Crow’s Nest. Every year, right before the family packs up to return to the West Coast, Zoe celebrates her birthday overlooking the sweeping views of Lake Montauk at this iconic establishment. Even as they grow older, her sons have not outgrown the simple, pure joy of rolling down the restaurant’s signature grassy hill and searching for crabs on the shore. Beginning her evening with a cold, elegant glass of Sancerre, Zoe and her loved ones indulge in an exceptional feast of mezze platters, roasted carrots, beet salads, and warm pasta, creating a delicious annual ritual that nourishes both the body and the soul.
While casual beach days are a necessity for her mental health, Zoe’s glamorous instincts naturally take center stage during the Hamptons’ bustling summer social calendar, which is packed with exclusive galas, art openings, and her own legendary backyard dinner parties. When she needs a quick beauty touch-up or has a high-profile evening event to attend, her absolute go-to destination is the legendary Warren Tricomi salon. Under their expert care, she is able to sit back, relax, and let the professionals refine her iconic signature waves, ensuring she looks effortlessly polished and camera-ready. When she shifts from guest to host at her own summer home, Zoe ensures that every single detail is styled to perfection, relying heavily on the exquisite, wild floral creations of the Sag Harbor Florist. No dinner party or private event she throws on the East End is complete without their breathtaking arrangements, which perfectly capture the romantic, untamed beauty of the local landscape. For those extra special evening dinners, she books a coveted outdoor table at Le Bilboquet, situated on the lively marina in Sag Harbor. Sitting outside, watching the elegant boats and yachts bob gently in the harbor while dining on her favorite dishes—seared salmon, crisp salads, and warm artichoke—Zoe gets to experience the very peak of Hamptons sophistication under the evening stars.
As the sun begins to set on another perfect summer day, Zoe loves to balance the high-end glitz of the region with small, heartfelt moments of pure nostalgia and simple pleasures. A typical late afternoon often finds her driving her boys to the iconic, retro Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton for a sweet reward. While Zoe grabs her much-needed afternoon caffeine boost, her children enthusiastically pick out post-beach sweet treats, with the creamy, seasonal scoop of peach ice cream remaining the absolute family favorite. This humble, cash-only diner keeps her grounded, serving as a sweet reminder that the very best parts of summer are often the simplest and most traditional. However, once the kids are tucked into bed and the night is still young, Zoe isn’t afraid to embrace her fun-loving side. To end her favorite summer nights on a high note, she loves to head to Mary Lou’s in Montauk, dancing the night away until 2:00 a.m. in a carefree celebration of good music, great friends, and late-night energy. It is this beautiful, harmonious duality—the quiet mother-son moments over ice cream contrasting with late-night dancing under the disco lights—that makes the Hamptons Zoe’s ultimate happy place. Her seasonal guide is far more than a checklist of hot spots; it is a warm, deeply personal love letter to a coastal paradise that has shaped her identity, nurtured her relationships, and continues to offer her a beautiful sanctuary of memories to cherish forever.
