KDHamptons Diary With Philanthropist, Psychoanalyst, and Uber Mom Robin Meltzer Of Southampton!
Southamptonite Robin Meltzer is a busy lady! A practicing psychoanalyst, mom, wife, philanthropist, and Chair of the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala makes for a packed summer schedule, but KDHamptons managed to sit down with this wonder woman to chat about family, home, the Hamptons and what inspires her to give back….
KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much? Do you come out all year round?
Robin Meltzer: We started coming to the Hamptons about 20 years ago when our kids were young [My oldest, Justin, was 10 and twins, Martin and Lizzie, were 5] because we realized all of their friends were here – not in Connecticut where we had spent the previous summers. Instantly, all of us were hooked! The beaches are beautiful and the relaxed lifestyle even better. Since the kids are grown now, my husband, Roger, and I come out all year round to our Southampton home and enjoy the unique beauty of each season.
KDHamptons: How long have you been married?
Robin Meltzer: I married my husband, Roger, in my early 20s, and we have three great~ now adult~ kids [Justin, and twins, Martin and Lizzie] From the start, I have either been in graduate school or in private practice as a psychoanalyst in New York City. In fact, I earned my PhD from NYU when Justin was a zesty, mischievous 4-year old running around the apartment. By the way, his brother followed his lead in the mischief making. During those years, I was involved in several philanthropic endeavors like the Mount Sinai Hospital and the Board of Trustees for the Yeshiva Ferkhauf Graduate School of Psychology, to name a few.
KDHamptons: How would you describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?
Robin Meltzer: Our home has a Mediterranean exterior and the interior is classic Hampton style, but with a fresh twist. It is a house designed to be lived in with comfort and ease. Actually, the minute we saw this house, we both loved it! It had great grounds and beautiful light in every room. I think every five years or so we do a major project to either enhance and/or update the house. My husband particularly loves the work of creating a lush landscape. Soothing colors like sand and pearl grays with lime accents fill the living room and downstairs areas, alongside our adorable dogs!
KDHamptons: You have fantastic personal style….describe your Hamptons look for our readers?
Robin Meltzer: To me, the Hamptons are all about being casual. During the day, it is either Lulu Lemon workout clothes, or beach wear. At night, it is J Brand jeans in all the fabulous summer colors and scarf print tops. My daughter, Lizzie [pictured below], who works at Conde Nast, is my fashion advisor and keeps me in the know with new designers like Mary Kantrantzou, Preen and Michael Van Der Ham.
KDHamptons: Do you have a favorite Hamptons restaurant? What is the dish and drink you get every time?
Robin Meltzer: Tutto il Giorno in Southampton. My whole family loves it and everything is delicious. The fresh fish like branzino and the roasted chicken are excellent every time. I love consistency! And Prosecco is the drink of choice for summer meals.
KDHamptons: Share what your “perfect day” would look like?
Robin Meltzer: If I could be in my own movie it would be something like this….Roger and I head down to Flying Point Beach in the morning with coffee and the newspaper – then off to exercise – either spin class, a long walk or Pilates. Lunch at home, somewhere around 2pm in the afternoon because, by that time, everyone has wandered back from their various activities. In the late part of the day, reading and relaxing are most appealing. Evenings are usually spent with friends – movies and dinner. We try to have dinners either at my home or our friends – it is much less hectic that way. Then, hopefully, start it all over again the next day!
KDHamptons: What is the greatest part about your job? If you could snap your fingers and instantly have another career~ what would be your dream job?
Robin Meltzer: I love the work I do. As a psychoanalyst, I am able to meet people of various ages and help them face the challenges they experience in their lives. I feel fortunate to be in a field that is both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
….If I could have a dream job? I would probably wish to have the talent to be an artist or a dancer.
KDHamptons: We heard you will serve as the 2012 Gala Chair at this year’s Rita Hayworth Gala on October 23, which supports the Alzheimer’s Association. That is quite an honor and a big role to take on…How did you get involved?
Robin Meltzer: I first became involved with the Rita Hayworth Gala Committee because my mother has suffered with Alzheimer’s for the last seven years. At this point, she is in the late stages of the disease with no recognition of who she is, where she is, and a complete inability to perform self-care functions. She exists as a physical being, without personality or soul. My mother-in-law also now suffers with Alzheimer’s. It is a disease without a cure, but we hope to change that.
KDHamptons: What is the next big event you will be attending in the Hamptons? Decided on your dress yet?
Robin Meltzer: The event that looms the largest is the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala Kick-off Cocktail Party that my husband and I are hosting in July at our home. I wish I knew what I was wearing. I think I will have to check out some stores like Reed Krakoff in the City and Gail Rothwell in East Hampton. I need inspiration! [Perhaps friend Nina Garcia of Project Runway, below, will offer some style advice?]
KDHamptons: What is your best kept secret about the Hamptons?
Robin Meltzer: There are no secrets anymore about the Hamptons. Now, everybody knows everything. This is not going to be a secret, but what we love to do is pop in to the old haunts in Southampton like the Fudge Factory, Schmidt’s and Book Hampton to browse the new titles.
KDHamptons: Which is your favorite season in the Hamptons and why?
Robin Meltzer: The Hamptons are so fantastic all year round, it’s impossible to limit my favorite season to just one!
KDHamptons: If you could have anyone at your Hamptons dinner party [dead or alive] who would you invite?
Robin Meltzer: Oh gosh – What a question! I guess it would be a great creative force in the field of art –like Picasso.
KDHamptons: How do you “do it all” ? …work, husband, family…share a couple tips for busy reader?
Robin Meltzer: Honestly, sometimes I am extremely well organized, which is the key to accomplishing multiple tasks, and other times not so much. Also, focus is important in juggling many things in one day.
Fore more information on the Alzheimer’s Association and Rita Hayworth Gala: The 29th annual Alzheimer’s Association’s New York Rita Hayworth Gala will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 in New York City. The event will embody the glamour of Rita Hayworth while also shining a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease. Since the inaugural Rita Hayworth Gala in New York nearly three decades ago, the events have raised more than $54 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s critical care and research programs. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Gala as a tribute to her mother, Rita Hayworth, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years before her death in 1987.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. A world without Alzheimer’s. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900. To learn more about the event, (212) 843-1712 or alz@hgnyc.com