Amagansett resident, Laura Lobdell, has a talent for finding everyday objects and transforming them into covetable jewelry. She uses pieces that celebrate the beauty of the Hamptons, such as seashells, champagne bottle caps, lobster claws, surf bracelets, and even a guest list cuff.  Laura tells KDH, “As an artist, I love making things – my jewelry collections are an extension of that. Many of my pieces are inspired by time in the Hamptons; the Skipping Stone Necklace is from a stone I found on Shelter Island, the Lobster Claw by dinner at Duryea’s, and Old School Pull Tabs by a walk in through dunes in Montauk. The uniting theme in my work is making jewelry to celebrate every day – which the ‘Champers Ring’ says best” [below].

 

Our Montauk correspondent, Leyla Marchetto, catches up with Artist and Jewelry Designer Laura Lobdell to learn more about her inspirations & how she spends her summer in this NEW KDHamptons Fashion Diary:

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?

Laura Lobdell: The Hamptons have balanced my New York City life for over 15 years, since I was a student at School of Visual Arts.  Beach walks any time of year, especially in the quiet of winter, are such a great way for me to get a fresh perspective.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail!

Laura: Wake up to the sound of wind in the trees and brew a pot of tea for a walk to the beach, with sketchbook. On to some serious beach combing to collect driftwood and shells for current work, a series of mobiles.  Motivate to Hampton Chutney Company for a breakfast dosa, even though it’s lunchtime, with Cardomom Coffee.  Pack up the beach totes with books, magazines, grapes, Pellegrino, umbrella and Kadima paddles (which rarely get used) for the afternoon.  Refresh with an outdoor shower.  Champagne at sunset.  For dinner, a clam bake with friends finished by my S’mores recipe with Sea-Salted Dark Chocolate and grilled plums [see recipe in our Feast End section], then watch for shooting stars while waves meet the shore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Which of your items have been the biggest hit this summer?

Laura: “The Longitude & Gratitude Surf Bracelets, which come from experiencing nautical traditions on a sail from Sag Harbor to Montauk & Block Island,” says Laura.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Do you have a Hamptons “uniform”? Which designers or brands do you wear the most out East?

Laura: My uniform is a Jean Paul Gaultier bikini, light denim sundress, big as possible Tom’s sunglasses, Ralph Lauren straw hat tied with a silk scarf, and white tuxedo shirts tailored for me in Hong Kong, with sturdy leather sandals and a Champers ring [below]. Actually my summer obsession is a gift, a bright blue silk scarf called “Tous Les Bateaux du Monde” by Hermes with the words drawn as coral branch letters and every style of sail boat depicted [below].

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant, got a favorite dish & drink you get every time?

Laura: I adore Navy Beach for sunsets & rosé, crab cakes and chiso chili’s, and the wonderful people there, but since Leyla’s asking the questions I feel like a more impartial answer is required!  I can’t help but love Nick and Toni’s, their Dock to Dish calamari and oven roasted fish with a side of polenta fries is simply my addiction.  I usually start at the bar with a Wolffer rosé and olives (I like the bright green Sicilian ones best) or their crisp and cold Watermelon Martini.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Do you like to entertain at home? Who cooks? What’s your “go-to” dinner plan?

Laura: Fish on the bbq is a must-do and everyone helps. I bike up to Vicki’s for vegetables and to pick some fresh herbs.  A finely chopped mix of fresh herbs, with salt, lemon and olive accompanies the grilled fish. I love making dessert like crumbles with farm stand fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Please describe your Hamptons home and decorating style? Favorite item?

Laura: My home style is beach shack chic, mixing old and new paint [a coat of Farrow and Ball works wonders]. Tag sales are treasure hunts in the Hamptons.  This summer’s best booty is a stack of French Sailor plates from the 1930’s [above].

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Which new restaurant/hotspot are you excited to try this summer?

Laura: I love the new café at Parrish Museum by The Art of Eating.  The view across the field and into the vineyard behind Duckwalk winery is a beautiful place to relax.  Skipping the chocolate cake in a small soufflé dish topped by a fresh flower would be a mistake.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: If you could invite three people to your Hamptons home for dinner [dead or alive], who would you choose?

Laura: William Merritt Chase, the late 19th century painter and catalyst for bohemian life in Greenwich Village, traveled between the Hamptons and West 10th where his studio was and my store is (at 183 1/8 West 10th).  It would be fun to hear Chase and Eric Fischl discuss paintings and portraits. Edie Beale is great for style musings but she’s often booked, so hopefully April Gornik can join.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your little secret about the Hamptons?

Laura: Go high over Montauk, at Montauk Manor, before sunset, and have the bartender at Tre Bella make a batch of cocktails to take out to the lounge chairs overlooking the hill, Navy Beach, and Gardiner’s Bay. Chin Chin!

 

**To shop Laura’s jewelry go to lauralobdell.com