KDHamptons

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

Somers Farkas: I am a Virginian, born on Chesapeake Bay, and am a “country girl” at heart! I’ve been coming out to Long Island for almost 20 years, and am immediately reminded of days on the farm, and skiing, crabbing and sailing on the bay. We continue coming out throughout the year, though not as consistently as in the summer — the country is just as beautiful blanketed in snow as it is in sunshine. And, even in the winter, you can still get the best produce on the East Coast!

KDH: Describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?
SF:  I have always enjoyed the proverbial “wasted space”, and our home on Long Island is no different! Lots of light and open spaces, with high ceilings and bare floors. My husband has chosen the art, and we mix his modern tastes with my more traditional – Hockney meets Hepplewhite.

KDH: Personal style: do you have a Hamptons “uniform”? Which designers do you wear the most?
SF: I am guilty of a bad habit: sunbathing! And my day uniform in the summer is typically a bathing suit, Calypso wrap or fantastic caftan by Mark and James, Naeem Khan, or Mr. Blass. My evening uniform is more “formal”, and always paired with Jack Rogers sandals or Manolo Blahnik mules.

KDH: What is your favorite restaurant in the Hamptons?

SF: If not eating the BEST steamed shrimp from Mr. Schmidt at home, my favorite restaurant is SHIPPY’S, in Southampton. Not only does it serve the most delicious steaks and lobster, but the people there are fantastic, and the booths cozy on a chilly fall night; the service too is impeccable and the ambiance comforting. My favorite dish is shrimp cocktail, with extra red cabbage and a very dry martini!

KDH: Describe your perfect day in detail for KDH readers..
SF: As any denizen “of the city that never sleeps can affirm,” days are consistently committed, so, my perfect day is a LAZY one! I prefer to wake @ 7:00, complete a six mile run, shower, breakfast and newspapers with my husband….then outside for solitude and sunshine! Swimming and tennis in the afternoon…nap…then out for a cocktail and dinner with friends or a politician.

KDH: You come from a well-known philanthropic family, what are some of the causes you work with? What are the causes in the Hamptons you are closest to?
SF: Because there are many noble causes to support, I primarily work with those whose mission resonates with my family and me. In Virginia, the family foundation supports organizations that protect the Tidewater peninsula and her families; nationally, I work with Lighthouse International, an organization dedicated to fighting vision loss; am active with the ASPCA, and on the board of The New York Women’s Foundation and of course the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala. On a more local level, I believe the Southampton Hospital, Group for the East End, and North Shore Animal League are three organizations which are vital to the health and protection of Long Island and to its people, animals and eco-system.

KDH: You will be receiving the Rita Hayworth Award this fall at the Rita Hayworth Gala on October 25th, which supports the Alzheimer’s Association. The award was first given to Catherine Deneuve and subsequent recipients have included Eunice Shriver, Nancy Reagan, Lily Safra and Maria Shriver. Those are some impressive ladies! What does it mean to you to be honored?
SF: I am humbled, and consider it a tremendous privilege to receive an award in memory of Yasi’s Mother. As with all honors, the recipient MUST continue to merit the praise throughout her whole life. This year’s Gala is not only a celebration of Hollywood’s timeless glamour, but, more importantly, it is a night to call attention to the research and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in America. With acceptance of the 2011 honoree, I am committing myself to help further the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

KDH: In addition to being an honoree, you have also chaired many dinners; what advice would you give future honorees and chairmen?
SF: Life is what you make of it. Though you will often encounter abundance, remember there are others who are in need. Consider yourself blessed; check your arrogance, find something good in others, keep your promises and be as generous as you can be…and ALWAYS behave like a lady or a gentleman.

KDH: What is your best kept secret about the Hamptons?
SF: Now if I told, it wouldn’t be a secret! (though, if I were to tattle I’d whisper about the extraordinary cultural community: Bay Street Theater, the Parrish Museum, Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, Guild Hall, LongHouse Reserve, The Dan Flavin Art Institute, Art Barge and the numerous museums and artists studio tucked away on the back roads).

KDH: What are your plans for the holidays? Travel or staying out East?
SF: Many friends spend enviable holidays with their families out East, in the crisp fall weather; watching the leaves turn, picking pumpkins from road side, enjoying jazz evenings at Wolffer Estate Vineyard or touring Channing Daughters Winery. We however, will spend our holidays with my family in Virginia and Florida.

KDH: Which is your favorite season in the Hamptons and why?
SF: The Hamptons are so fantastic all year round, it’s impossible to limit my favorite season to just one! The summer is divine because of the warmth of the sun and many friends who remain for the season; the fall is spectacular because of the sheer beauty of the land and ocean; the winter too is noble, as others hibernate and the “true souls” marvel in a winter wonderland or cozy nights with friends around a fire (or tucked in an booth at SHIPPY’S!); and the spring..well…LOVE is always in the air!

KDH: If you could have anyone at your Hamptons dinner party (dead or alive) who would you invite?
SF: Daddy died 25 years ago, and it is he whom I’d embrace more than all others.

*For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association and Rita Hayworth Gala: The 28th annual Alzheimer’s Association’s New York Rita Hayworth Gala will be held Tuesday, October 25th in New York City. The theme, “Hollywood Glamour,” will embody the glamour of Rita Hayworth while also shining a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease. 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. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900.