Joining GofG and Curbed at Saturday's MTK Endless Summer bash, Soludos founder Nick Brown gave us some insight into his Hamptons favorites, the perfect summer cocktail, and, of course, how to achieve effortlessly chic summer style.
Full name: Nick Brown Current occupation: Soludos
Tell us a little bit about the brand:
We launched Soludos this May in select retailers in NY and LA so it has been one crazy summer! Soludos are inspired by the classic jute soled espadrille shoes that I grew up wearing that have been sold in the markets and on the beaches of Europe for centuries. We updated the traditional patterns and quality but at 24 and 28 dollars they are the perfect summertime shoe.
So, about the Hamptons...
Favorite Hampton: Amagansett, it’s the best of both worlds, Ditch Planes and the beaches of Montauk are a short drive away and the shops/ restaurants of East Hampton town are just around the corner.
Best Hamptons meal: After a long lazy day on the beach, a fresh juicy lobster roll from the Seafood Shop in Wainscott hits the spot every time.
Favorite summer cocktail: A Dark and Stormy at the Surf Lodge.
#1 summer style staple: Well I am obviously biased but Soludos and the summer are pretty good. They are a great substitute for sandals for the beach, the city and everywhere in between.
Whats the ultimate summer look for a woman from head to toe?
To me, the summer is all about easy relaxed clothing that can take you from that chill day that seamlessly turns into a crazy night. I saw a waitress at Sunset Beach wearing a simple blue linen dress, brown leather belt and Soludos. It was effortless and stunning.
In your opinion, what are some of the best shops in the Hamptons?
We've been super lucky to work with and meet the cool people behind the best stores in the Hamptons, each with a unique and very considered selection of products and brands. In just one summer Jesse [Warren] and Greg [Buntain] over at Tenet in Southampton [91 Main Street] have established a true destination store. Steven Alan in East Hampton [52 Newtown Lane] hosted us for a Summer party in July and have been selling Soludos like hot cakes. We love the folks at Steven Alan. Tauk in Montauk embodies the eclectic style of its owner Stacy and is one awesome store. The Sunset Beach boutique has been fantastic for us as well and there is nothing you wouldn't want to take home with you. You should stop by and say hello to all of them.
Favorite summer brands, specifically for Hamptons style:
Olasul board shorts: a colorful, confident yet refined design of board shorts from Peru. You truly owe it yourself to check out Olasul.
RetroSuperFuture Sunglasses: I think the name says it all.
[Photos via Olasul and RetroSuperFuture]
Whats on your summer playlist?
Funny you ask cause, with the help of Downtown Music and RCRD_LBL we created a summer compilation featuring some of the coolest up and coming artists of the moment including: The Drums, Mishka, The Like and White Denim. You can download the album for free on our website. Stick it on your ipod and enjoy it on the beach.
The perfect day in the Hamptons would include...
An afternoon barbeque amongst friends with copious amounts of vino, steak and good tunes, a little backgammon, a siesta, a swim in the ocean (the perfect cure), a ferry ride out to the North Fork for sunset (where we shot our photoshoot), dinner at Crow's Nest, drinks at Surf Lodge, a drive to the beach and a skinny dip in the ocean under the moonlight to cap it off. Yes please.
What are you wearing right now (and we mean this in the least creepy way possible..)?
A big grin, as I'm driving out East in the morning.
How do you plan to spend the last couple weeks of summer?
Last weeks of summer?? Sadly work has me heading down to Sydney and Capetown to launch Soludos in the southern hemispheres summer, after that Brazil - but just for fun.
Visit the Soludos website for more information, and check out some shots below from their recent photoshoot at Sunset Beach!