Memorial Day marks an eastward migration to the pools and
beaches of The Hamptons. Among the New Yorkers flocking out East to
Bridgehampton and Sagaponack is American designer and entrepreneur
Tory Burch.

Trading in American, bohemian-preppiness, New York-based
Tory Burch (and her eponymous brand) are synonymous
with this bucolic strip of coast.

From playing Words with Friends in the Hudson Valley to dining
on lobster rolls in East Hampton, Tory shows us around town.

When is the best time to visit?

Personally, off-season has always been my favourite time. It’s
quiet, serene and incredibly beautiful.

What’s the dress code?

Low-key and comfortable.

The best way to travel to The Hamptons is by…

Car. I love driving. I get to listen to my favourite music and
unwind. It’s nice to have total control of the playlist.

Where’s the best place to wake up?

Our house is kind of like a B&B – friends and family are
always coming and going, which is exactly how I want it to be. When
we run out of beds, I always recommend The Maidstone Inn in East
Hampton. A classic.

To workout?

Out East I prefer a round of tennis or an afternoon bike ride
rather than the gym. If the weather is bad, I’ll head to SoulCycle
in East Hampton.

And relax?

Reading on the beach until the sun sets.

Places that only the locals go to…

Round Swamp Farm is a great local produce stand and fish market.
It gets busy on Saturdays and Sundays, but it is worth the
wait.

Who does the best coffee in town?

Sant Ambroeus.

Where should we go for breakfast?

I am happiest with some fruit and toast on the back porch, but
my boys love everything from Schmidts Market & Produce.

How about for a long, lazy lunch?

Clamman in Southampton is perfect for a long lunch with fresh
shellfish in buckets.

How does travel inform your designs?

One of the first pieces I ever designed was inspired by a
vintage tunic I found at a flea market in Paris. It’s rare that my
travels don’t inspire our collections.

More recently, our spring 2019 collection was inspired by my
parents’ adventures. Every summer, they boarded a steamer ship and
spent six weeks abroad, seeing Italy, Greece, India or Morocco. The
collection reflects the casual glamour of the clothes they wore on
their trips.

How do you define your aesthetic?

Classic tomboy, through and through.

The Hampton’s best exports are…

Wine – there are some great vineyards on Long Island, but I’m
not sure how much makes it out…

Where should we go on a Sunday?

Take a day trip to Shelter Island.

For the best beaches head to…

You can’t go wrong with Cryder Beach, Halsey Neck Beach or
Wyandanch Beach.

Where can we go for a taste of the city?

Eleven Madison Park did a pop up called EMP Summer House that
was amazing. I hope they’re bringing it back this summer.

What’s one thing everyone from The Hamptons will tell you?

I’m not sure everyone agrees, but I always say don’t call it The
Hamptons.

Favourite shops…

I’ve always loved Monc XIII in Sag Harbor. They have the most
beautiful antique and vintage furniture. I saw an amazing 1960s-era
lamp there a few years ago that I wish I’d bought.

For a Hamptons alternative head to…

I love the Hudson Valley – it’s incredibly beautiful and full of
great galleries, like Storm King Art Center.

How should we spend the final day of our trip?

Barbecuing on the beach with friends.

Where’s next on your travel hitlist?

Tokyo. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. The
dedication to design there is astonishing. Everything is so
considered and elegant.

Your in-flight essentials include…

Dried apricots and raw almonds, an iPad loaded with books and my
indestructible makeup bag. It’s the perfect size for my Guerlain
moisturizer, Gucci Westman blush and an eye mask. Oh, and Words
with Friends. I am always playing Words with Friends.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m still working on Hawaii by James A. Michener – it’s a bit of
a joke with my husband – and I just finished A Life by Simone
Veil.

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE?

I’m an unapologetic overpacker – even for out east, where I
essentially wear the same thing every day. Kaftans and tunics,
tennis whites, cardigans…. I pack as if I were far more social than
I am.