Artisanal Design Favorite St. Frank Arrives In The Hamptons

Many New Yorkers head East to celebrate the biggest weekend of the summer at the beach, but it’s also an opportunity to discover some of the niche spots that offer a distinct style. This summer that’s everything from the Eleven Madison Park pop-up (at the former Moby’s space no less) which is New York’s premier restaurant doing a beachside menu, to the Reformation Beach House, where you can get outfitted for an outdoor soiree. But what’s most interesting to us is the new St. Frank pop-up, an artisanal boutique offering home goods from around the world. With an ethical mission we can get on board with, and an array of stylish designs we want in our own homes, St. Frank is the most appealing summer shop in the Hamptons.

Artisanal isn’t just a buzzword for St. Frank. The brand, which was founded by Christina Bryant, has two key missions: ‘support economic empowerment for artisans and to preserve traditional artisanal craft.’ Though they began as a textile e-tailer, the brand has expanded to sourcing ethical designs from around the world. Following a 2013 launch, the brand has already opened a brick-and-mortar in San Francisco, with the Hamptons pop-up serving as their introduction to the East Coast. If the pop-up is a preview of what’s to come in the forthcoming Downtown location, New Yorkers have much to be excited about. Created in collaboration with SWAYSTUDIO, the pop-up was made to evoke a stylish Hamptons home.

Inside, visitors can find a unique selection of goods, from framed prints to ornate home decorations. Quirky items like Emberá masks from Panama would make for adorable additions to your home, while bronze statuettes from Cameroon would add to a an elevated and modern space. there is a diverse assortment of items, St. Frank’s background in textiles is clear, from the wallpaper to the mix of fabrics and embroidery used in the furnishings. Embroidery is also the focus of their first new collaboration with Lingua Franca, the cashmere sweater brand that skyrocketed into fashion in the last year with their embroidery of famous phrases, political messages, and classic rap lyrics. Their popular handwritten aesthetic will make their way over to indigo pillows later this summer, with samples on display in-store this weekend. Later this summer, St. Frank offers its second collaboration perfectly suited for the pop-up: surfboards with Gary Linden.

St. Frank will be a welcome addition to New York, bringing a global mix of products while supporting craftsman. The Hamptons pop-up is the perfect preview-being as a cozy and cool source of design inspiration as much as it is a place to pick up new knick knacks for your home. But most importantly, it’s a place to see the most eclectic designs from around the world, making it the must-visit boutique of the season.

St. Frank is located at 78 Main St., East Hampton from now until September 4th

[Photos: Eric Striffler]