11-07-2025
Inside Saks's Star-Studded Hamptons Dinner With Sarah Catherine Hook, Brooke Shields, and More
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Sarah Catherine Hook is no stranger to encountering an eclectic mix of personalities while traveling—just consider her breakout role in The White Lotus, where her character's dream of spending a year at a Buddhist monastery went out the window the moment she realized she couldn't survive without air conditioning or organic food. So it feels perfectly on-brand that her next role is in Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel The People You Meet on Vacation.
But before that, Hook—who stars in the film alongside Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, and Lukas Gage—is taking some well-deserved time off. Last night, she joined Saks in the Hamptons for a summer dinner filled with art, hosted by global president and CCO Emily Essner at The Watermill Center. Guests were given private access to the new exhibition 'Upside Down Zebra,' created by children ages 3 to 5.
'It's really such a treat to be here at The Watermill Center—it's such a beautiful evening, we're so lucky,' Essner told the crowd once everyone had taken their seats for dinner. 'I hope you all had a moment to experience the exhibition. I was so inspired by the creativity of our children.' She continued, 'It's a really transformative year for Saks Fifth Avenue, for Saks Global. We're so energized by the momentum, so optimistic about what's ahead for us.'
The night unfolded with a sunset dinner curated by chef Flynn McGarry, featuring a menu inspired by the artistic styles showcased throughout the museum, from Minimalism to Abstract Expressionism. Guests were encouraged to become artists themselves with each course, using paintbrushes and edible powders to turn their plates into works of art. The night ended fireside with s'mores and cocktails.
Other notable attendees included Brooke Shields, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Ashley Avignone, Elizabeth Kurpis, Evan Ross Katz, Joseph Altuzarra, Katie Lee Biegel, Laura Kim, Leyna Bloom, Serena Goh, SouKeyna Diouf, Tanya Taylor, Tara Rudes Dann, Tinx, Tommy Dorfman, Romilly Newman, and more.
Claire Stern Milch is the Digital Director at ELLE, where she oversees all content and strategy. Previously, she was Deputy Editor at ELLE. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn't ashamed to admit it.
