Sarah Catherine Hook is familiar with 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 was quickly abandoned the moment she realized she couldn’t survive without air conditioning or organic food. So it feels on-brand that her next project 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 an art-filled summer dinner, hosted by global president and CCO Emily Essner at The Watermill Center. Guests were given private access to the new exhibition “Upside Down Zebra,” with artwork created by children between the ages of three and five.
“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 was seated. “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 dining experience curated by chef Flynn McGarry, featuring a menu inspired by the artistic styles on view in the museum, from Minimalism to Abstract Expressionism. During each course, guests were encouraged to become artists themselves, using paintbrushes and edible powders to transform their plates into makeshift canvases (think: drizzling a tomato base over Montauk lobster). 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.
Click through the gallery below for an inside look.
Shop Sarah Catherine Hook’s Look
Zimmermann Coco Embroidered Maxi-Dress
Jimmy Choo Leo 100MM Metallic Leather Sandals
Saint Laurent Cassandre Chain Pouch in Shiny Leather
David Yurman Petite Cable Ring in Sterling Silver
David Yurman Petite X Ring in Sterling Silver
Lana Magic 14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
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.
