In the waning days of summer, Beth Hutchens, the visionary behind the jewelry brand FoundRae, orchestrated a delightful camp-themed celebration in Montauk. This event, aptly named "Camp FoundRae," aimed to capture the essence of carefree summer moments, a sentiment that resonated deeply with attendees despite initially cloudy skies. Held at The Crow's Nest, nestled by Lake Montauk, the gathering was a blend of creative activities and celebrity mingling, all set against a dramatic sunset.
The inspiration for this nostalgic affair stemmed from the photoshoot for FoundRae's latest collection, "The Limitless Expansion." Hutchens envisioned an experience that echoed the simple, endless feeling of summer. She shared that the campaign, featuring model Kirsty Hume playfully flying a kite, was meant to embody this very spirit. The jewelry designer, donning a self-made yellow Camp FoundRae t-shirt, expressed her desire to extend this authentic experience to a wider audience, bringing the magic of the campaign closer to home.
Guests, including notable figures such as Julianne Moore, Ashlyn Harris, Sophia Bush, Tamron Hall, Katie Couric, Mickey Sumner, Margarita Levieva, Delfina Blaquier and Nacho Figueras, and Hannah Fallis Bronfman, embraced the camp atmosphere with enthusiasm. They were treated to a delectable spread of watermelon coolers, wine, snow crab claws, oysters, local beets, and charcuterie. Many proudly displayed FoundRae's signature medallions and personalized pendants, each piece holding special meaning with sentimental dates, personal ideas, or spiritual symbols. The thematic decor extended to pillows adorned with the brand's iconic motifs, like horseshoes and butterflies, lining the benches.
Interactive crafting stations proved to be a popular highlight. Attendees enthusiastically engaged in kite decorating, bracelet making, and embroidery led by Lingua Franca. The friendship bracelet station, in particular, drew a crowd, where guests intertwined shells and FoundRae's symbolic "heart beats"—beads representing cherished life aspects—with patterned fabrics. The camaraderie was palpable, with one guest's unique crab-shaped handbag sparking an animated conversation about astrological signs, further fostering the event's playful and personal ambiance.
The Montauk event successfully encapsulated a yearning for simpler times and the joy of shared experiences. Through thoughtful activities and a vibrant guest list, Beth Hutchens created a memorable evening that celebrated both her brand's aesthetic and the enduring appeal of summer nostalgia. The gathering was a testament to the power of connection, creativity, and the symbolic beauty found within FoundRae's collection.