Sometimes the stars just align and that’s exactly what happened when the universe brought three powerhouses together to collaborate on everything from candles to cashmere. Their individual and collective creativity and shared purpose was ultimately the inspiration for Pride Month Self Love Saturday, taking place on June 11 at the inimitable lifestyle and wellness boutique, Sunshine Amagansett. Owned by the unstoppable and incessantly creative Heidi Humes, it is a place that is all about community and craftmanship.
Tulum, considered one of the most beautiful jewels of the Mexican Caribbean, is also called “Pueblo Magico” or Magical Town and perhaps that best encapsulates how Heidi connected with Michael Angelo, veteran beauty guru, artist, and founder of the Wonderland Beauty Parlor in Chelsea. Heidi was in Tulum for a Sunshine pop-up. Always on the lookout for new things while traveling, it was while there she saw an image of a candle posted by Alessandra Brunialti, fashion doyen and founder of the recently launched, sustainable lifestyle brand, Marea Clothing. The candle, created by Michael is all about support, self-love, and acceptance. The container, a minimalist aluminum holds blue and pink wax, sometimes in a swirl. It was this art-worthy candle, that brought the three of them together.
Talking to each of them, individually, their shared vision for products, art, purpose, and creativity was palpable. The Pride Month Self Love Saturday event beautifully captures what each of them are determined to do as artists and business owners and, most importantly, for this event. “My work is all about being authentic, following my heart and celebrating love in all forms,” says Angelo. “This event is about all these things and reaching out to individuals and the community with our collective message.” A portion of the proceeds from the day will benefit The Ali Forney Center, committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
Sunshine Amagansett’s collection is housed in a beach-like house — not like most, cookie-cutter retail stores lining busy streets — it feels like a true home. It celebrates women, artisans, and all things beautiful. “My goal was for every inch to stimulate every single sense,” explains Humes. “I am a collector of personal stories from everyone and everywhere, so I bring in items and artists from all over the world so my customers can feel a personal connection.” Pride Month Self Love Saturday is a showcase for all to experience but is especially about self-acceptance and self-love no matter who you are.”
What was especially clear was their collective commitment to making this pop-up more than the ordinary. It promises to be a tactile and meaningful experience, from the authentic, beachy location to the art and merchandise. It’s also an opportunity for customers to tell their stories, including on-the-spot Polaroids representing diversity and self-love messages.
Marea Clothing is a luxurious lifestyle brand and is all about wellness, featuring bright colors that comfort and bring hope to our lives. Marea, meaning “ocean tide” in Italian is intended to transport customers, encourage optimism, and inspire joy. “The event collaboration with Michael and Heidi made total sense for many reasons but was about the joint mission to support everyone and that really resonated with me and my brand,” said Brunialti. “I am all about comfort and color and what the Hamptons is all about.
Sunshine also features a special Back Room, where Humes features select artists who represent what the boutique is all about. For the season and June 11, the works of celebrated, Hamptons-based photographer Franz Walderdorff and Cole Caswell will be on display. Walderdorff’s Connections series reflects the ever-shifting movement of sand, water, and sky. Caswell’s work features colorful pigment prints and tintype photography. “The work of each of them, although considerably different, captures my idea of what is a modern, beautiful Hamptons environment,” said Humes.
In Tulum, you find beautiful things everywhere, in the sun, sand, and stars — it’s magic. Yet sometimes, you simply just look at your newsfeed at the right time and the stars come together in unexpected ways.
Pride Month Self-Love Saturday takes place on June 11 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Sunshine Amagansett, 303 Main Street. Click here for more information.
