KDHamptons

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?

Christopher Fischer: I first came out to the Hamptons late Spring in 1986 with my wife Joni. I was still based in London, Joni was living in New York, and we were dating trans-Atlantic. It was love at first sight…. with the Hamptons and with Joni. The hedgerows, the dunes, the ocean and the crystal quality of the light all blew me away. The farms and horse stables all reminded me of rural Surrey in England where I grew up.
I moved my company to New York in 1993, and Joni and I (now married) visited the Hamptons often. In 1998 we rented a small cottage on Darby Lane in Georgica, and we bought our house in East Hampton in 2000. The Hamptons is a glorious place any time of the year, and is where Joni and I feel we are truly at home.

KDH: Personal style: do you have a Hamptons “uniform”?

CF: Cashmere…., cashmere…. and then more cashmere! For me that’s the true Hamptons lifestyle.

KDH: What is your favorite restaurant, why, what is your favorite dish and drink?
CF: Red Bar is always a favorite as Kurt is the perfect host and the restaurant is always buzzing and lively. The tuna tartare is superb and the L.I. duck always perfectly pink.
Vine Street on Shelter Island is also a favorite, as taking the ferry over always gives me sense of being on vacation, and their Bouillabaisse and grilled swordfish are always great. To drink ….. a lightly chilled Chablis Grand Cru, and then the perfect Burgundy or Bordeaux to follow.

KDH: Describe your perfect day in detail, even if it’s a dream day!

CF: A perfect day would be one when all my “Brit Pack” chums are over from England. We have known each other since our teens, so the day would be filled from start to finish with conversation and laughter. With a house full of people, an early morning walk on Georgica beach gets everyone up, then for breakfast: Harrods smoked salmon (courtesy of the “Brit Pack”) with scrambled eggs and pink champagne with fresh strawberries, a light lunch outside at Tutto Il Giorno, and a long dinner at the house under the stars with some extra special wines from my cellar. In between all this, lounging by the pool, stopping into the stores, maybe go to watch the polo, and as this is a dream day Bridgehampton Race track would still be open so we could all take out our Astons for a late afternoon burn. After dinner, a long brandy, a Cuban cigar, and fresh mint tea accompanied by conversation about everything & anything. Then maybe if we are all not too burnt out or it’s not too late, a trip over to Sunset Beach, or even Stephen’s Talkhouse as you never know what the music is going to be like, and the bar reminds us of a real pub in England.

KDH: What is the greatest part about your glamorous job?

CF: The fact that I am blessed in life in doing something that I love to do, and that I do not think of what I do as being a job. It is just part of my life.

KDH: Do you live in East Hampton full time?

CF: I wish that were so, but with our head office in New York it is just not possible. But I do come out every weekend I can, summer, winter, any time of the year when I am in the country and not traveling,.

KDH: Do you have a summer anthem or mantra?

CF: I’ve discovered this great non-stop jazz station from Sao Paulo that I have on in the background all over the house. Not really a mantra, but music certainly sets the mood. But to my staff in the stores….“sell, sell, sell” could be one.

KDH: What are your 3 personal fashion items that have become your summer obsession?

CF: Summer car shoes from Gucci, pure cotton shirts from Etro, and a Christopher Fischer cable cashmere sweater in case it gets chilly at night.

KDH: Who would you dream of seeing in your clothes [dead or alive]?

CF: Audrey Hepburn. For me she is the most memorable fashion icon, always with impeccable taste and style, whether causal or elegant.

KDH: Why are you so drawn to cashmere?

CF: Quite simply because it is the most luxurious and finest natural fiber available.
I have always had the approach to only use the best, and always try to be the best at what I do.

KDH: How would you describe your 2011 summer collection in one sentence?

CF: Lean, loose and roomy shapes with drape in very fine and feather light cashmere weights, as well as loose textures and crochet knits in pure cotton and pure linen.

KDH: We hear you have a new baby line? Can you share the details?

CF: We designed this for a “cool, modern” baby. The whole collection is in soft heather shades of grey and oatmeal, as well as black and white. No baby pink or blue..The collection is very cute, with mini versions of our men’s and women’s collections. The collection is sold exclusively at Barneys New York and in our own stores. It is the ultimate “must have” and “must give” baby gift.

KDH:  Whom do you admire most?

CF: Generally – anyone who possesses true intregity, honesty, and always does what they say they will do. Specifically – my father for having given me the passion and confidence to pursue any dream, and to never listen to anyone telling you not to do it, or that it can’t be done.