Offshore Art & Film will return to Montauk after a successful maiden voyage last summer. This year, the group behind it, including Jordan Bromley, one of the founders, decided to add a fashion component to highlight the work of area designers who may not otherwise have a wide platform to share their work.
After last summer's festival, Mr. Bromley said, "The team just loves fashion so we decided to add a fashion component. I have so many friends out here who have their own labels or brands. Some of them have stores; some of them don't." A festival to feature them seemed like a great idea.
"It's starting off small. We're just showcasing three designers for each event this summer. And it's just another kind of facet of Offshore."
The first of these will be held on June 24 at the Montauk Beach House, featuring designs from Jennifer Deluca of Glam Mom New York, Laraine Gordon of Coast Hampton, and Chris Shouler of the Montauk Group.
Coast Hampton had a store in Southampton but is now selling online only. Ms. Gordon has held fashion shows at the Southampton Publick House for a charity that helps teens with trauma. The Montauk Group is a new label started by someone who loves Montauk and was introduced to Mr. Bromley by a mutual friend. "I really believe in them," he said. Glam Mom New York's connection came through Ms. Gordon. The brand has a Montauk and New York City presence. "It's really a kind of collaborative process and effort."
Less of a runway than a showcase, the models will walk from the pool to the professionally lighted stage and spend the rest of the night interacting with the crowd. The evening will be emceed by Diane Ferraro, who works in wellness in Montauk, to help make it more of a conversation with the designers, who will describe their designs.
This edition will be focused on resort wear and accessories. The next show, which will be held at Dive Bar Pizza, where there is a halfpipe on site, will have a streetwear theme.
"I've always been a fan of fashion. Maybe I'm a fashion victim, I don't know," Mr. Bromley said with a laugh. He added that he liked seeing shows and getting a jump on future trends. He recalled that there might have been a few similar events in Montauk before, "but they were rare and fleeting. They don't really come back, and I want this to be a yearly thing."
The night will be part of a live podcast of "Highly Educated With Ryan Sherman." Artwork by J.O. Jerusalem will be on display as well. A silent auction will offer services and goods from area restaurants and businesses. Games and a "fashion wheel" will be part of the activities.
The showcase will start at 5 p.m. with D.J. WOOGZ spinning tunes beginning at 6. It will last until around 9. The main festival will be held from Sept. 15 to 17. Other fashion nights will take place on July 15 and Aug. 19. The festival's website has more information about all of its activities.
