Christie Brinkley in The Hamptons

In the realm of beauty and fashion, few figures are as captivating and enduring as Christie Brinkley. Brinkley’s influence extends far beyond the runway and the realm of beauty. Her advocacy for healthy living, positivity, and environmental consciousness resonates with all generations who are seeking a more balanced, authentic, and sustainable lifestyle.

Christie is a longtime resident of the Hamptons and shared the first time she experienced the magic of the East End. Christie remembers her initial modeling job here when a seed of enchantment was planted that would eventually blossom into a deep bond with the Hamptons. Christie recalls, “When I stepped off the van I felt like I was stepping into a time machine that had taken me back in time. . . . We did shots on a sidewalk lined with a white picket fence. Lots of beautiful roses graced the fence and I was enchanted! Growing up on the beach in Malibu we didn’t have picket fences or sidewalks. I had never heard of the Hamptons before, but I knew I wanted to come back someday, never imagining it would one day figure so prominently in my life. That was my favorite thing about modeling. Work trips were like chocolate sample boxes: you get a taste of a place and know you want to go back for more!” This encounter would spark a lifelong connection to the Hamptons, a place she would return to and later call home.

Christie’s charismatic demeanor and jovial nature often draw people in, yet her thoughtful side is what often goes unseen. Despite the joy she brings to a room, Christie has an introspective dimension that few people get to glimpse. Christie prefers meaningful conversations and she admits, “Well, actually the most impressive parties to me are the smaller quieter ones. I love a party where you don’t have to yell to talk. I really love to be able to converse too! 

All I can say is, I’ve been to a few parties where, looking around the room at all the famous faces, I know my teenaged self would have never believed that she would someday share the same rarefied air with someone she held on her lap on an album cover as a teen! Or a writer whose books I cherished.”

In the Hamptons, Christie Brinkley and Donna Karan share more than just a location; they share an incredible friendship. With joy, she speaks of their bond: “I love Donna Karan!” Her happiness is palpable when discussing this inspiring companion. “We’re so lucky to have her as our neighbor in the Hamptons, and for over 20 years we’ve also been neighbors on an island in the Caribbean Sea! And I love her not just for her jumpsuits which btw I could totally live in, but for her incredible, indefatigable, and generous spirit and work helping to make the world a better place! For as long as I’ve known her, she is always in action! Always bubbling with great new ideas. She inspires me!” Christie says. 

Christie is well aware of the struggles in the world today and tries to promote positivity and understanding in the midst of aggression and negativity. She believes that a deep sense of empathy is important. She says, “There’s so much we can all do in general to try to turn down the heat. There’s way too much aggressive behavior. We need to try to change the vibe. Make each other smile. Share upbeat positivity and be supportive and understanding. Everybody’s stressed, so keep that in mind and try to make it better, brighter, lighter, sunnier, happier! I shrug off most attempts to engage in negativity; however, that said, I think it’s important to stand up when you see anyone being bullied . . . and always speak up against any form of racism or bigotry of any kind! We cannot ignore the erosion of human, civil, and women’s rights — happening right here right now in our own country!”

As a globe-trotting model, Christie has witnessed the devastating impacts in various regions, and she brings awareness to the urgent need for action. Her tone becomes more serious when she talks about the role celebrities play with spreading awareness. She says, “I think when your job takes you all over the world, it gives you a unique perspective, because you start to see that no matter where you are they are facing their own climate crisis. For instance, down South they’ve been having stronger hurricanes, heavier rains, and floods, while out West it’s been drier and it’s caused more wild fires . . . and after the fires you get the mudslides. Coastal communities are experiencing rising seas, erosion, homes collapsing into the ocean. Many islands are uninhabitable, causing climate-change migration. When you travel it’s easy to see this is a global issue that merits a global response. We all have a role to play and taking care of our planet is very urgently needed right now before it’s too late.”

Christie herself plays an active role in protecting the planet. Through her company Bellissima Prosecco, she supports One Tree Planted, an NGO dedicated to reforestation around the world. For every bottle of Bellissima wine sold during Earth Month of 2021, 2022, and 2023, Christie financed a tree. 

To date, 25,000 trees have been planted in California. 

Every one of the ten Bellissima Italian wines — prosecco, rosés, reds, and whites; sparkling and still, including seven that are zero sugar — are good for the planet because they are organic and vegan. But Christie is committed to not just helping the planet but also animals in need. Bellissima now donates a portion of all online sales directly to the animals at Tamerlaine. 

Christie Brinkley’s journey in the Hamptons reveals a tapestry woven with beauty, connection, and environmental consciousness. From enchanting memories of modeling to embracing intimate gatherings, she gracefully navigates her life, fueled by her passion for sustainability. As she continues to inspire others, she urges us to unite in caring for our planet, paving the way for a brighter future.

https://www.instagram.com/christiebrinkley/?hl=en

Cover Star @christiebrinkley | Interviewed By @devorah_rose

Produced by Devorah Rose 

Photography by Victoria Stevens

Fashion Styling by Ashley Pruitt

Hair Styling by Mitch Barry 

Makeup by Erin McNeill

Assistant to the producer Anthony Valencia