Our Favorite Branded Beach Clubs of Summer 2023

This summer, luxury fashion houses have elevated the idea of a branded pop-up to new levels with personalized beach club experiences in some of the world’s most exclusive destinations.

As we head into Labor Day Weekend and prepare to say goodbye to summer, we’re sharing a roundup of our event team’s favorite branded beach clubs that had us reaching for our suitcase and passport.

Valentino at Palazzo Avino in Ravello

Two iconic Italian brands join forces for one of our favorite summer brand collaborations yet.

The bold pops of color, yet simplistic design demonstrate how small details can have a lasting impact and sometimes less is actually more! A sea of iconic Valentino red umbrellas creates the perfect scene for summer holidays spent on the Amalfi Coast.

Dior Cruise

The pop-up cruise coincided with the launch of Paris Couture Week with the excursions all taking place on a yacht named Stunning Excellence, which has been decked out in Dior’s famous blue-and-beige Toile de Jouy pattern.

Guests can enjoy their treatments while aboard the exquisite boat complete with a

juice bar, pool, and lounge as it sails along Paris’ most iconic sites like the Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and Grand Palais.

Dior at the Beverly Hills Hotel

If luxurious destinations including the Beverly Hills Hotel, Capri, Saint-Tropez, and Bali weren’t photogenic enough on their own, these coveted locations have partnered with luxury fashion house Dior for a series of pop-up’s and concept stores decked out in a total toile takeover.

"Le Jardin des Rêves" and “Diorivera” experiences are serving up exclusive products and spa treatments all summer, with pink cabanas, striped loungers, banana-leaf printed murals and umbrellas and lush greenery, all in the signature pink and blue palettes. Inspired by the spirit of the captivating odyssey, these locations immerse guests in an exotic (and Instagrammable) adventure.

Christian Louboutin’s Latest Pop Up ‘Loubi’s on the Beach’

Offering an opportunity to shop the Christian Louboutin collection, the experience also presented themed postcards, temporary tattoos, and active gear.

As a brand arguably associated more with the city (think The Devil Wears Prada vibes) this beach-front pop-up is rooted in escapism and gives its guests a chance to enjoy the feeling of sand between their toes- with their red-soles in hand, of course.

JACQUEMUS Saint Tropez 2023

Jacquemus has created its own branded beach experience and opened a new boutique in the South of France.

From the yellow striped sun loungers to the chic umbrellas, the Jacquemus Beach at La Plage de la Bonne Terrasse, Ramatuelle is the latest installment for the brand, following their two recent pop-ups in Italy. More understated in design, Jacquemus is a master at creating attention-grabbing, site specific installations that have that certain je ne sais quoi that is quintessentially French.

Gucci at Loulou Ramatuelle Beach Club

One of our favorite Italian brands is shining bright on the French Riviera for the summer.

The umbrellas, sun loungers, towels and upholstery have all been embossed with the house of Gucci logo, along with timeless striped patterns.

To top off the fun, Gucci is showcasing a pop-up retail experience at one of our favorite restaurants and you can dine on their delectable dishes seaside, Gucci 'fits encouraged.

Dolce & Gabbana Marbella – La Cabane

When we think of the Mediterranean Sea, we think of endless hues of blue.

Dolce & Gabbana evokes the beach club of our dreams through their iconic Blu Mediterraneo print at the La Cabane beach club. The epitome of relaxation, their branded club showcases mesmerizing sea views and is the essence of the La Dolce Vita lifestyle that is synonymous with the brand.

Louis Vuitton Pop-Up at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Mandarin Oriental’s luxurious Bodrum resort is hosting a pop-up by Louis Vuitton.

Inside guests can shop the men’s and women’s summer collection. Outside guests can relax on Louis Vuitton sun loungers offering Bodrum Bay views. The blues, reds, and pink color palette offset with white and cream tones are inspired by Portuguese Azulejo tiles.

Known for celebrating the art of the voyage, Louis Vuitton’s latest collection of pop-up’s demonstrates their dedication to wanderlust and providing the ideal travel essentials for the journey.

Summer holidays and destinations never looked so good! These activations are the perfect inspiration for brands who are looking to make a statement with a custom branded guest experience. We live for creating the type of details that these installations delivered and with all of this inspiration, we can’t wait to see where our clients decide to pop-up next!

Images courtesy of: Valentino, Dior, Christian Louboutin, JACQUEMUS, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton

Three Keepsake Gift Ideas for Capturing Event Memories

For our team, there is no greater gift than knowing that the memories we create at our events for our hosts and guests will last a lifetime. We have the privilege of sharing in momentous occasions and celebrations, all of which have a sentimental element woven into the experience we create.

There’s the entrepreneur who has completed their latest round of funding and is hosting a party to toast their dream becoming a reality.

The parent-to-be whose bundle of joy is being fêted with a joyous celebration in great anticipation of their arrival.

There’s the well-known brand that’s introducing a new product collaboration and is hosting their top clients, partners, and influencers for an evening they’ll never forget.

Or the fabulous woman who wants to ring in her milestone birthday in style with loved ones in an exotic destination.

And the happy couple who’s embarking on one of the most important days of their lives.

In all of these moments, the intentionality behind the gathering is of utmost importance and we thrive on the opportunity to incorporate custom details into the event that connect the host to their guests.

After the candles have been blown out, the food has been savored, and the champagne drank, how do you collect the memories made into a keepsake that you can return to again and again? We are often asked what our favorite gifts are for the host or a special occasion; these three keepsake ideas are our latest obsession for their ability to offer a meaningful trip down memory lane.

Petite Keep Trunk

The gift of a Petite Keep Trunk is universal. Whether for a new parent, graduate, or newlyweds, these charming personalized trunks are the ideal place to collect all of your favorite trinkets and momentos.

A family-owned small business, Petite Keep understands the importance of capturing these memories and reflecting upon them throughout a lifetime. With a variety of patterns, colors, and personalizations to choose from, this is one of our go-to gifts for showers, both wedding and baby, milestone birthdays, or wedding day gifts. We love that these trunks instantly become an heirloom that can be enjoyed, added to, and passed down throughout the years.

Cork Time Capsule

A festive celebration often calls for a bottle (or two) of a special champagne or wine. If you’re like us, holding onto the cork is a thoughtful way to recount the stories from a significant gathering. Given that many of our clients have an affinity for fine wine and champagne, this keepsake is a fresh take on a host gift when you’re struggling with what to get for the one who has it all.

Simply tuck the cork inside the hinged glass box from Fieldshop by Garden & Gun and jot down a memory or fun fact onto the included paper scroll. We’ve seen guests notate an inside joke, the wine they enjoyed (perfect for answering those “What was that amazing wine we had… questions”) and even a personal wish. This charming cork box is like a message in a bottle, after you’ve finished the bottle.

Personalized Picture Frame or Photo Album

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a gift that allows the recipient to truly enjoy their images speaks volumes. Our personal belief is you can never have too many picture frames. In a digital age where most of our images live on a device, the gift of a picture frame or photo book is a welcomed invitation to take a break from over consumption of screen time and soak in an image IRL.

Several of our most-loved brands offer personalization services for their luxurious picture frames. Match Pewter, Mark & Graham, and Christofle all have beautiful options that will easily become display-worthy objects in anyone’s home or office. Following an event, there is no shortage of amazing images to enjoy and presenting the host or guest with a picture frame is a thoughtful way to keep the party going.

With personalized photo books or albums, your gift can speak volumes: volumes I. II. and so on, to be exact! Artifact Uprising has a diverse selection of customizable photo books that bring an artistic eye to your story. Thanks to several easy to use, pre-designed layouts, your personal archive can expand with each new memorable occasion. The quality of the materials are akin to a luxury coffee table book that doubles as a focal point in your favorite gathering place or on a well-curated bookshelf. As a bonus, Artifact Uprising offers digital gift certificates that can quickly and easily be delivered to a recipient from afar.

For a highly detailed, elevated artisanal gift, we recommend MH Studios embroidered photo albums. Each book is bespoke, created by an atelier of designers in São Paulo who work collaboratively with the client to render a cover scene that reflects the essence of the event and a collection of meaningful details from the occasion. Their handmade books are an extraordinary one-of-a-kind gift that’s as beautiful on the outside as it is in the inside.

There’s something about a special event that feels deserving of a ceremonial keepsake. The memories tied to these moments in time will live on as stories passed down; fond reflections of a life well lived that can be revisited and recalled. Each of these gifts provide an opportunity to leave your mark on the world with a reminder that says “A good time was had by all!”

Images Courtesy of Artifact Uprising, Petite Keep, Fieldshop by Garden & Gun, Artifact Uprising, MH Studios.

Easy Derby Day Party Ideas for a Fresh Take on a Southern Inspired Gathering

Our Cassie LaMere Events team is putting the finishing touches on this weekend’s Derby Day Party and as seasoned Southern Hosts, we’re sharing a few easy tips for reinventing your Kentucky Derby gathering that will send you off to the races!

Everyone loves to get into the spirit of the Derby and the race has all of the ingredients of a fabulous party; the over-the-top fashion, the Southern Charm, and the signature sips. Pair that with ample entertainment courtesy of the most exciting 2 minutes in sports and you have all of the makings of a grand occasion.

Hot of the heels of a trip to the bourbon trail, we felt inspired to reinvent the traditional take on the Derby Party with some new ideas that felt fresh, effortless, and still quintessentially Southern. Here are the easy Derby Day party ideas you can bet on.

To Julep or Not to Julep

It wouldn’t be a Derby party without the signature cocktail on the menu, but we’ll also be serving up some playful bourbon cocktails that are sure to be crowd pleasers.

Try a Bourbon Sour Slush, because who doesn’t love a slushy beverage on a hot day? This cocktail allows key bar ingredients to do double-duty by utilizing the same ice that you’ll need for the classic julep. Speaking of the consummate Southern host, we’ll be making Patricia Altschul of Bravo’s Southern Charm’s personal recipe, which calls for crushed ice, whiskey sour mix, and bourbon + garnishes of orange slice and maraschino cherry. For those of you who are from the South and in the know, think Sonic ice.

A Kentucky Mule is a fun twist on a familiar cocktail and works well in an ice-cold metal cup- another must for a bourbon-fueled affair.

If you prefer a spritz, try a Paper Plane: besides bourbon, a key ingredient is fan-fav Aperol. We love using Michter’s and by including this enthusiast pick on your bar menu, bourbon fans will take note of your extensive whiskey knowledge.

Roses, but Not So Literal

Reinventing the Derby Day party calls for finding creative ways to incorporate roses into your food, beverage, and decor that are unexpected. Our team loves rose-petal charcuterie for an elevated presentation of snackable meats and cheeses. Simply place layers of meat onto the rim of a wine glass and when completed, flip the glass over on your board to reveal a flora masterpiece. See Couple in the Kitchen‘s quick 4-step guide to this hosting hack.

The current viral trend of freezing juice in rose shaped ice trays is perfect for on-theme mimosas that pair well with a fabulous Derby hat. Check out Five Foot Feminine’s video for a quick how to. Invite guests to pick their rose and place it into a chic coupe glass, then pour over your favorite champagne for a beverage worthy of the winner’s circle.

Finger Lickin’ Good

In the spirit of keeping things simple, stick to accessible menu classics that wash down well with a bourbon. Southern style entertaining is taking something familiar, comforting, and mouth-watering, and adding a thoughtful touch to how it is presented.

Serve up a mound of fried chicken on a silver serving tray to make a staple seem special when placed on the table. Or take a cue from Ralph Lauren’s equestrian-themed Polo Bar and serve french fries in silver julep cups with an array of dipping sauces.

A Horse in the Race

Lastly, don’t miss out on an opportunity to make the party interactive! No Derby Day party is complete without some friendly competition. For a quick way to ensure everyone can join in on the fun, place the roster of names into a silver trophy or champagne ice bucket and have guests draw out their thoroughbred.

Plan a fun, equestrian-themed prize for the winner to take home, such as a bottle of Blanton’s, a Polo baseball cap, or a greenery wreath that guests can display proudly as new home decor.

We hope our tips will ensure you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying a lively afternoon of cocktails and comfort food with friends in your home. Be sure to tag us in your party pics!

Images 1 and 2 Courtesy of Shannon Skloss x Cassie LaMere Events | Image 3 Cassie LaMere Events | Image 4 Dagnushka x Cassie LaMere Events | Image 5 Bon Appetit | Image 6 Pinterest