A Magical Summer Afternoon with Leesa Rowland: Style, Sips and Song in the Hamptons
Hamptons summer opens with Leesa Rowland’s Marina St. Barth celebration—blending style, philanthropy and community with unforgettable cultural events
The energy crackles through Marina St. Barth in Southampton as summer arrives in the Hamptons. Laughter spills onto the street, glasses clink with rosé and cocktails, and the boutique’s doors welcome a steady stream of familiar faces. At the centre stands Leesa Rowland, magazine cover in hand, greeting guests with the warmth that has made her a fixture in both entertainment and philanthropy circles.
The celebration marks both Rowland’s latest Mann About Town cover and an unofficial kickoff to summer 2025, setting the tone for months of cultural events and charitable causes that define East End society.
When Hamptons Magic Begins
Southampton feels different on days like this. The boutique hums with conversation as guests move between displays of resort-chic fashion, pieces that make Marina St. Barth feel less like shopping and more like discovering treasures. Outside, the late spring air carries hints of the beach season ahead.
The timing feels perfect – close enough to taste the promise of long afternoons that will define the coming months. It’s when the Hamptons transforms from quiet coastal towns into the cultural playground that draws artists, philanthropists and society figures from Manhattan and beyond.
Leesa Rowland: Living Her Passions
Leesa Rowland’s journey from Texas-born actress to East Coast animal advocate tells the story of someone who refuses to be confined by single definitions. After studying broadcast journalism and training at the Stella Adler Studio in Los Angeles, she built a film and television career while nurturing a commitment to animal welfare that would eventually become her primary focus.
Since 1989, she’s been active with Last Chance for Animals, but it was the founding of Animal Ashram in 2013 that truly showcased her dedication to the cause. The New York-based nonprofit reflects her vegan lifestyle and hands-on approach to animal advocacy.
Recently, Rowland has added comedy to her creative pursuits. She’s been studying with Richard Kline in Los Angeles, while also developing improv and sketch comedy skills at New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade. Her approach to lifestyle choices that bring joy shows a person who continues to evolve while maintaining commitments to causes close to her heart.
Style and Friends at Marina St. Barth
The boutique serves as the perfect backdrop for Rowland’s celebration. Marina St. Barth, with locations in Southampton, East Hampton and Florida, offers what founder Marina Cocher calls ‘resort chic’ – an extension of the lifestyle she brought from the French Caribbean.
Cocher’s vision creates a space that feels both sophisticated and relaxed, where established designers sit alongside emerging talents. The boutique’s atmosphere channels that effortless elegance of French Caribbean style – casual enough for afternoon shopping, refined enough for evening events.
This season’s offerings showcase the versatility that Hamptons summers demand, with pieces that transition from casual gatherings to formal evening affairs. For those looking to feel glamorous every day without excessive effort, the boutique has become a destination for women who understand that true style isn’t about following trends but about finding pieces that enhance confidence.
Gathering of Notable Faces
The guest list reads like a who’s who of Hamptons society and New York cultural figures. Peter Thomas Roth mingles near displays while Jean Shafiroff and Victoria Schneps enjoy cocktails. Designer Carole Alexander showcases pieces from her summer collection – luxurious, hand-adorned totes with an Amalfi-inspired aesthetic.
The drinks flow as freely as the conversation, with BIATCH Tequila – a wholly woman-owned brand – providing cocktails alongside selections from Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits. There’s something fitting about its presence at an event celebrating female achievement; the brand combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair.
Even financier John Paulson, passing by, stops to greet guests – the sort of unexpected moment that makes Hamptons gatherings feel natural rather than orchestrated. These interactions capture the social season’s unique character: planned celebrations meeting chance encounters.
Party With Purpose – Making Summer Musical
Beyond fashion and socialising, the afternoon supports Hamptons Summer Songbook by-the-Sea. The musical initiative, produced by Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone of LTV, brings Broadway-caliber talent to the East End throughout summer with special concerts and performances.
The programme represents cultural enrichment that elevates Hamptons summers beyond beach holidays. By bringing theatrical excellence to local venues, Hamptons Summer Songbook creates opportunities for residents and visitors to experience quality entertainment in intimate settings.
Rowland’s choice to benefit this cause shows her understanding that supporting arts means supporting the cultural fabric that makes communities thrive. It’s philanthropy that connects directly to the quality of life that draws people to the Hamptons – the promise of experiencing something enriching.
A Season of Cultural Celebration
Events like Hamptons Summer Songbook show that the East End’s appeal extends far beyond beaches and social clubs. The region has become a destination for cultural programming that rivals major cities, creating a summer calendar rich with performances, exhibitions and literary events.
This cultural depth transforms seasonal residents from mere consumers of luxury into participants in a thriving artistic community. For those wondering what factors activate success in building meaningful community experiences, these initiatives provide valuable insights.
A Summer of Substance and Style
As the afternoon winds down and guests filter onto Southampton’s streets, there’s a sense that something meaningful has taken place. The celebration launched not just Rowland’s magazine cover but the promise of another summer where style and social responsibility intersect.
Rowland’s approach to entertaining reflects how influential women use their platforms today. Rather than simply hosting parties, she creates occasions that advance causes while bringing people together. Her vegan lifestyle, animal advocacy and commitment to the arts aren’t separate from her social presence – they define it.
This blend of celebration and purpose sets the tone for the Hamptons summer season. As cultural events prepare to unfold and boutiques like Marina St. Barth continue curating timeless summer styles that define East End fashion, summer 2025 promises something richer than mere seasonal escape.
In Rowland’s hands, a magazine cover celebration becomes a preview of summer’s possibilities – combining genuine enjoyment with meaningful impact. It’s the approach that makes Hamptons summers memorable long after the season ends.
