And here we are it is Labor Day Monday! As summer residents pack up and depart for their "real lives", the famous Hamptons light changes with the sun lower on the horizon, and temperatures cool off, the real estate market traditionally picks up steam: New listings come online as tenants vacate - and the market remains hot, Hot, Hot!

In fact, we have some fabulous new listings (and they're going fast: just last week, the number of days on market to contract signing returned to all-time lows). Yes! It's been a busy summer, and I'm proud to announce that Mala Sander+Team was just named one of the top 100 teams in the country across all of Realogy Brokerage Group, Corcoran's parent corporation. 

With so many events concluding this fabulous Labor Day weekend, it's hard to feature them all. So we'll focus on all things art and design here, in honor of the inaugural Hamptons Fine Art Fair, which was in full swing this weekend!

Happy reading. Don't forget to reach out to me if there's anything you need in the real estate world, or in the world of the Hamptons in general.

I hope to see you soon!

In the same way, major fashion houses are putting down roots out east, the Hamptons is no longer just an in-season destination for art.

While the East End has long been a destination for interior design with powerhouse galleries like MONC XIII, Jeff Lincoln Art + Design, and Wyeth, now online design marketplace The Invisible Collection has opened a pop-up in Southampton, its first brick-and-mortar presence in the US.

For the more affordable route, Kathy Kuo Home just opened its first physical location in Southampton, as well, which will be a permanent outpost.

Following his first full season with an outpost of Galerie Michael Bargo in Sag Harbor, we had a drink with our friend, client, and interior designer to the a-list, Michael Bargo to talk about what the Hamptons means to him.

MS: What Makes the Hamptons So Special to You?

MB: I love the Hamptons because it’s a beautiful, relaxed lifestyle but still has all of the amenities and conveniences of the city. Going to the beach and farm stands daily is my idea of heaven. I’ve done a lot of riding this summer, which was a huge part of my upbringing in Kentucky.

What Are Some Staples of Your Daily Routine?

My staples are Jack's Coffee, Serene Green for produce, and also their incredible homemade Bolognese, Heidi from Sag Harbor Liquor Store keeps me stocked with Billecart Salmon Champagne, and Le Bilbouquet dinners are my favorite nights out - followed by a nightcap at Murf’s.

Where Do You Like to Shop?

Tiina has a great clothing selection and some beautiful home accessories. I love shopping for linens and homewares at French Presse and Il Buco.

What Does “Hamptons Style” Mean to You?

I think decorating in the Hamptons should be simple and relaxed. It’s important to mix textures and materials so it feels effortless. I love using soft linen and jute and cotton.

What’s Something Everyone Can Buy Right Now That Will Elevate Their Space?

You can’t go wrong with Noguchi lamps and sisal rugs.

We’ve Seen an Influx of Major Galleries Setting Up Shop in the Hamptons – Who Are Some of Your Favorite Artists Right Now?

If money were no object I’d buy everything from Christophe Van de Weghe in East Hampton, one-stop shopping for all of your Basquiat and Warhol needs.

If You Had to Sell All Your Furniture Except One Piece, What Would You Keep?

My Pierre Chareau plant stand.

For Michael's hosting tips, read his recent Q&A with Il Buco.

In a similar vein, another favorite designer of ours -- and Hamptons local -- Robert Stilin shares how to make your home feel like the Hamptons, and how important art is to his process.

Artist Robert Longo and Hamptons-based filmmaker Sofia Chahinian spoke with Artnet about their collaboration on a recent film as part of Chahinian's documentary series profiling artists.

Longo currently has a show A History of the Present on view at Guild Hall until October 17th.

We'd also like to remember Long Island's own and Hamptons regular, revolutionary photorealist painter Chuck Close, who sadly passed away recently.

Offering incredible 360-degree views to rival any painting, check out 14 Water Mill Heights as featured in Behind the Hedges.

Last but not least, you know no newsletter would be complete without some culinary art! These no-bake melon cheesecake bars are so easy, so sweet and kind of look like a Rothko!