Stockholm takes the Hamptons: Martina Bonnier and Chris Mack host an intimate luncheon to honour 4 sensational Swedish brands

Yesterday afternoon, a bit of Sweden came to Bridgehampton. At the idyllic art-filled home of Swedish art patron Chris Mack (which was previously featured on the pages of this magazine), Mack and Vogue Scandinavia editor in chief Martina Bonnier hosted an elegant lunch, at which the duo showcased a curated mix of beloved Swedish brands to 40 female tastemakers. “Supporting Scandinavian brands is my mission,” says Bonnier. “So this feels fantastic.”

After nibbling on an elegant Swedish-themed smorgasbord – skagen, potatoes and salmon, topped off with a cake decorated with teeny tiny Swedish flags – guests were introduced to the latest collection from thoughtfully elegant brand LEONÍ, the cult favourite footwear of sania d’mina, Verso’s science-forward skincare and delicious de-alcoholised wine by Oddbird (the brand’s bubbles were served for Bonnier and Mack’s welcome toast, naturally).

“The vibe was great – there were twice as many people as we expected,” says Mack, beaming. Swedish-born but based in New York, Mack relishes the chance to introduce emerging Swedish brands to her New York community. It’s a passion mirrored by her foundation, The Mack Art Foundation, which supports emerging artists, many of whom are Swedish. “Swedes are very shy about boasting about things that we’re good at,” says Mack. “But I’m very proud of Swedish products, culture, fashion and art.” Luckily for the brands represented yesterday, Mack and Bonnier are more than happy to do the boasting on their behalf.

“It’s my first time visiting the Hamptons, so I’m excited to explore it,” says fashion entrepreneur Nathalie Schuterman, who co-founded LEONÍ with designer Filippa Fuxe (also in the Hamptons for the very first time). Given the growing interest in LEONÍ in the American market, (“It seems clear that American customers have a strong appreciation for Scandinavian design,” notes Schuterman), presenting the brand to an influential group – some from the art world, others major finance players, all with exceptional taste – was a no-brainer. As for why she believes the LEONÍ aesthetic, in particular, resonates so strongly in New York and, by extension, the Hamptons? “LEONÍ offers a fresh perspective on the traditional minimalist Scandi style, blending clean lines with a more sensual, feminine, and detail-oriented aesthetic,” says Schuterman.

Fuxe, meanwhile, has long found design inspiration in New York. “NYC is for me a city where elegance and high-end collide with a more rough environment,” she says. “I’ve always been drawn to a '60s New York – a scene of poets, filmmakers and artists like Bowie, Lou Reed, Patti Smith. Where jazz and rock collided in dark clubs, and creativity was raw, innovative and unpredictable.” She brings that “tension” to LEONÍ itself, juxtaposing considered sculptural draping with raw edges or styling ladylike pieces – the signature Gerda Maxi Shawl Cardigan, for instance – with sharp, no-nonsense trousers.

To that end, presenting the collection in the Hamptons, the place where New Yorkers go to unwind, felt particularly apt. “Presenting the collection in Christine Mack’s home - hosted by Vogue Scandinavia - is an honour, and feels closely aligned with how we see LEONÍ,” says Fuxe. “We’ve always wanted to show the work in ways that feel personal and intimate. Showing the garments in a domestic setting brings them closer to their real purpose – not just to be seen, but to be lived in, worn, and moved in.”

A sculptural LEONÍ look needs a considered pair of shoes. Look no further than the impossibly comfortable heels from sania d’mina, which were also introduced to Mack and Bonnier’s guests. Bonnier, a longtime fan of the brand (not to mention a footwear aficionado) spoke to the unique comfort and pleasing design of d’mina’s creations. “Martina's genuine support since the beginning means the world and it feels amazing to have an opportunity of her presenting the shoes, that I happily and gratefully know she wears a lot, to her dear Hamptons friends,” says founder Sania Demina, noting that about one fifth of the brand’s orders come from the US. “Everybody wanted the sania d’mina shoes,” notes Bonnier, who wore a strappy pair herself for the occasion.

Highlighted at the event were sania d’mina’s classic ELENA slingbacks (“Because they're my first baby and still a growing favourite among our community year after year”), including a bridal iteration covered in faux ivory pearls. Fittingly, the AVENUE boot was also on hand, named for “the fact that they're comfortable enough to walk up and down long avenues of NYC”. Also on display, some playful strappy party sandals, perfect for dancing the night away at a Hamptons soiree.

With looks from top to toe covered, Bonnier and Mack presented another essential: skincare. Namely, the science-backed, award-winning products by Verso, a Scandinavian brand that offers products geared towards a long-term luminous complexion. “Formulated in Stockholm, our products are powered by Vitamin A and gentle actives that visibly improve the skin with minimal effort,” says Verso CEO and Founder Lars Fredriksson. “Whether you’re at the beach, out for dinner, or simply unwinding, Verso keeps your skin radiant, hydrated, and resilient from morning to night.”

Take, for instance, the Natural Glow cream, an everyday vegan moisturiser that, in addition to Vitamin A, contains Bakuchiol – a gentle retinol alternative to promote an effortless glow. Also highlighted at the lunch, the restorative Night Cream, containing Retinol 8 to hydrate and repair skin while you sleep. Guests walked away from lunch with a generous Verso gift bag, ensuring hydrated and radiant skin throughout the summer and beyond. “People knew Verso, but they didn’t know it’s Swedish,” says Mack, noting how thrilled the women were to receive the products.

The mood throughout lunch was brightened by Oddbird’s de-alcoholised wines. Founded by Moa Gürbüzer, a family therapist and social worker who treated alcohol-related family issues, Oddbird seeks to offer a premium de-alcoholized alternative, one that offers that spirit of decadence and celebration. “In Sweden, around 300,000 children grow up in homes where alcohol is a problem, a reality shared in many other countries,” says Gürbüzer. “This led me to start thinking about how alcohol holds such a central role in our celebrations and the way we come together. Alcohol is often seen as essential to social rituals, and people frequently feel pressured to drink, even when it doesn’t align with their values or well-being.”

Created from the finest grapes at some of Europe’s most renowned vineyards, Oddbird offers depth and complexity in its offerings, which include a diverse array of red, white, rosé, still, and sparkling wines. “What makes Oddbird so special is that it offers the best of both worlds. You get to savour the rich taste and connection that wine brings, but without the negative effects of alcohol,” says Gürbüzer, noting that in the US and in the Hamptons especially, Oddbird has already found an enthusiastic audience. “It’s a wine for every day, one that elevates both the simple pleasures and the big moments.”

To that end, Oddbird was the perfect beverage to serve at our luncheon – a beverage that signals celebration whilst allowing guests to remain mindful and present. “This event with Vogue Scandinavia brings together Scandinavian brands that shape culture in their own way, and I’m proud Oddbird is recognized among them,” says Gürbüzer. “And it seamlessly fits in with the audience here today, living with intention and always ahead of the curve. They have already embraced this as part of their lifestyle.” Mack confirms that the trend has already caught on locally. “Alcohol-free wine is a hit all over the Hamptons already,” says Mack. Following lunch, guests swarmed Philippa Parnevik, who recently began working with the brand, to find out how they can get a case of Oddbird for their next soiree.

With lunch completed and glasses of Oddbird in hand, guests mingled and perused the Scandinavian offering, eager to extend the afternoon into the early evening, even with the promise of heaping Vogue Scandinavia gift bags upon exit. But that wasn’t all they left with. “They shopped like crazy,” says Bonnier with a smile.

See all the snapshots from the intimate luncheon below.