Throw Back Thursday: Interview with Robin Givens

A Graceful Saturday

By Kristin Parker

Last Saturday in the Hamptons was picture perfect! There was not a cloud in the sky to interrupt your tanning session and the humidity was low enough to truly enjoy being outside. The Hot Air Balloon Festival may have put a damper on traffic but once in the Hamptons it was smooth sailing. 

Robin Givens and her sons.

I arrived at the Lana Santorelli Gallery in Southampton extra early Saturday afternoon in order to prepare for the arrival of Robin Givens.The Golden Pear provided an exceptional platter with different cheese and Carr's Crackers which made me think of my old girl's night in gatherings where we would get a bottle of red wine, curl up on the couch and watch hours of Sex and the City. Lana Santorelli's current exhibition "Evolution", hung from the wall bringing the gallery to life with hundreds of vibrant colors.Barefoot Wines provided bubbly bottles of champagne which sat across from a bowl of fruit filled with blueberries and strawberries. After the cover of Robin's new book "Grace Will Lead Me Home" was displayed outside of the gallery, onlookers starting pouring in, awaiting for the actress' arrival.

The cameras were up and ready for action. Robin Givens walked into the gallery looking radiant. How has this woman not aged over the last 20 years? She wore a sleek black dress and appeared ready for her fans and an interview. I spoke to Robin about her book which explains her family history over the last three generations. Her two sons, Buddy and Billie, watched on as mom went through the celebrity routine of sometimes personal questions and flashing lights. I was thankful no one made any noise during the live interview and was able to keep my nerves in check as I sat across from Robin. Once the cameras stopped rolling, Robin greeted everybody and was down to earth as she talked to everyone as though she had known them for years. People were able to buy books and have them signed by the author who personalized messages for her fans. The event was surprisingly laid back and all who attended had a pleasant time greeting Robin and checking out Lana's work.

Jeanne and Francesca Santorelli, Robin Givens, Kristin Parker, and Lana Santorelli.

After the book signing event, Robin and her family headed over to Madame Tong's for a quiet evening dinner. Jean Luc had invited us to enjoy the beautiful day in the backyard of the restaurant. We arrived rather early for a Saturday afternoon so we were able to choose the best seats in the house. Thanks for coming to the Hamptons Robin, we hope to see you again soon!

Come out to the Hamptons this weekend and enjoy events for everybody. If you love the Hamptons and Hip Hop, this weekend you are in luck! Get ready for the 2nd annual Hamptons Hip Hop Festival happening this Saturday at Turtle Bay in East Quogue. The party will be hosted by DJ Jazzy J with a live performance by Jeru the Damaja. Special guest DJs include: DJ Rob Swift, Marshall Law and DJ Pookie, and Big Bone. Doors open at 10pm. Advance tickets are on sale now.