As the host of the iconic white party, Camille Fishel epitomizes gracious entertaining.
Morphew dress; White/Space earrings; Suzanne Kalan bracelets
Lauren Layne Swim bikini top; Louis Vuitton skirt; Apoa Jewelry earrings; Bea Bongiasca rings; White/Space ring; Suzanne Kalan bracelets.
“Michael and I have both been about bringing people together,” says Camille Fishel about the origins of the iconic White Party that defines the social season in the Hamptons. As the co-host of the iconic event, she effortlessly balances her roles as a model, mother and wife to Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin. “When we bought the house in 2020, we wanted to do a party. And then somehow, from the first year on, it turned into this iconic thing,” she says. “It’s people from all different backgrounds—the best of the business. People come from all around the world to this event. And it’s something that’s become pretty spectacular.”
The White Party, a hallmark of the Hamptons social calendar, is renowned for its exclusivity and grandeur. It attracts a who’s who of celebrities, influencers and elite guests, all donning their summer whites. This year, the notables in attendance included JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Tom Brady, Drake, Jake Paul, Travis Scott, Meek Mill, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Winnie Harlow, Brooks Nader and Leonardo DiCaprio. The guest list is tight. “If it were up to both of us, we would have the entire world come, but unfortunately, the house just limits us with space,” Fishel explains of their estate in Water Mill. “So that’s why only a certain number of people can come.”
She is careful to note that an amazing team powers the massive event. “Something of this caliber can’t be put on by one or two people,” she says. “It takes a spectacular team, and Fanatics is fortunate enough to have the right people working on this thing. They grind for months and make miracles happen for the most part.” Yet the one thing the team cannot control is the weather, admitting that they often do a rain dance as preventative prep. “The biggest rule that Michael and I have every year is praying to the weather gods for good weather, which has worked out four years in a row,” she says.
Over the years, Fishel has learned not to sweat the small stuff. “In the past, I’ve stressed about having the perfect outfit. I’ve stressed about every detail being amazing… and I’ve come to the point where this past year I just promised myself it would be as stress-free as possible,” she says, noting this makes the event more enjoyable for both her and her guests. “I think when you’re hosting an event to be a stressed person and having all these people come over your house, it’s a recipe for disaster. This past year, I wanted to be as stress-free as possible.”
“Michael manages the guest list so well every year,” Fishel explains. “While other events, everyone might have a plus-one or have a plus-two, and there are extra people there—this is the one event where there really are not plus-ones,” she says.
"MICHAEL AND I HAVE BOTH BEEN ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.” -CAMILLE FISHEL
“It’s just such a tight, tight group because of our space limitations at our house. There’s really no room for any extras.” Fishel shares that this, of course, can cause some challenges. “I’ve actually lost friends,” she says. “Sometimes, we unintentionally hurt people’s feelings. And it’s nothing personal. It’s just literally the limited space.”
Fishel also shares that hotels can be another challenge to navigate. “The hotels do their best here, but sometimes there are issues with blocking the rooms for our guests. People come from the West Coast, from Europe—and that’s a logistical challenge figuring out space and houses where people will stay. … It’s also a Fourth of July weekend, so madness is already happening here.” She says that security and ensuring the safety of her guests are always other considerations, given the number of celebrities in attendance. “We’ve had to amp up security more and more each year. This past year, 25 people were hiding in the dunes... and then seven different drones were flying above.”
This year, the invitations included lithographs by renowned artist George Condo, delivered by couriers in white tuxes, of course. Those who RSVP’d received a personalized pair of Air Jordan 1 Low sneakers (from the collab with Travis Scott), produced especially for Rubin with a note that read, “Not for resale… I know who you are.” Every element of the event is equally exclusive and jaw-dropping. “Making sure the food is not good, but great—that’s the No. 1 thing,” Fishel says. This year, the musical performances included Lil Wayne and Shaboozey.
For her pre-party prep, Fishel does the requisite routine (including a Diamond Glow facial with sculpting with Edyta at the Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue), yet she shares that sleep is one of the most significant ways she prepares. “I make sure I’m getting tons of sleep because it’s a 12-hour party,” she explains. “I know I’m gonna have to be up for 12 hours because the host can’t go to bed.”
Zimmermann dress and bag; Yvonne Léon earrings; Bea Bongiasca rings; White/Space ring.
“We have about 100 people in our house setting up—so I have learned to take the kids and go to our Pennsylvania home and just relax there,” she says. “All these people, they’re working their asses off trying to make miracles happen for this party. And I just feel like the kids and I are a little bit in their way. I want to give the space to create these beautiful moments for the party.” Fishel shares that she enjoyed quiet time with the children in Pennsylvania: “So it’s been a huge lesson for me this year. It was much more relaxing.”
Morphew dress; White/Space earrings; Suzanne Kalan bracelets
Fishel shares that her children are always at the forefront of her mind. “I live and breathe for my children,” says the mother of Gema (age 2) and Romi (age 4). “I wake up and go to sleep every night with the intention of raising kind, wholesome little humans. My No. 1 goal is to be a good mom.” As the little ones grow up, she is finding more time for herself, rediscovering her love of oil painting and leaning into her philanthropic projects. “I’m moving out of the baby stage with them, so I’m starting to rediscover myself and learn who I am again, outside of being a mom.” An Angel on their board, Fishel gives her time and attention to Baby2Baby, an organization focused on maternal health. “They just opened a chapter in New York City that has helped over 100,000 children.”
Lauren Layne Swim bikini top and bottoms; Hermès coat; Moncler shoes; Suzanne Kalan earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
When asked when the little ones can attend the iconic party, she says, “Maybe when they’re little teenagers, they can stop by the cocktail part of it, like the beginning part.”
Lauren Layne Swim bikini top and bottoms; Hermès coat; Moncler shoes; Suzanne Kalan earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
At the moment, Fishel shares she is enjoying the rest of her summer relaxing with family now that the big event is behind her. “My summer starts now,” she says, laughing.
Styled by: Gabriela Langone
Hair: Melissa Parizot
Makeup: Hanic Arias
Style assistant: Rayner Reyes
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY BEN WATTS // STYLED BY GABRIELA LANGONE
