Hampton Habitues

East Hampton resident Robert Downey Jr., who calls himself a “one-man carbon footprint nightmare colossus,” is backing a plan that will use robots and artificial intelligence to make the world a better place. 

Speaking at the Amazon re:Mars conference in Las Vegas in June, he announced the upcoming April 2020 launch of The Footprint Coalition, an organization that will use advanced technologies to combat climate change. Downey Jr., who is also working on an eight-episode documentary series about AI for YouTube, is personally backing the endeavors, he reported. 

“I was at a table with super smart, impressive, expert folks about six months ago, and the following statement was made: ‘Between robotics and technology, we could probably clean up the planet significantly, if not entirely within a decade,’” he said. “I’m down with dedicating myself to maybe one small part of making good on that statement. Even in abject failure, it’s still the best idea I’ve ever had.” 

So far, the group only has a sign-up sheet available online. But those who do add their names get a letter that looks to come from the “Iron Man” himself, who promises to spend the next 11 months properly planning the coalition. 

Also in June, Bridgehampton resident Jack Brinkley-Cook, son of supermodel Christie Brinkley, announced that he has launched a transportation disruptor model with his childhood friend Jake Sosne. Called Rove, it’s a 13-seat door-to-door Mercedes Benz sprinter van service that offers non-stop rides from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn to select East End destinations. 

The $65 to $70 one-way ridesharing service is posited as a less expensive alternative to helicopter rides to the Hamptons, yet one that offers more luxury than a big bus. The vans pick up from partnering hotels, including the Sixty SoHo Hotel in Manhattan and the William Vale in Brooklyn, and drop off at partnering businesses in Sag Harbor, East Hampton and Montauk. 

Included in the experience is a Cynthia Rowley-designed tote filled with items such as CBD gummies, Jaden Smith’s Just Water, RXBars and the like. Those who want to travel with their pets can, up to 25 pounds and in a carrier, though they must be booked in advance and they come with an additional charge. Package service, up to 50 pounds, is also available for a fee. The only caveat: there are no facilities. But there is an anonymous text request option being offered for those who need a potty break. 

Sag Harbor’s Nicole Miller has just launched a new line of sunglasses. Sold exclusively at Optyx in East Hampton and the eyewear company’s select locations in Manhattan, the limited-edition line of glasses and frames is called “Runway Collection” and is inspired by Miller’s French heritage and her ready-to-wear spring and fall fashion collections. 

The busy designer is also working on her own brand of rosé wine. Cheers to both new ventures. 

Congratulations are also in order for Jennifer Lopez. The Water Mill resident was given the Fashion Icon Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in June at the Brooklyn Museum. And Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, frequent Hamptons visitors, were awarded the Accessory Designer of the Year for their label, The Row, their fifth award for the brand. 

Everywhere-at-all-times actor and Amagansett resident Alec Baldwin is starring in yet another new vehicle. This one is called “Framing John DeLorean” and it’s a documentary about the renegade automaker. Baldwin plays the eponymous role, in the form of dramatic re-enactments. It looks fascinating! 

Alas, it’s finally the end of “The Affair” on Showtime. And hopefully the denouement will be resolved with the beginning of its final season, which kicks off on August 25. 

Expect major twists for the Golden Globe-winning Montauk-based series, which killed off one of its main characters, played by Ruth Wilson, during its fourth season. As a result, her husband, played by Joshua Jackson, will also be missing for the series end. Bummer. 

The good news is that Dominic West and Maura Tierney will return, as will characters played by Sanaa Lathan and Anna Paquin. And, bonus: Jennifer Jason Leigh will be joining the cast, at least for an episode. Looks like this one will be going out with a bang, in a good way.