Pines Play celebrates the gay paradise of Fire Island Pines just in time for Pride
| 06/16/24
Image by Eddie Suárez
Launching this summer, Pines Play features original graphics and designs specially crafted to evoke the vibrant, liberated spirit of the iconic gay summer destination of Fire Island Pines. The diverse brand includes tees, hoodies, limited edition artworks, glassware, totes, and homemade scented candles.
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Arroya Studios co-founders and husbands Steve McGee (left) and Dennis Kenney pay homage to Fire Island Pines with the Pines Play lifestyle brand
Image by Eddie Suárez
Founders and husbands Dennis Kenney and Steve McGee are longtime Manhattanites who have shared a second home in the Pines for five years.
“Steve and I wanted to create something together that combined our professional backgrounds with our shared love for the Pines,” Kenney, a fashion expert on Good Morning America who previously worked as a creative director for one of North America’s largest retailers, tells Out Traveler.
Husband McGee is a former vice president at Bed Bath & Beyond. The pair co-founded Arroya Studio, the parent company of Pines Play.
“As interior designers, we take pride in our taste and are excited to extend it to our customers in a humble yet sophisticated way,” says McGee. “We love sharing our little slice of heaven with gay men around the world.”
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The Meat Rack tank
Image by Eddie Suárez
Fire Island Pines has been a popular destination for gay men since 1952 when it was still illegal for two men to dance together in public. With its lush foliage, white sandy beaches, beautiful modern architecture, and miles of wood plank boardwalks, the island evolved into a refuge where men can hold hands and explore their natural inclinations. Today it attracts celebrities from Calvin Klein to Liza Minelli and Andy Cohen.
Boy by the Beach tank
Image by Eddie Suárez
The Pines Play collection reflects the laid-back yet stylish vibe of the island paradise. Each piece is designed to capture a different aspect of its essence.
The Meat Rack tank delves into the sexy, naughty history of the Meat Rack, the infamous cruising spot in the Pines.
The Shower Tee embodies the freedom for men to show skin and enjoy the liberating atmosphere of the island.
The Boys by the Beach design celebrates the carefree, sun-soaked days spent on the shore.
The Pines Play Deer hoodie honors the iconic hoofed stags that roam the dunes, symbolic of the island’s natural beauty.
The fits of the tees, tanks, and hoodies are comfortable and flattering and meant to be adaptable for a casual beach day or a chic night out.
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Pines Play Deer tank
Image by Eddie Suárez
The original designs, created by Pine Play’s in-house graphic artist team, are available as hangable art so that men can bring a piece of the Pines into their homes. They are also featured on glass wear, beach totes, and other accessories and apparel.
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Pines Play Deer tank
Image by Eddie Suárez
Pines Play even brings the scents of the island to homes with candles containing ferns, florals, and woody aquatic fragrances. Each candle is sourced from Paris and Lithuania and includes a card from the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. The combination of the card and candle may suggest how and at what level the archetype of the candle manifests itself into the individual’s life.
Pines Play is unveiling its incredible candle incantations for a real statement piece. Handmade by a famous Lithuanian silkscreen artist, M. P. Vilutis, the porcelain jars are adorned with a kaleidoscope of magical symbols and marked with an authenticity number.
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Meat Rack tank (model not included)
Image by Eddie Suárez
“Our collection appeals to those who value unique, high-quality pieces that tell a story,” says McGee. “It is for the man who is not afraid to express himself and enjoys being part of a community that celebrates individuality.”
A percentage of the net proceeds from Pines Play is being donated to Fire Island-based 501(c)(3) organizations.
Visit PinesPlay.net. Follow on Instagram @THEpinesplay
