MONTAUK, NY — In a tragedy that has shaken both the Hamptons and the New York fashion community, authorities have identified the woman found dead aboard a docked boat at the prestigious Montauk Yacht Club as 33-year-old Martha Nolan-O’Slattara, a rising fashion designer from Manhattan.
The Suffolk County Police confirmed her identity Tuesday, after initial reports of a woman’s body being discovered on a vessel moored at the marina over the weekend. First responders were called to the scene after someone aboard another docked vessel noticed no activity from the boat Nolan was staying on and alerted marina staff.
As of now, the investigation into her death remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding her passing. The medical examiner’s office has yet to release a cause of death, and foul play has not been officially ruled out or confirmed.
A Creative Vision Lost Too Soon
Martha Nolan-O’Slattara was the visionary founder of East X East, a boutique beachwear fashion label known for its bold, bohemian aesthetic and hand-crafted crochet bikinis, dresses, and accessories. The brand, which drew inspiration from coastal lifestyles and global travel, quickly gained a loyal following on social media and had been featured in several emerging designer showcases over the past few seasons.
Friends and collaborators remember Martha as a creative force with a magnetic personality—a young woman who brought vibrant energy to everything she touched. With her keen eye for design, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to sustainable, small-batch fashion, Nolan was seen as one of the city’s promising fashion trailblazers.
“She was the real deal,” one friend wrote in a tribute online. “Not just a designer, but a storyteller through fabric and texture. She lived her brand—it was who she was. Elegant, free-spirited, and entirely original.”
From Manhattan to Montauk
According to multiple sources, Martha had traveled to Montauk earlier in the week for what appeared to be a combination of leisure and creative retreat. She was reportedly planning a new photo shoot for her upcoming resort collection and had been seen around town visiting local boutiques and beaches. Several friends noted that she seemed in good spirits and excited about the direction her brand was heading.
Her last Instagram post, shared just two days before her death, featured a sunrise photo of the Montauk coastline with the caption:
“Magic mornings, soft light, salt air. The only place that feels like clarity.”
That haunting message now reads like an unintended farewell from someone whose passion for the sea and the creative energy it brought her was deeply intertwined with her work and identity.
A Community Mourns
As word of her death spread, tributes began pouring in from across the fashion and creative industries. Fellow designers, models, influencers, and customers who wore her creations shared memories and condolences.
One tribute read:
“Martha was more than a designer—she was a muse. Her work made people feel powerful, feminine, and alive. Her presence in this world was a gift.”
The Montauk community has also expressed its condolences, with several local shop owners and yacht club members saying they were “shocked and heartbroken” by the sudden loss.
What We Know So Far:
- Name: Martha Nolan-O’Slattara
- Age: 33
- Residence: Manhattan, NY
- Profession: Fashion designer, founder of East X East
- Discovered: Deceased on a boat docked at Montauk Yacht Club
- Status of Investigation: Ongoing; awaiting results from medical examiner
- Foul play: Not yet determined
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen Martha in the days leading up to her death or who has information about her activities in Montauk to contact Suffolk County Police Department.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Martha Nolan-O’Slattara leaves behind a legacy of creativity, authenticity, and fearlessness. Her designs empowered others to embrace individuality, and her presence inspired countless peers in the fashion world. While her journey was cut far too short, her impact will be felt for years to come.
As we remember Martha, we celebrate not only her talent but her spirit—a woman who brought color, confidence, and creativity to the world around her.
Rest in peace, Martha. Your light shone brightly.
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