Elegance Lost at Sea: Rising Fashion Star Martha Nolan-O’Slattara Found Dead on Yacht in Montauk
The fashion world and Montauk community are reeling after the tragic and shocking discovery of Martha Nolan-O’Slattara, 33, a talented fashion designer and rising star, who was found dead aboard a boat docked at the elite Montauk Yacht Club early Monday morning. The Irish-born designer had been making waves in New York’s fashion scene with her brand East X East, beloved for its coastal-chic aesthetic and millennial energy.
Her lifeless body was discovered after a 911 call was made by a man aboard the boat, and despite desperate CPR attempts by bystanders, Martha was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death remains officially unknown, pending a full autopsy by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The mysterious circumstances — paired with reports of loud screaming heard near the dock that night — have left the public stunned and authorities investigating potential foul play.
👗 From Dublin to New York: A Creative Visionary with Global Dreams
Martha Nolan-O’Slattara was not just a designer — she was a storyteller. Born in Ireland, she graduated from University College Dublin and went on to earn a master’s in digital marketing from UCD’s Smurfit Graduate Business School. She later moved to Manhattan, where she began her brand journey and made her mark through her creative vision, magnetic energy, and social media presence.
Her label, East X East, captured the soul of her identity: “Built in the city, made for the sun.” It celebrated the vibrance of NYC and the laid-back luxury of the Hamptons. Her designs — from crochet bikinis to statement sunglasses — weren’t just garments; they were dreams woven into fabric. Her fashion wasn’t about trends. It was about freedom, joy, and identity.
In one of her last TikTok videos, dated July 1, Martha gleamed with pride as she showcased her pop-up store at Gurney’s in Montauk. “POV: The brand you started 3 years ago has a pop-up in the Hamptons,” she captioned the video, her smile a symbol of how far she had come. Her fans, numbering in the thousands, saw her not just as a fashion force, but as a fearless woman who chased bold dreams with heart and authenticity.
🕯️ An Unimaginable Loss: Community Mourns While Questions Remain
Martha’s death marks the second high-profile tragedy in the Hamptons this summer, following the hit-and-run death of real estate star Sara Burack. But what makes Martha’s passing even more unnerving is the veil of uncertainty surrounding her final moments. Police are investigating all possibilities and have urged the public to come forward with any information that may shed light on her final hours.
Those who knew Martha — either personally or through the screen — remember a woman of light, ambition, and unapologetic individuality. She inspired others through her journey, her courage to start from scratch, and her belief in beauty and self-expression.
As the fashion world lights candles and social feeds flood with tributes, one thing is clear: Martha Nolan-O’Slattara wasn’t just a designer. She was a movement. And now, the world must say goodbye far too soon.
May her vibrant soul rest in peace. 🕊️
