If you’ve ever spent a summer out East, you know the feeling: golden hour drives, sand still on your skin from the beach, and a kind of effortless ease that only exists between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That exact energy is what Max has bottled up with Dune Road Ranch. What started as outfit inspiration in law school has turned into a full-fledged label inspired by Hamptons summers and a laid-back-but-elevated aesthetic that feels timeless. Below, Max shares the story behind Dune Road Ranch, what’s on the horizon, and how he’s shaping the look and feel of summer—this season and beyond.

1. Tell me about yourself and Dune Road Ranch. How was it created?

Howdy! My name is Max, and I own Dune Road Ranch. During the day I’m a full-time attorney, and by night I’m everything Dune Road Ranch needs me to be. I started Dune Road Ranch during my second year of law school because I’ve always been drawn to clothing. I started a TikTok posting outfit inspirations in 2023 and grew a pretty nice community. Eventually I decided that I wanted to start my own brand and build out my own closet. When looking for inspiration for the brand, I turned to my fondest memories of spending summers out east in the Hamptons and Montauk as a kid. All of those memories helped to create what Dune Road Ranch is today!

2. What inspired the name of Dune Road Ranch?

Since my brand is inspired by the indescribable feeling of summers spent in the Hamptons and Montauk, I wanted to create a name that was recognizable and relatable. “Dune Road” comes from the name of arguably one of the most well known roads in the Hamptons, stretching 14 miles from Cupsogue to Shinnecock. “Ranch” is both a tribute to the coastal cowboy aesthetic as well as my desire to represent a community of those who also have had summers well spent in their favorite beach town.

3. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Dune Road Ranch?

The LAUNE of Dune Road Ranch is that nostalgic feeling of summer. Right now we have a mix of vibrant sun-washed pieces and neutral tones. However, the goal is to create pieces that are laid back yet refined and easy to style. Something you can wear for any occasion.

4. What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from everywhere, really. Sometimes it's a texture I notice on a walk, a color combination that catches my eye, or even a feeling I can't quite put into words yet. I'm constantly collecting these little moments whether it's through music, conversations, or just paying attention to the world around me, and somehow they all find their way into the designs.

5. What do you love about the Hamptons?

The Hamptons are the greatest place on Earth. There’s no place like it and no place that makes me feel the way I do when I’m there. Some of my fondest memories are from summers spent out east as a kid, whether that was going to the beach in Montauk with my family or walking around Southampton on a summer night. I find that I feel a sense of calmness spending time there that I can’t quite find anywhere else. It’s a place that holds a lot of special memories and moments for me and for that reason it’s my favorite place!

6. What’s next for Dune Road Ranch?

We've got some collaborations and pop-ups lined up for this summer that I'm really looking forward to. There are new pieces coming, plus we're expanding some of our popular designs into different colorways. What I'm most excited about though is building out more of our own original pieces and really developing that side of the brand. Ultimately, the dream would be to have our own physical space someday. It would be really special to create a space that encompasses what the brand stands for and a place for people to actually be able to feel the quality of our products and try things on. For now though, I'm focused on these summer plans and seeing where they take us.

Rapid Fire:

1. Describe your style in three words.

Minimalist, Elevated, and Effortless. I'm drawn to pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy and I like things that look put together without feeling forced or overdone. It's all about that balance of looking good without trying too hard. I'd rather have fewer things that are really well-made than a closet full of stuff I don't love

2. Favorite Dune Road Ranch piece?

Cream and Navy Dune Road Ranch Hat. Classic staple hat that goes with practically everything.

3. Favorite brand?

Right now it has to be Tombolo. Their pieces are extremely unique and fun.

4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Loro Piana. They have everything you need from staple pieces to basic essentials.

5. Dream collab?

Definitely a Tombolo x Dune Road Ranch collab. Their interactive pieces are so cool, and I think there's real potential to create something unique together. We're both New York brands with that beach, summer energy, but I think that our Dune Road Ranch coastal cowboy aesthetic would add a totally different layer to what they do. I can already picture how good it would look.

6. What are three staple items that every closet should have?

I'm pretty much always in all black. It's simple but works for everything. There's something about it that feels effortless but still put-together if you get the fit right. For me, it starts with a good black tee. Doesn't matter if it's oversized or fitted, just needs to feel right. Then black pants which I usually go for a “chino” style over jeans, but both work. Then you need some white leather sneakers to break it up. I've been wearing Golden Goose lately, but honestly there are so many good options out there that'll give you the same look. It sounds basic when you break it down like that, but that's kind of the point. When everything fits well and the pieces are high quality, simple becomes so much more.

7. Favorite place?

Southampton, NY. No place on earth competes with it.

8. Favorite restaurant in The Hamptons?

Super tough question. There’s the fried shrimp from Bostwicks, tuna bites from the Clam Bar, Lobster Rolls from Duryeas, and the chicken parm from The Palm. However, for real nostalgia purposes, I’d have to say Sip’n Soda in Southampton. I used to go there for lunch all the time as a kid with my family and especially with my grandpa. Since these types of memories are what Dune Road Ranch is all about, Sip’n Soda just feels like the right answer for me.

9. Favorite drinks spot in The Hamptons?

Montauk Project. Good music, good crowd, good food.

10. Favorite style icon?

Jacob Elordi. His style is so versatile. He can throw on anything and make it work.

11. Favorite movie?

Toss up between Nightcrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal and The Dark Knight with Christian Bale.

12. What are you loving right now?

Honestly, it still catches me off guard every time I see someone wearing something I designed. What started as just a random thought has somehow found its way into people's lives, and that connection means everything to me. I get messages from people who genuinely love what we've built together, and it reminds me why I started this in the first place. There's so much more I want to create and explore with the brand, but these moments are what keep me going. It's humbling to know that something so personal to me has resonated with others.