Newport Insider: Ala von Auersperg

Designer and philanthropist Ala von Auersperg grew up as Princess Annie-Laurie von Auersperg, and has spent time in Newport since she was 12 years old. Her love of fashion began as a child, visiting Paris and the couture houses with her mother, Sunny Crawford von Bülow. After starting painting lessons later in life—and a push from a friend—she was inspired to kick off her own fashion line by printing her paintings onto dresses (available at alavonauersperg.com and in shops in New York, Charleston and Palm Beach). Today, she is often in Newport with her family (including five grandchildren) and is the cofounder of the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Brain Trauma Foundation.

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What to See and Do

“Some of my favorite historic houses in Newport are The Elms, Isaac Bell House and Hunter House on the Point.”

Favorite Restaurants

“The Clarke Cooke House is a staple, and TSK—Thames Street Kitchen—has the best steak you will ever eat.”

For a First Time Visitor

“Marble House is emblematic of the Gilded Age.”

For Return Visitors

“Trinity Church, the Touro Synagogue (the first synagogue in the U.S.) and The Redwood Library (the first subscription library).”

Favorite Hotels Beyond Newport

“Château Saint-Martin, in Vence; Le Bristol, in Paris; and Villa San Michele, just outside Florence.”

Family Getaway, Beyond Newport

“Antigua. My family loves to gather at our home.”

Related: Newport: The New Gilded Age

This article originally appeared in Indagare Magazine’s Summer 2023 edition, available exclusively to Indagare members.

Contact your Trip Designer or Indagare, if you are not yet a member, to start planning a trip to Newport. Our team can match you with the itineraries, accommodations and reservations that are right for you.