Introducing the Erin Gates x Kassatex Beach Collection

Introducing the Erin Gates x Kassatex Beach Collection, our newest summer launch designed for long days by the pool, afternoons by the ocean, and every sun-soaked moment in between. After collaborating with Erin Gates on bestselling bedding, bath, and tabletop collections, we are expanding on her signature New England-inspired style for a coastal collection of beach towels, pareos, and lounge chair covers.

Ahead, Erin shares the inspiration behind the collection, from Nantucket and Harbour Island to coastal Maine, plus her favorite summer rituals, warm-weather essentials, and what she’ll be reading and listening to all season long.

Q&A with Erin Gates

Kassatex: What inspired you to dream up a beach collection?
Erin Gates: After getting some of the Kassatex x Cesta towels a couple years ago I became a total convert to really well made beach towels! There is something so satisfying and cuddly about a large size, extra thick and soft beach towel that makes a day at the beach or pool even more enjoyable. I wanted to incorporate some interior inspired patterns and color palettes into the towels too.

Kassatex: Was there a location or vacation that inspired your prints and aesthetic for the collection?
EG: Nantucket is always a beach inspiration for me with its history and natural beauty. For warmer climates, I’m a real sucker for the aesthetics of Harbour Island in the Bahamas and Auberge du Soleil in Napa too.

Kassatex: Three words to describe the beach collection.
EG: Elevated, happy, luxurious.

Kassatex: Lounge chair covers are becoming more essential to an outdoor oasis. If you could lounge by any hotel poolside, where would it be?
EG: I’ve never been to Mexico, so Las Ventanas has always been on my list, or Rosewood Little Dix Bay. I also am dying to go to Blackberry Mountain, which has a pool overlooking the valley.

Kassatex: The hues you chose for the beach collection are not your classic summer colors. They are rich and moody. Where did you find inspiration for these colors?
EG: I wanted the tones to feel more rooted in interior design palettes and not those of pool floats :)- the coral, cream, pink and brown is my favorite- it’s just so earthy and warm. The navy and green is a bit more classic seaside in palette, but in a much more elevated way.

Kassatex: What went into designing the beach bag?
EG: Nothing beats a simple woven tote that can really expand and fit SO much- it’s classy and utilitarian at the same time. Coral is one of my absolute favorite colors for summer so having this color added to it adds a bit more playfulness.

Kassatex: What would we find in your everyday tote for the summer?
EG: Five iterations of sunscreen (I love Supergoop and Vacation), goggles for my kids, lip gloss, 2-3 pairs of sunglasses, my wallet and keys and some sort of mints or gum. I wish I could say a hair elastic because I’m always looking for one, but alas, there never is one in there!!

Kassatex: Favorite way to wear a sarong and can we go from day to night with this essential?
EG: I love it wrapped fitted around the hips so it reads a bit more like a maxi skirt! With a great, classic one piece in coral or brown for one colorway or navy or green for the other. They would also make fantastic shawls over a simple slipdress in the evening or paired with jeans and a cute tee or tank!

Kassatex: What little details on the lounge chair covers make them comfy and durable outside?
EG: I LOVE these. There is little more annoying than your towel constantly slipping down your chair or not being long enough to run fully under your legs. I adore the contrast piping on these and cannot wait to use them on my patio this summer. They also protect your chaise cushions from sunscreen or spills so nicely!

Kassatex: What are your must-have warm-weather items when you’re poolside or by the ocean?
EG: A good wide brimmed hat, I gotta protect my freshly lasered old lady face now! 🙂 I love Janessa Leone’s hats as they are packable and come in various sizes for those of us with giant heads. Sunscreen is a must, my Kindle or a book, water with electrolytes or else I won’t drink it, a sarong and a great pair of rubber or jelly sandals.

Kassatex: Do you have a favorite hobby or pastime for sunny days?
EG: I really love to hike, I’ve been trying to get my kids more into it but the little one complains the entire way.

Kassatex: Summer reading list: any recs?
EG: I love to read- some recent favorites: Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams.

Kassatex: What will you be listening to on repeat this summer?
EG: Probably murder podcasts or 90’s rap/ r&b per usual. I am stuck in the genre and know no new music.

Kassatex: What’s your go-to summer drink or cocktail?
EG: Rosé or a classic cosmo. Occasionally a gin and tonic with extra lime.

Kassatex: Do you have a favorite warm-weather ritual or moment you look forward to every year?
EG: Lately we’ve been going to Maine in the summer for a week- various spots, but we really fell in love with Northeast Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Kassatex: Three locations you would absolutely travel to this summer for inspiration and relaxation.
EG: We are planning a trip to Ireland, where I’ve never been (my ancestors are Irish), which I’m very excited about. I love visiting coastal Maine and am looking forward to hopping over to Nantucket to launch this collection and spend time with friends there!