The grandaughter of Estée Lauder believes that living beautifully should be effortless, and her own lifestyle is the inspiration behind her eponymously named brand.
Estée Lauder created one of the greatest beauty empires and her granddaughter Aerin took up the helm as global creative director before developing her own brand called, simply, Aerin. Based on the notion that living beautifully should be effortless, the brand incorporates collections of beauty, fashion accessories and home décor. With a passion for art, travel, fashion, and design, Aerin’s own lifestyle serves as a focal point of inspiration for the brand.
A designer and working mother of two sons, she divides her time between two homes: an apartment in Manhattan and her weekend and holiday retreat in East Hampton, which she inherited from her grandmother. With her love of interiors and a talent for creating elegant, inviting spaces, Aerin Lauder’s design aesthetic is a reflection of her upbringing. As she says, “Beauty is my heritage . . . home is my passion.”
From now until 25 June, there will be a special display curated by Blitz, the creative arm of Lane Crawford’s shoes and accessories department at ifc. It is the global unveiling of the World of Aerin collection of luxury lifestyle brands, which includes home furnishing and décor as well as footwear, accessories and beauty. These Aerin collections are exclusive to Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and China.
How would you describe your home décor style?
I’ve always found myself drawn to looks that are classic and understated, with some modern touches. I’m a strong believer in items that are timeless, be it in clothing, jewellery and home décor pieces. Aerin home collections are inspired by mid-century European design but updated in a timeless way.
What are some of your favourite pieces in your family home in Manhattan?
One of my favorite items is a 1920s French chandelier that’s in my library. It’s a beautiful sphere of clear, pink and purple glass. When we developed the Aerin lighting collection, the piece became the inspiration for our Heather chandelier.
Where is the most beautiful part of your home?
In a house full of boys, my dressing room is a place just for me. It’s very feminine with pretty Gracie wallpaper, a Venetian mirror that used to be my grandmother’s and a vanity [unit] that inspired a new piece in my latest Aerin furniture collection.
You’ve recently released your book, Beauty at Home. Can you give us an insight into the concept and what it means to you?
Beauty at Home was such a fun project for me to work on because it involved so many of the things I love: home decor, entertaining for family and friends, and also recounting some of my fondest memories and traditions. I was so lucky to work with Simon Upton, who is a wonderfully talented photographer and who captured all of the rooms in my home so perfectly.
What was your inspiration for the Aerin range of furniture, lighting, rugs, fabrics and decorative accessories?
After working for many years in the design industry, I felt there was a void in the home market for a modern, feminine point of view. The space was full of extremes – either too modern, too classic, or too masculine. I wanted the collections to be elegant, but it was also important for me to keep it comfortable and functional for today’s consumer.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love Yves Saint Laurent and the amazing book on his home, The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent. Pierre Bergé has also been an inspiration for me.
You say you like to live a life that is effortlessly beautiful – what is the most beautiful thing in the world to you? And what takes the least effort?
I love a morning walk on the beach near my family home in Long Island. For almost my entire life, this has been where I’ve gone to spend time with family and it’s so special to now watch my boys experiencing so many of the same things I did as a child.
What influence has your grandmother had on you in terms of your approach to interior design?
My grandmother taught me that gold is a neutral. From a very young age, I loved her gold jewellery and the incredible gold wallpaper in her house in New York. When we started to develop the Aerin home collections, we incorporated gold as a signature of the brand.
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