Aerin Lauder is a designer, tastemaker, mother of two, and style icon. With a commitment to creating beauty that is reflected in her elegant, effortless aesthetic, she established the luxury lifestyle brand AERIN in 2012. Her love for interiors and her ability to create inviting spaces are rooted in her unique upbringing — she is the granddaughter of Estée Lauder, the founder of the eponymous cosmetics company. Aerin’s philanthropic endeavors have included BCRF and The Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Aerin and delve into her recent collaborations with Williams Sonoma and Gracie brands. These collaborations not only showcase her creative prowess but also provide a glimpse into how she enjoys life on the East End.
Tell us about your collaboration with Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home. How is the collection inspired by your garden in East Hampton?
Summertime entertaining is my favorite, and the new AERIN for Williams Sonoma collection reflects the best of those moments. While the collection is inspired by my garden in Long Island, the furniture was created based on the details of a wicker basket that belonged to my mother. Each piece that we designed is infused with my own memories and entertaining essentials, as well as the ethos of the AERIN brand.
How would you describe your signature style?
I have a very feminine, timeless sense of style with a modern twist.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with Gracie and how your love of flowers and nature inspires it?
AERIN x Gracie is a very special collaboration from two brands infused with a strong heritage, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The collection offers an assortment of beautiful home decor and accessories inspired by my love of flowers and nature. I love the touch of whimsy mixed with AERIN’s signature style.
The collection also pays homage to your grandmother, Estée. Can you discuss how her legacy has influenced you and the collection?
My earliest memories of my grandmother’s love of home always included Gracie. She used the magical wallpapers in her dining rooms, offices, and throughout her homes around the world. Estée’s love of birds and flowers is something that she passed down to me and is an element that inspires me every day. The pattern that we chose was uncovered from the Gracie archives and originally hand-painted in the 1960s, which highlights Gracie as a true heritage brand. Their work has inspired me and my family for generations.
Could you tell us about life in East Hampton? What does your perfect day on the East End look like? What are a few of your favorite places to visit when you have time off?
To me, East Hampton is all about spending time with family and making special memories. Especially in the summertime, my favorite things to do are go for a walk on the beach, sit by the pool, entertain outdoors, and cut flowers in my garden. I love the sense of tradition and heritage in East Hampton. I think you see it in the homes, the food, the fashion, and the iconic institutions. A few of my favorite restaurants are Duryea’s, The Lobster Roll, Loaves and Fishes, Sant Ambroeus, and Le Bilboquet. I also like to walk around the different towns and discover the many shops, museums, and hotels. Each town is so unique and has something special to offer.
Talk about the “Aerin’s Loves” selections on the website. What are a few of your favorite items as we head into the summer season on the East End?
Similarly to my personal style, the “Aerin’s Loves” collection is classic with a contemporary twist. It includes the pieces that I am loving most and currently using in my home or my daily routine. One of the elements that I love most about this edit is that it is constantly changing. As the seasons change, I always update my fragrances, my accessories, and my home decor to reflect the time of year — “Aerin’s Loves” is curated to reflect exactly that.
Your first AERIN concept store has been a staple in the heart of Southampton for the past decade. What made you choose Southampton as a location?
I have been visiting Southampton every summer since I was a young girl. The ease of the town, the fresh air, the bike rides… To me, it has always defined the ultimate summer paradise. The sensibility of the destination, along with the ethos of the AERIN brand, seemed like a perfect match.
You’re involved in many charitable organizations. Can you tell us about some of the causes close to your heart?
My family has been very involved with BCRF and The Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation for many years, which are two organizations that are close to my heart. I am also on the board of God’s Love We Deliver, where they cook and deliver meals to those who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. I am so inspired by the incredible work that they do.
