On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Aerin Lauder — style icon, author, and founder of AERIN — led a discussion about beauty, branding, and legacy to an audience of nearly 200 guests at the 5th annual East Hampton Emergency Department fundraiser luncheon, held at the Maidstone Club.
Chaired by East Hampton residents Jill Davis, Kate Davis, Hollis Forbes, Liz Lange, and Mary Margaret Trousdale, the event began with a presentation from Lauder, who spoke about her newest book, “Living with Flowers,” life lessons from her grandmother, Estée Lauder, her special connection to East Hampton, and more. The event was held in support of the new Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department.
“When I think about flowers, my earliest memories are of my mother and grandmother. They were the ones that introduced me to my love of beauty, fragrance, and beautiful flowers in the home,” Lauder shared. The matriarch always had fresh flowers when you walked into her home. “She taught me the importance of effortless beauty, attention to detail, and scent,” she said.
When speaking about her home in East Hampton, she told guests, “To me, this is my paradise. This is where I look forward to staying. It was my grandmother’s home.” She utilizes local farmstands to create arrangements for her home. “I think farmstand flowers are the best,” she shared.
When looking for inspiration, Lauder turns to travel, friends, and even Instagram. “Even if you’re staying put, do something that opens your eyes. You don’t have to go very far to be inspired,” Lauder shared.
The conversation culminated with a Q&A with questions from the audience.
Guests included Veronica Atkins, Bette-Ann Gwathmey, Allegra Kelly, Ros L’Esperance, Southampton Hospital Foundation Board Members Jackie Mitchell and Jean Shafiroff, Charlotte Moss, Southampton Hospital Association Board Member Louise Phanstiel and husband Howard Phanstiel, Nina Rumbough, and Virginia Schwerin.
Following the talk, a lunch was served, and guests stayed on to enjoy the ocean views and to mingle with friends. Since its inception, the East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon has raised over $1.2 million.
For more information about the Southampton Hospital Foundation, visit southamptonhospitalfoundation.org.