Aerin Lauder is this year’s East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon guest speaker. (Photo: Thomas Loof)

In anticipation of the 5th Annual East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon on Thursday, July 17, we caught up with this year’s guest speaker, Aerin Lauder. The author, style icon, and founder of AERIN shared her design inspirations, the enduring lessons she learned from her grandmother Estée Lauder, her passion for philanthropy, and more.

How did the idea for AERIN first take shape, and what motivated you to launch your brand?  

AL: I worked at Estée Lauder for about 25 years, gaining amazing experience in many different departments. I was always doing interviews on what was in my makeup bag and the items I couldn’t live without. After being asked that question so many times, I felt there was an opportunity in the marketplace for a lifestyle brand based on feminine, modern, and effortless products with a strong heritage and storytelling.

I realized that when the modern woman thinks about beauty, she sees beauty as an extension of herself, her home, her wardrobe, and her travels. Therefore, beauty and home should live together. In 2012, when I decided to launch AERIN, I expanded the whole concept of beauty to make it part of the way we live today. We did this with the items I love most: makeup, fragrance, objects for the home and accessories.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs and collections?  

AL: I am inspired by so many different things including nature, travel, art and fashion, as well as my own heritage.

What led you to pen your latest book, Living with Flowers?  

AL: My love of flowers has always felt deeply personal, as it was passed down to me from my mother and my grandmother, Estée. My mother shared the joy of flowers with me from a young age. From mini potted geranium favors at my childhood birthday parties to a bouquet waiting for me when I arrive home from a business trip, she nurtured a lifelong love of nature, flowers, and all things beautiful.

Over the years, I discovered that flowers are not just for special occasions, they can be part of my everyday. Whether I am placing a single stem in a bud vase on my nightstand, arranging peonies for a summer lunch, or selecting flowers that match the mood of the season, I love the way they bring effortless beauty to any setting. Flowers have also been a constant source of inspiration for my work, from fragrances to home décor.

I wanted to create Living with Flowers to share that passion and make floral design feel approachable. Flowers do not have to involve complicated arrangements or rules; this book is about simple, elegant ways to incorporate flowers into your home and lifestyle. I draw inspiration from nature, travel, and personal moments, and I hope this book encourages others to do the same. My grandmother had this incredible quote where she said that “one exquisite flower in a simple container can be as magnificent as a roomful of flowers,” and I believe that is so true.

What are some of the most important lessons you learned from your grandmother, Estée Lauder?  

AL: Estée taught me the importance of quality and attention to detail. She always said that her name was on the product, so it had to be the best. I carry that same philosophy in my own work. I take a hands-on approach, being deeply involved in every aspect of my business and the development of each AERIN product, because just like her, my name is on everything we create.

My grandmother also used to say that if you are passionate and true, success will come. To me, there is no better advice, and I have valued this idea since I was a young girl. Through the years, my goals have ultimately stayed the same – to be authentic to myself and do what I love.

The Lauder family has a remarkable legacy of philanthropy, including generous support for the Southampton Hospital Foundation. How has that tradition of giving shaped your own approach to community involvement and charitable work?

AL: Giving back has always been very important to my family. I remember as a young girl I would always hear my grandparents talking about funding playgrounds in Central Park; for me, that was the beginning of understanding what philanthropy was. As I got older, I learned to be philanthropic from the gracious people around me.

When you’re on the East End, what are some of your favorite spots?  

AL: Long Island is one of my favorite places to spend time with family and friends. There is nothing I love more than waking up and going for a walk along the beach, spending the day outdoors by the pool and then having a barbecue at home. A few of my favorite restaurants are Sant Ambroeus, Duryea’s, Tutto il Giorno and Loaves & Fishes. To shop, I love walking through town and visiting many of the classic places along with new stores that are always opening and bringing excitement to the community.

This luncheon supports the new Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. What inspired you to lend your voice and support to this cause?  

AL: I have always had a strong connection to East Hampton and the local community, so it is an honor to support the Emergency Department. I recognize how essential it is for both residents and visitors to have access to quality healthcare.

Jill Davis, Kate Davis, Hollis Forbes, Liz Lange, and Mary Margaret Trousdale will co-chair the annual Lecture & Luncheon Fundraiser at Maidstone Club in East Hampton to support the new Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department.

Mary Margaret Trousdale will moderate the conversation, and East Hampton Gardens owner Michael Giannelli will join Aerin onstage to share creative design ideas for floral arrangements. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m.

To purchase a table or ticket, or for more information, please visit bit.ly/EHEDLuncheon2025, email alexa.schultheis@stonybrookmedicine.edu or call (631) 726-8700 x 3.