INTERVIEW: East Hampton Antiques Show Honorary Chairperson Aerin Lauder On Her Lifestyle Brand, Aerin, What Inspires Her And More

This year the East Hampton Historical Society sought out Aerin Lauder, the founder of beauty, home and accessories brand, Aerin, and the Style and Image Director of Estée Lauder, to serve as the Honorary Chairperson of the Society’s East Hampton Antiques Show. In addition to her honorary duties, Lauder presented a pop-up of her Southampton-based store.

Items from Aerin were on display at the East Hampton Antiques Show. (Photo: Nicole Barylski)

We caught up with Lauder at the Preview Cocktail Party on Friday, July 22nd, where we chatted about her Southampton store, design process, inspirations and more.

How do you go about curating your store Aerin in Southampton?

AL: It’s fun because what we’ve done is a certain percent of the product is product that we produce, like our cosmetics and home objects and some of our accessories. But then at the same time, there’s things we found and edited from all over the world. So it has a global sensibility.

How involved with the design process are you?

AL: I’m very involved. I have a wonderful team; we work together and design everything as a team, so I’m very, very much involved.

What inspires your design process?

AL: Friends, trips, places, museums, artists, it can come from anything.

The return to gold was prevalent at the pop-up. (Photo: Nicole Barylski)

What are some of your favorite Hamptons spots?

AL: I love Lobster Roll. I think that LUNCH is great. I love the beaches. I love Neo Studio in Sag Harbor. I actually love coming to these antique shows. I think you get a ton of inspiration from vintage pieces. Friends and their homes; I think there’s something really nice about going to someone’s home and seeing all the different styles and how they entertain and how they live.

What are some of your favorite trends at the moment?

AL: I am absolutely in love with florals. For fall, you’re seeing it, and all the beautiful pastels. And also, just that return to gold. You’re seeing gold everywhere now; in home, in beauty and fashion accessories.

Does your family also provide inspiration?

AL: Very much. I think my mother and grandmother played a huge role in my style and sensibility.

For more information about East Hampton Historical Society, visit www.easthamptonhistory.org. For more information about Aerin, visit www.aerin.com.