6 minute read
AERIN LAUDER: The Language of Flowers & the Art of Living Beautifully
by Lizabeth Zindel Wells
Aerin Lauder’s relationship with flowers began long before she realized it. As a child, she watched her grandmother, Estée, test new perfumes in the backseat of a car that always smelled faintly of tuberose. Her mother filled the house with miniature bouquets and marked birthdays with pots of geraniums wrapped in ribbon. Over time, flowers became more than a backdrop — they became a way of seeing. In her new book, Living with Flowers, published by Rizzoli, Lauder traces this visual language through personal rituals, layered tablescapes, and the objects she’s designed for her namesake brand. It’s a sensibility shaped by inheritance, but articulated in a voice that’s entirely her own.
In an interview with Hamptons Social, Lauder reflects on the pivotal memories that shaped her floral point of view, the creative process behind her book, and her thoughtful approach to setting a table in the Hamptons.
What was the inspiration behind Living with Flowers?
AERIN LAUDER: My inspiration comes from a lifelong passion for flowers, which is deeply rooted in my heritage. My first memory of my grandmother, Estée, was the way she smelled and her love for floral fragrances. My mother also 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 arrived home from a business trip, she nurtured a lifelong love of nature, flowers, and all things beautiful. Over time, these experiences have shaped my appreciation for the beauty and emotional significance of flowers. I envisioned the book as an opportunity to compile these personal stories and memories to inspire readers to incorporate flowers into their daily lives, adding beauty to both special occasions and everyday moments.
In what ways does your book aim to change your readers’ perception of flowers?
LAUDER: When people talk about flowers, I find that they most often refer to them in their traditional sense — fresh bouquets, blooming gardens in the summertime, etc. However, the way that I use flowers every day goes far beyond on that. I wanted to introduce readers to the many ways to live with flowers that are surprising and unexpected. Flowers do not always have to mean a fresh bouquet; they can create a beautiful pattern for wallpaper in the dining room, hand-painted details on a special set of tableware, or a note in your favorite fragrance. The book is organized to convey these endless ideas.
Can you share a memory of your grandmother Estée Lauder and her signature blooms?
LAUDER: She was always trying out new fragrances she was working on, which were usually floral forward. A memory that I recall most was getting into the car with Estée when she was working on the Beautiful fragrance; I was immediately greeted by the smell of rose, lily, and tuberose, which are still three of my favorite flowers.
Flowers have the ability to capture a moment in time. Can you share a specific memory of a flower or bouquet that left a lasting impression?
LAUDER: My most memorable flower moment is the lily of the valley bouquet that I held at my wedding. It was such a special day, and the smell of those flowers still reminds me of it.
What are the essential elements you always consider when creating a tablescape? And what are some of your favorite pieces you like to entertain with?
LAUDER: Whether it is a simple lunch in the garden, or a more formal dinner indoors, I always start by bringing elements of the outdoors in. Nature brings a sense of beauty and ease that I love incorporating into entertaining.
My approach is rooted in effortless elegance. I do not believe that a tablescape has to be overly complicated to be beautiful. I often begin with a specific flower or color palette and build from there. I like to take a layered approach, mixing and matching different elements to create an environment that feels thoughtful, personal, and welcoming.
On the table, it is always a mix of old and new; I love the contrast. I love using vintage finds and family heirlooms alongside newer pieces from the AERIN brand or that I have discovered during my travels. Vintage glasses that I have collected with AERIN linens and natural textures like raffia and rattan offer effortless elegance and a touch of whimsy.
What are your golden rules for hosting in the Hamptons?
LAUDER: Whenever I entertain, I want to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for my guests, especially in East Hampton. Summertime entertaining is all about ease and simplicity for me. I want guests to feel completely at home, while surrounded by beauty.
I embrace the natural light, the fresh ocean air, and the laid-back sensibility of summer. I use seasonal flowers and arrange them loosely in simple vases or pitchers. It is those little touches that make it feel special without being too formal.
Above all else, the most important element of entertaining, no matter the destination, is to relax and enjoy.
What role do flowers and beauty play in AERIN’s brand identity?
LAUDER: I inherited my creative passion from my grandmother. She saw beauty as an extension of herself, her home, her wardrobe, and her family. She used to say, “Everything can be beautiful if you just take the time.” This concept has not only inspired the way I live day to day, but it shaped my philosophy behind the AERIN brand — that living beautifully should be effortless.
I am always inspired by art, travel, fashion, design, nature, and flowers, which all serve as a focal point for my lifestyle brand. The original inspiration for the AERIN Beauty collection was a pink rose, and it is still very iconic to the brand today.
Do you ever think about flowers’ symbolism when selecting them for your home or events?
LAUDER: While I was working on Living with Flowers, I was very much inspired by the symbolism of flowers. I learned about the meaning of many flowers that I hadn’t heard of before. I think that choosing flowers based on what they represent is an even more thoughtful touch when selecting florals, rather than picking something solely based on its aesthetic. Since finalizing the book, I have started paying much more attention to the meaning of all flowers.
