Scent of a Woman

Founder and creative director of the lifestyle brand AERIN, and granddaughter of cosmetics doyenne Estée Lauder, Aerin Lauder talks exclusively to Bazaar about launching her first fragrance collection.

AFTER WORKING FOR OVER 20 YEARS in the family business in varying capacities, including as creative director of beauty behemoth Estée Lauder, Aerin Lauder debuted her luxury lifestyle brand in 2012. This month marks her foray into perfumes with the launch of nine floral fragrances —Gardenia Rattan, Amber Musk, Lilac Path, Ikat Jasmine, Evening Rose, Iris Meadow, Waterlily Sun, Tangier Vanille, Mediterranean Honeysuckle—all of which are inspired by her life. Here, Lauder opens up about her passion for fragrances, the lessons she learned from her grandmother, and everything that has helped bring her new venture together. 

When did you first think of starting a fragrance line? What was the inspiration?

I am fortunate to have learned so much from a lifetime in beauty. The time came for me to take those lessons and re-interpret them—pursue my own vision, from my own perspective. Fragrance has always been a passion of mine. I wanted to share more of who I am and what my life is about. For me, there is not a more intimate way to express who I am than through fragrance. Each one includes three separate threads of inspiration. The first is my life and my memories. The second is the notes and the ingredients I love. The third is expressing the different facets and expressions of my life and memories through unique combinations in this collection. 

What is your favourite fragrance from the house of AERIN?