Aerin Lauder – the granddaughter of cosmetics magnate Estée Lauder and founder of her namesake lifestyle brand, AERIN, is the cover star of Town & Country’s February 2020 Issue. On newsstands now. T&C is celebrating its 174th Birthday this year.
Aerin comes to T&C to give a master class on history’s most iconic jewelry moments. Lauder’s cover story images are inspired by some of T&C’s jewelry heroes – Millicent Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor, Gloria Vanderbilt, Maria Callas – to name a few. Lauder was interviewed by renowned jewelry expert and T&C editor in chief Stellene Volandes.
Lauder also opens up about what her grandmother, Estée, taught her about jewelry, jewelry mementos she’s received, and what she loves about discovering new pieces.
On what her grandmother, Estée Lauder, taught her about jewelry: “The day I was born Estée gave my mother a pair of Buccellati diamond and pearl earrings, which my mother just recently gave to me. Diamonds are my birthstone, and these earrings are a very special and meaningful tradition. I still wear them today, on my birthday and for special occasions.”
On jewelry mementos: “When my first child was born, my husband gave me a pair of green Verdura beads. I still have them and always think about that special moment in my life. I also have a silver heart ring from Tiffany’s from my older son, Jack. My mother made the mistake of taking him to Tiffany’s when he was a little boy, and he had a temper tantrum because he wanted to get me a sapphire ring. Instead she took him up to the silver floor, and he got me this.”
On discovery emerging jewelers: “Jewelry is a strong category for us within our lifestyle concept. We have done collaborations with Mercedes Salazar and Rebecca de Ravenel. I was the first to launch Rebecca’s famous Les Bonbons earrings, and we were her first big partner. It makes me smile when I see the success of her business. We have also done some beautiful, iconic pieces for our brand, which are inspired by vintage design, such as our Agneta necklace.”