Beauty
CRAZY ABOUT AERIN
And her latest fragrance
In the still trembling New York, and despite the 40 degrees Celsius, I walked a few months ago just as a New Yorker should, with a firm pace over 23rd Street. In my left hand beautiful but not so comfortable killer high-heeled sandals, in my right hand a phone, on my nose a pair of sunglasses and on my feet a pair of comfortable but not so beautiful flats. But it was precisely because of these shoes that I realized where I was headed: The Nomad Hotel. The place where I love to brunch on weekends. However, I am here for a different reason. In the lobby, I quickly swap the comfortable for the not so comfortable shoe and then step into the elevator in high heels. Off to PH (stands for: Penthouse) number 1. That is the place where I need to be to meet Aerin Lauder. The woman who followed in her grandmother's footsteps within the insane cosmetics company Estée Lauder, and who also set up her own successful lifestyle and beauty brand AERIN. And for that last part, I press the PH1 button of the elevator that will take me to the rooftop terrace.
“A woman without a perfume is a woman without a future”
The doors slide open and it feels like an oasis from a Moroccan tale unfolds. The entire decor, from carpets to plants to draped curtains, makes New York feel like the place where royal nomads dwell. The Moroccan theme is entirely in line with the reason for this visit: AERIN Tangier Vanilla. AERIN's latest perfume is inspired by this African country and through the elements of vanilla, roses, amber, and musk, the fragrance takes you to magical Morocco. The perfume fills the space of the Nomad Hotel. I study the location and sip from a glass of bubbles. And then someone tapped on my shoulder.
Aerin's assistant is sparkling and asks if I am from Amayzine. My heart skips a beat because ‘yes, I am from Amayzine’, and ‘yes, I know what is about to happen.’ With my half glass of bubbles, I follow her and a few steps later shake Aerin's hand. She radiates, is dressed in a beautiful ensemble consisting of a black dress and white jacket, and I talk to her about the fragrance.
She talked about her perfume and the inspiration she found in Morocco, but I also presented her with the quote “a woman without a perfume is a woman without a future” from Coco Chanel. Aerin could only agree immensely with this woman. Perfume is something Aerin grew up with. There are even photos of her as a little girl, still wandering in diapers, carrying a perfume bottle. Perfume was instilled in her with the beauty spoon and is still of great importance in her life. Grandmother Estée even said “You wouldn’t wear the same dress to play tennis in as you would to have dinner. Why would you wear the same fragrance?”. A different one for every occasion. Just like Aerin, who only sleeps after spritzing a bit of perfume.
“You wouldn’t wear the same dress to play tennis in as you would to have dinner. Why would you wear the same fragrance?”
Time flies and the radiant Aerin has to move on. The handshake is replaced by a hug. I pick up my glass of champagne again, grab a few of the delicious bites that come by, meet the nicest people, and immerse myself for a few hours in Aerin's African vibes. Once home, I take another look at the perfume. The upcoming one approves and I must honestly admit that despite my demanding nature when it comes to perfume, I find this Tangier Vanilla a success. Powerful, quirky, yet romantic. Yes, it was a layered event.
The AERIN Tangier Vanilla fragrance is now in stores. Or you can go to www.esteelauder.nl and order the fragrance there.
