Philanthropist and art collector Leonard A. Lauder, 86, is said to be writing a book about his storied life and career.
Lauder serves as the chairman emeritus of the Estée Lauder Companies, which operates a variety of cosmetics brands like Clinique, MAC and La Mer.
“It is believed that his late wife, Evelyn, the beloved socialite and philanthropist who died in 2011, is featured heavily in the book, as well as their work for causes including breast-cancer awareness and treatment,” reported PageSix.com. “The son of Estée Lauder, his influential art holdings have included the $1 billion collection of Cubist works he donated to the Met in 2013. The book’s repped by Robert Barnett, whose clients have also included Barbra Streisand and Jack Welch.”
Lauder, of course, is the chairman emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. He was chief executive officer until 1999. Today, Estée Lauder operates several brands in the cosmetic industry, including Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox and La Mer.
“I have been blessed with a wonderful life,” he told WWD in confirming a report about the book in The New York Post. “In my business career and my personal life, I have had challenging and exciting experiences and been surrounded by outstanding people. I want to tell the unique story of my mother and father, the company they founded, and all we have accomplished. I want to convey the business lessons I’ve learned in the hopes that they can guide others. I want to tell the story of my philanthropy and my art collecting. For years, I have been asked to do this; now is the time.”
In April 2013, Lauder promised his collection of 81 Cubist paintings, works on paper, and sculptures, consisting of 34 pieces by Pablo Picasso, 17 by Georges Braque, 15 by Fernand Léger, and 15 by Juan Gris, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, according to Wikipedia. His net worth as of February 2019 is estimated at $13.2 billion.
Founded in 1946, the technologically advanced, innovative company has gained a worldwide reputation for elegance, luxury and superior quality. Its products come with a promise to uphold the finest standards of excellence. “Through extensive research and stringent product evaluation, we are pleased to bring you skincare, makeup and fragrance products that are both gentle and highly effective,” the company promises on its web site.
“No doubt the tome will be chockablock with the wisdom that Lauder is renowned for sharing inside and outside of the company, be it the benefits of always sending a thank you note or a master class in selective distribution,” reported WWD. “Despite his accomplishments, Lauder is as engaged as ever. “You can’t learn anything with your mouth open all the time,” he told WWD last year. “Listen, listen, listen. You’ll be amazed, if you are willing to listen, what you can learn.”
