Neiman Marcus awards Leonard Lauder with Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion award

Neiman Marcus announced on Monday Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies, as the recipient of the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion.

Lauder received the award from the U.S luxury department store for his contribution to his family business, started by his mother, Estée Lauder, where he transformed the New York-based beauty firm into a global leader of prestige beauty.

​Having joined the family business in 1958, Leonard Lauder went on to serve as CEO from 1982 to 1999. During his tenure, Lauder  focused on international expansion and building the company’s brands and acquisition strategy. In 1995, The Estée Lauder Companies went public, and went on to launch mega brands such as Clinique and Origins. The executive also oversaw the acquisitions of M.AC, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and La Mer. Today, the company portfolio includes more than 20 brands worldwide, with a presence in over 150 countries.
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“Leonard Lauder is a singular force who forever changed the beauty industry. His stewardship led The Estée Lauder Companies to become home to some of the world’s most beloved beauty brands,” said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer, Neiman Marcus Group. “He understands the power of relationships and his values are imbued in everything the company stands for. Along every step of the way, he has been a remarkable partner in our journey to bring the world’s most coveted brands to our customers.”

Lauder’s award comes more 60 years after the same honour was given to his mother by Neiman Marcus back in 1962. 

“When my mother, Mrs. Estée Lauder, was recognized with this award in 1962, it meant a great deal to her, and it means a great deal to me today,” said Lauder. “As I reflect upon the extraordinary partnership between The Estée Lauder Companies and Neiman Marcus, this award represents a celebration of collaboration and of people working together with a great sense of purpose, bringing their best to the industry.” 

Founded in 1938, the Neiman Marcus Awards were first launched as a way to honour excellence in the luxury industry. The program returned in 2023 as a strategic platform built to celebrate brand partners who share an interest in the retailer’s innovative approach to luxury in the U.S.