Estée Lauder Companies: The Global House of Prestige Beauty
Estée Lauder Companies needs no introduction—a global powerhouse synonymous with beauty and innovation. Whether you realize it or not, if you’ve ever touched a cosmetics or skincare product, there’s a high chance it was created by one of their 27 iconic brandsMore than a logo—brand is the essence of a company, shaping identity, reputation, and customer perception.. From MAC to Clinique, Tom Ford to Bobbi Brown, their influence touches every corner of the beauty industry.
A striking screengrab from the Estée Lauder Companies “I Love” campaign film, showcasing bold red lips and vibrant neon text that celebrates creativityThe spark that starts it all—creativity is the fearless pursuit of new ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable brand moments. and artistry.
Founded in New York City in 1946, Estée Lauder Companies has become a trailblazer in the world of beauty, constantly redefining what’s possible. By 2016, their influence had reached new heights, and to celebrate an extraordinary year, they decided to break tradition. Instead of the standard end-of-year report, they crafted a bold and innovative film—a visual celebration of their achievements, past and present.
RIOT’s task was both exhilarating and challenging: How do you encapsulate the accomplishments of 27 brands in just under three minutes? Every second had to shine, from highlighting the heritage of Estée Lauder Companies’ early days to capturing the bold, boundary-pushing campaignsStrategy meets storytelling—campaigns bring big ideas to life, driving awareness, engagement, and conversions through powerful, multi-channel messaging. of today. Balancing the legacy of legendary campaigns with the bold aspirations of reaching Generation Z was no small feat, but we knew the result had to appeal to everyone—from beauty loyalists to trend-conscious newcomers.
A recreated vintage photo of Estée Lauder, her husband, and their daughter Jane Lauder, carefully staged to bring a personal and nostalgic touch to the Estée Lauder Companies campaign.
The result? A stunning 2:45 film that takes viewersThe heartbeat of every campaign—understanding and engaging the right audience is the key to crafting messages that resonate and drive action. on a journey through time and creativity. From vintage glamor to the social media zeitgeist, the film is a love letter to innovation, artistry, and beauty itself. It celebrates the milestones of the past, the powerful campaigns of the present, and the creative possibilities of the future—all wrapped in visually striking storytellingEmotion meets impact—storytelling is the heartbeat of branding, using narrative to connect with audiences and drive action..
Above, you’ll see a glimpse of one of the standout moments—a reflection of the artistic and cultural influence of Estée Lauder Companies. This project was not just a report; it was a celebration of what it means to be the global house of prestige beauty.
