A beauty-industry aficionado who originally had her eye on a career in fashion, La Prairie V.P. of Marketing Elizabeth Lamont has traveled the world seeking inspiration in unexpected places—and really great views. Here, she talks personal style, singing at the office, and her uncanny ability to adapt to any situation.
Name: Elizabeth Lamont
Occupation: V.P. of Marketing Americas for La Prairie, Inc., where “we are relentless in our pursuit in finding innovative ingredients, and incorporating them into products that really work”
In three words: “[I am a] storyteller, adaptable to any situation (I could have tea with the queen and gut a fish), and competitive.”
Her turning point: “Being offered the job of Director of Education for the Luxury Fragrance Division of L’Oréal in Hong Kong. It exposed me to wildly diverse markets where English wasn’t necessarily spoken.”
Her work ethic: “If you’re not laughing or singing, then something is wrong. I’ve worked in a lot of places where there wasn’t any laughter, and let me tell you, it’s the only way to be.”
Must-haves: “Sunscreen. Something with stretch. A killer shoe. Bold jewelry. Any food salty or crunchy. And sadly, all my “I” devices. I don’t go anywhere without them.”
Inspiration: “For me, it comes from places that are visual. Interior design trends, textures, and materials. Technology, art galleries, and museums. I think you have to look outside to be able to look within.”
Her happy place: “Somewhere with a view. There’s something that is physically and mentally just so expanding for me to have a view.”
Her look: “I love wearing black. I stay classic but with a bit of trend: a Gucci sweater (black), a vintage Yohji Yamamoto skirt (black), and Zara (black lace-up) ballerinas.”
Insider advice: “Try everything. Go do it, whatever it is you want to try.”
Her definition of beauty: “Feeling good in your own skin. The ability to walk out of the house with no makeup on because that’s you in the end. Beauty is taking care and treating your own self in a valuable way.”