Set to officially launch on November 4, the Artist Editions Fleurette Collection bridges the gap between historical craft and modern interior design. For Lauder, the partnership is deeply personal, rooted in early memories of her grandmother, Estée Lauder, the co-founder of the renowned cosmetics empire.
"I have vivid memories of seeing Delftware throughout her homes and being drawn to both its artistry and the stories it carried," Lauder says, reflecting on her own extensive collection of the pottery over the years. She notes that assembling a blue-and-white palette over time always feels both classic and fresh. "There is an elegance and simplicity to it that never goes out of style," she adds, pointing out that even the dullest areas of a domestic space can benefit from delicate botanical motifs—including fixtures that are usually overlooked from a design perspective.
By collaborating with Kohler, Lauder translated these Delft-like designs onto two distinctive sink styles and a statement-making toilet. Each piece in the Fleurette Collection utilizes Kohler’s signature white vitreous china as a pristine canvas, layered with meticulously hand-applied floral decorations. Rather than attempting a literal historical recreation of antique Dutch earthenware, Lauder’s goal was to capture the underlying romance of the craft through illustrations that feel soft, graceful, and organic.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the collaboration is the inclusion of a decorated toilet, a choice that challenges traditional notions of where high-end decorative arts belong in domestic architecture. "This collection allows artistry to exist in a place many people would not expect," Lauder notes, expressing her hope that customers will view these functional pieces as genuine works of art rather than mere plumbing necessities.
While the collection honors the traditional blue-and-white aesthetic, it also branches out to accommodate modern design preferences. Alongside the classic colorway, the collection will be available in a sophisticated green-and-white palette. According to the brand, this alternative option pairs seamlessly with Kohler’s Heritage Aspen Green fixtures, offering interior designers and homeowners more flexibility when planning a cohesive color scheme.
For those looking to move away from standard minimalist bathrooms, such as spaces dominated by plain white subway tile, Lauder suggests that incorporating one or more of these decorative pieces can instantly elevate a room. However, she emphasizes that striking the right balance is crucial when building a bathroom interior around such expressive fixtures.
"Since the pieces are decorative and expressive, I would pair them with materials that feel timeless, such as marble, natural stone, polished nickel, or warm wood finishes," Lauder advises. She suggests that layering in thoughtful accents, such as a vintage stool, freshly cut flowers, and a favorite blue-and-white ceramic object, will reinforce the handcrafted narrative of the space. "The Fleurette collection provides a beautiful foundation, and from there it is about adding thoughtful details that make a space truly your own."
With the official launch date scheduled for early November, the collection arrives just as many homeowners and designers are finalizing details for late-year bathroom renovations and interior updates.
