Lee-Ann Herbstwears the classic look with a twist

Having worked in the beer industry for just over 10 years, Lee-Ann Herbst has had a smooth transition to beauty, and trips to Estée Lauder offices in Paris and New York have made the move even easier. “I love my job! I feel privileged to work on such great brands and I really enjoy the Estée Lauder culture of good family values. The people are kind and always willing to drop whatever they are doing to help others.”

It’s a female-dominated industry, and the Estée Lauder office in Kyalami, 
Johannesburg, is filled with glamourous women, naturally, and Herbst enjoys 
the girliness of it all. “It’s the ultimate excuse to dress up, talk about and try different types of make-up and fragrance and the best part is, it’s our job!” With an average of eight trips a year between Paris and New York, Herbst is spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, “I love New York – just the buzz of the city is so exciting, but when it comes to shopping, Paris simply has the best clothes.

Shopping is such a vivid experience there. I love walking the streets and if I could, I would shop all night on the Champs-Élysées.”  She prefers a classic look with a twist. “Even our house is furnished that way; classic dark wood and creams and every now and then an unexpected splash of colour or a 
feature wall. I love a bit of an edge.” Herbst and her husband recently built a home in the exclusive Waterfall Estate, Johannesburg. It has beautiful glass floating staircases, a cinema room and a basement cellar – perfect for 
entertaining. “We enjoy having our friends over for long dinners and a good laugh, so we’re looking forward to  creating many wonderful memories in our new home.”

HERBST WEARS

Jo Borkett dress with square cut-outs on the hem paired with Ferragamo heels. “I just love Ferragamos because even though they’re super high, they’re also super comfortable.” Her Georg Jensen numberless, strapless Vivianna watch with a mirror dial is the epitome of her classic style. The diamond in her 
wedding ring is a family heirloom with a band designed by her family jeweller,
who also made her necklace. “Our jeweller is amazing and helps us create  jewellery we love and can really enjoy.”

HERBST RECOMMENDS

Restaurant? DW eleven-13 in Dunkeld West. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner 
when it’s just my husband and I, but I must say, when you’ve got a child, you get used to trips to Pappachinos and Spur. Fragrance? “Definitely Tom Ford. I work on the brand and I love every single thing about it. Tom Ford is a genius.

Local boutique? Ana Sousa and Jenni Button. Classic and elegant. Local getaway? My brother has a place on the Vaal, and there’s nothing like a good weekend of water skiing with the  family. Art gallery? The Louvre in Paris is lovely to visit.