14 Questions with Lauren Bush Lauren

Lauren Bush Lauren is the CEO and co-founder of FEED, a B Corp dedicated to ending childhood hunger and known for its classic, utilitarian designs. Introduced by mutual friends, Lauren and Katie quickly found common ground in their love of fashion and desire to use it as a tool for doing good. With this year's collaboration, we brought a new artistic lens to FEED’s mission, celebrating New York City’s vibrant energy through our NYC toile print. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, every purchase from this collection directly contributed to the Food Bank for NYC, helping provide meals to local communities in need.

On Design:

What are you inspired by right now? 

I am inspired by the movement to incorporate more sustainable materials into design and the innovation happening to dream up and create these new materials. I mean, who would ever have imagined mushroom leather or humane  lab-grown leather… amazing!

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

My personal design aesthetic tends to be more earthy and classic.  While I like modern and clean, I also like a bit of authentic wear and tear.  Not much in our home is too precious or purely for decoration.  The more something is used, lived in and appreciated, the more I love it. 

Which objects in your home have deep significance to you? 

Many objects have significance, so it's hard to pick one... I own a few prints by my former photography professor Emmet Gowin, which are very special to me. 

What makes a great dinner party?

I think a great dinner party adheres to the rules of ‘scruffy hospitality’ which according to Oliver Burkeman who coined the term “prioritises people and jokes, warmth and connection, over performance”.  I love a family style dinner in a warm, relaxed environment. And obviously the most important ingredient is good people to share a meal with.

On Entrepreneurship:

You’ve built FEED for over 17 years, which is very impressive. The brand has stayed relevant, impactful, and true to its DNA all the while, which feels like no small feat. What is next on the horizon for FEED?

Nothing that I can speak to yet, but we have been cooking up something new for FEED for quite some time and I am hopeful it will manifest in 2025.  So stay tuned… ;-)

What is a skill that you are currently working on? 

I am learning to play the piano, which I am a total beginner at but enjoying greatly.  

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

 I still think one of the best pieces of advice was when I was probably 5 years old, which is the golden rule - to treat others the way you would like to be treated. 

On Art:

Where are you the most creative in your life? (Could be in designing your home, what you wear, in thinking about FEED, etc…)

I get some of my best, most-creative work ideas on airplanes or in crowded coffee shops.  Something about being disconnected from wifi, alone with my thoughts while also  surrounded by people that really gets the creative juices flowing. As for what areas of my life I feel the most creative right now, I would say I am leaning into more creativity as a parent. I find that when I am more free and playful as a parent (while also trying to remain an authority figure with clear boundaries)- family life is a lot more rich and enjoyable for all. 

What types of art or artists are you gravitating towards right now?  

I recently was in LA and visited the Getty museum and saw some beautiful Impressionist paintings there which always put me in a good mood.  

Which galleries or museums do you love to visit in New York? 

I live downtown so I visit the Whitney Museum most frequently, which I love. But when I can manage to get uptown, I love visiting the MET as well.

On Travel:

Are you someone who prefers the comfort of returning to the same places again and again or are you always thinking of your next destination? 

Both.  I am in a phase of life with young kids, so going to the same trusty destinations is easier.  But if it were me traveling alone or with my husband, I generally love to go somewhere new.

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list right now? 

Visiting India and Bhutan are both at the top of my bucket list- and have been for years.

What kind of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels? 

I love buying whatever is authentic to the region I am visiting and preferably handmade- so jewelry, scarves, little trinkets are all at the top of my list. 

What is one item that you have to have in your bag at all times?  

My iPhone.