THE HANGOUTS
Many who shape the 20 or so Estée Lauder brands work at the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue, so snacking and drinking spots near Central Park are most convenient. At lunchtime, many staffers head to Paper Moon on 59th for panini and salads. Tao, on 58th, is an early-evening favorite for Cosmos and Pinot Noir. "Lots of French people work here," says one employee, "so wine is big."
STAYING PUMPED
Breaking a sweat is not a favorite activity among the Lauder set, but they do take their yoga seriously. Classes are offered right in the building (where you can't go) and around the corner at the New York Sports Club (where you can). The real workouts are during lunch breaks, when some staffers have been known to scamper over to shopping meccas like Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman, both of which are within walking distance of the Lauder headquarters (even in heels).
SECRET HANDSHAKE
They're prim, they're proper, and they love nothing more than inflicting pain and embarrassment on their coworkers in the form of devious practical jokes. Some people even lock their computers at night. "The minute I let my guard down--bam!--an e-mail goes out from my account asking some random person something ridiculous," says one insider.
GETUP
This is a well-heeled group. Men tend to emulate chairman Leonard Lauder, known for his upscale, luxurious threads. Suits are dark, cufflinks appropriate, and Armani welcome anytime. Women wear shoes from Tod's and Jimmy Choos. Most important? Accessories. "Have the right bag," says one Lauderette. (Yves Saint Laurent is a popular pick.)
THE CAUSE
Estée's daughter-in-law Evelyn founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993 and appears at promotional events throughout the year (her schedule appears at bcrfcure.org). We don't advise thrusting a resumé in her face--that would be not only crass but ineffectual. There's nothing wrong with mixing networking with a good cause, though.
