Continuing La Prairie’s legacy of precision and luxury, CEO Estelle Létang shares her vision
It’s been nearly a century since clinician Dr Paul Niehans first applied the revolutionary medical technology that would lead to the birth of La Prairie. The world-renowned Swiss luxury skincare brand had its first beginnings in Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland—in 1931, it was here that Dr Niehans introduced cellular therapy to the world, a groundbreaking procedure that would lay the foundations for La Prairie skincare.
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The brand launched in 1978, built upon a groundbreaking, proprietary technology: the Exclusive Cellular Complex.
Clinique La Prairie, longevity health clinic since 1931
A sanctuary where science and serenity intertwine.
This closely guarded, age-defying formula remains at the heart of nearly every La Prairie product, working to energise skin cells and target the essential processes of renewal. Today, La Prairie’s mission is to offer the most effective path to ageless skin by fusing Swiss precision with the world’s most precious ingredients: caviar for lifting and firming, platinum for rejuvenation, gold for revitalisation.
A legacy of precision and luxury
What core Swiss values do you believe are most deeply embedded in La Prairie’s DNA?
Swissness, for La Prairie, is not simply a place of origin—it is a culture of excellence. It is quiet, reliable, and deeply rooted in values where luxury is not shouted but demonstrated. At La Prairie, quality is uncompromising: every detail, from formulation to packaging, reflects scientific integrity, exacting craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
These values resonate globally because they speak a universal truth: Swiss-made means trust. Our clients feel it in the purity of our formulations, in the harmony between nature and science, and in the assurance that true luxury enhances quality of life.
How does the brand continue to draw inspiration from Switzerland’s unique natural environment and scientific community to fuel its innovation today?
Our innovations are inspired by Switzerland’s unique environment, from its pure alpine waters to its restorative landscapes, and by the country’s tradition of scientific excellence. Every formulation is born from this dialogue between nature and science, combining the finest natural ingredients with cutting-edge technology. Rigorous testing, meticulous craftsmanship, and scientific integrity ensure that each product delivers not only visible results, but lasting benefits that nourish, protect, and restore.
What is La Prairie's current focus in terms of research and development?
Our research and development is guided by a single principle: delivering transformative results. Our R&D remains centered on advancing skin longevity—exploring breakthrough technologies that enhance cellular regeneration and resilience. Building on iconic collections like Skin Caviar, we combine the finest natural ingredients with scientific innovations to deliver visible, lasting results.
Having spent over two decades in the global beauty industry before this role, what unique perspective do you bring to La Prairie?
I bring a deep understanding of the evolving luxury client and how to balance heritage with innovation. While we remain firmly committed to our legacy of science and creativity, my priority is ensuring that La Prairie meets our discerning clients at every touchpoint with the utmost excellence and delight. From product to service to experience, I want La Prairie to set the benchmark for what true luxury feels like.
Looking towards the next five years, what does success look like for La Prairie under your leadership?
While commercial growth is essential, the future of La Prairie lies in remaining uncompromisingly client-centric. Alongside our scientific innovations, we will continue to explore the territories of possibility in order to delight our clients at every touchpoint. We will do so by uniting the elements that define us at our core: science, nature, and art. The legacy we aim to build is for La Prairie to stand as a true emblem of Swissness, remaining at the forefront of luxury beauty; a house where timeless values and modern expectations converge seamlessly.
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