Lauren Bush is that irresistible trifecta of beauty, brains, and benevolence. The Princeton University grad who has donned the covers of fashion magazines, like Vogue and Vanity Fair, has made it her mission to feed the planet one child at a time.
Trips to eight food aid operations around the world as an Honorary Spokesperson for the UN World Food Program inspired Bush—niece of George W. and granddaughter of George H.W.—to co-found FEED Projects in 2006. The nonprofit is devoted to stopping child hunger through the sale of these stylish yet reusable burlap and cotton totes. Each one sold provides one child in school food for an entire year. So far, more than 550,000 bags and counting have been sold and 56 million meals delivered.
Here, Bush tells us about her own appreciation for a good meal, hybrid hounds, and, of course, her prized heirloom.
Tell us how you came to own this precious object.
“When I was a teenager, my mom created this painting—a sweet scene of a bunny talking to a little snail—and gave it to me. It hung in my room growing up and still does to this day. Looking at it has always made me happy and reminded me of my mom’s secret artistic talents, which I hope I’ve inherited in some capacity.”
How do you live with your heirloom?
“The painting hangs in my bedroom next to my mirror. I see it twice a day—when I go to bed and when I wake up.”
Who in your life has most influenced your personal style and taste?
“My personal style has been most influenced by my surroundings and experiences rather than one particular person. I always get so much inspiration from traveling, whether it is to Europe or somewhere exotic, and the artisanal work women are doing in developing countries around the world. Currently, I am working with female artisans in Guatemala, who are making FEED bags that will be sold at Lord & Taylor to help kids in Guatemala through UNICEF.”
[Fill in the blank] Whenever I look at ___”pugs”___I can’t help but smile. “I find pugs incredibly cute and funny-looking! From the way they breathe to the way they strut down the street, I can’t help but smile when one passes by.”
What’s the best part of your day?
“Its hard to pinpoint one exact moment each day, but if I had to choose, I’d have to say dinnertime. First of all, I love a good meal. After a nice full day, there’s nothing more fun than having dinner with my boyfriend, friends, and/or family. Recently, I have been trying my hand at cooking more often, which makes the eating part all the more satisfying.”
What was the most memorable gift you’ve ever given or received?
“When I was 5-years-old, my parents got me a puppy for Christmas. He was white and fluffy with a big red bow around his neck. I named him Junior. He was one of my favorite childhood playmates!”
What was your last purchase that you believe (or hope) will mean something to you 10 years from now?
“About nine months ago, I bought a gold ring with an engraving on the inside that reads: ‘This too will pass.’ It is a simple reminder that no matter what happens, good or bad, it will not last. That means that we must soak in the good while we can, and be patient with the bad, as it naturally will pass. This helps me never lose perspective.”
Published on June 20, 2010
Click here to view previous MY HEIRLOOM profiles.
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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