Ulrich Lang, fragrance designer and founder of beauty trade event ELEMENTS, and I have known each other for years. Ironically, we met through the art world, although we are both beauty entrepreneurs. Uli (as his friends call him) brings beauty and the visual arts together seamlessly in his fragrance brand Anvers, which was inspired by a contemporary art gallerist from Belgium. With a shared fascination for beauty, for the arts, and a shared astrological sign (we both call each other “the other Libra”!), it is no wonder that we get along so well…

AP: What city were you born in? UL: A small town in Germany called Backnang, which is about 20 miles away from Stuttgart, home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

AP: What city to do you live in? UL: New York City. Specifically, Greenwich Village.

AP: What is your middle name? UL: Albert.

AP: What is your astrological sign? UL: Libra (of course).

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? UL: I am obsessed with astrology.

AP: What is your most prized possession? UL: A photograph by Roe Ethridge.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? UL: I think Madonna would be fun!

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. UL: Minimalist. Timeless.

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model?  UL: Tibor Kalman for M&Co.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? UL: Neither.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? UL: Sleep, sleep, sleep.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? UL: My own. Nightscape Ulrich Lang New York.

AP: Botox or not? UL: Absolutely not.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? UL: Natural.

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? UL: Lots of greens.

AP: What do you do for exercise? UL: I just re-joined Chic-quinox! I am lazy!

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? UL: Milk, peanut butter, fresh fruit.

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? UL: I don’t drink (alcohol).

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? UL: Spending as much time with my family as I can.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? UL: Too many to count.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? UL: Sleep mask, airport lounges, and going for a swim after touch down.

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. UL: Pet Shop Boys “Vocal,” Working Week “South Africa,” The Weather Prophets “Almost Prayed.”

AP: What book are you reading right now? UL: NW: A Novel, by Zadie Smith.

AP: Quote to live by. UL: Variety is the spice of life.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? UL: Being late.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? UL: Between 6 and 7 am, I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? UL: The people.

AP: Least favorite thing. UL: Copycats and corporate thinking.

AP: Who is your mentor? UL: Anyone who influenced me creatively.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. UL: Always follow your passion and interests.