Today’s beauty industry is packed with big names like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Beauty. However, in the first half of the 20th century, there were only two names that dominated the beauty pages: Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. These businesswomen have built successful empires in the skincare industry without the help of makeup or celebrity testimonials.
The book Helena Rubinstein: The Australian Years by art historian Angus Trumble explores the life of Helena Rubinstein. Trumble’s fascination with Rubinstein began when she acquired Graham Sutherland’s portrait for the collection of the National Gallery of Australia in 2016. Trumble has done extensive research on Rubinstein’s Polish childhood and his time in Melbourne, where he started his business.
Despite the challenges she faced as an immigrant woman with limited English, Rubinstein has managed to create a thriving chain of salons and skin care products. In 1928, she sold her company to Lehman Brothers for $7.3 million, but then bought it back for less than $1 million during the Great Depression. In 1988, Rubinstein’s company was later acquired by L’Oréal.
Trumble’s book sheds light on Rubinstein’s legacy as a pioneer of the beauty industry and a successful role model for women in business. Her story shows that, with determination and entrepreneurial flair, it is possible to build an empire even from scratch.
2023-08-07 06:56:38
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