Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein documentary coming to PBS
Elizabeth Arden
Mark your calendar for March 23. That’s the day PBS presents “The Powder and the Glory,” narrated by Jane Alexander.
“The Powder and the Glory” is the story of rivals Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, two pioneering, visionary entrepreneurs who, with next to nothing, created what is today the $150 billion international health and beauty industry. One hundred years ago these women immigrated to America with the same idea — to build an empire by giving women what they wanted: youth and beauty.
They quickly shook off their humble beginnings to become household names, pillars of society and cultural icons. They transformed the idea of cosmetics from a mark of easy virtue into a necessity for all women, in all strata of society.
Miss Arden and Madame Rubinstein, as they preferred to be called, were very different, even beyond their Anglo-Episcopalian and Polish Jewish roots. And, although they lived and worked just blocks apart, they refused to meet. For 50 years they were fierce rivals.
This should be great viewing. I can’t wait.
Helena Rubinstein
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Madame Rubenstein is a force behind me in my training back in my youth, that has helped me achieve where I am today.
She knew exactly what women wanted, and men too in some cases, and I will never forget this wonderful woman.
I hope people will always be reminded that she was the first step towards where we are today in our products and looks! I chose my company name of Elegance Forever, as she strived always for us to be elegant!