Elizabeth Arden

NAME: Elizabeth Arden. Originally named Florence Nightingale Graham, she reinvented herself as ‘Elizabeth Arden’ upon inaugurating her inaugural beauty salon on Fifth Avenue in 1910. 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Elizabeth Arden is renowned for revolutionizing the beauty and cosmetics industry, establishing the iconic Elizabeth Arden brand known for its skincare, makeup, and fragrances.

BIRTH: Born on December 31, 1878, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Elizabeth Arden, born Florence Nightingale Graham, hailed from a modest Canadian family with Scottish heritage. Her parents, William Graham and Susan Graham, played pivotal roles in shaping her early years.

CHILDHOOD: Growing up on her family's farm in Woodbridge, Elizabeth developed an early fascination with beauty and skincare, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

EDUCATION: While details about her formal education are limited, Elizabeth Arden's keen interest in beauty and skincare led her to pursue a self-directed path of learning and experimentation.

CAREER RECORD: Upon joining her brother in the bustling streets of Manhattan, Arden took on the role of a bookkeeper at the E.R. Squibb Pharmaceuticals Company. Immersed in the daily operations, she found herself captivated by the world of skincare, spending countless hours in their lab.

Arden opened her first salon (Red Door Salon) in 1910 in New York City. Determined to break away from the gray monotony of the time, Arden boldly painted her first salon in striking red hues, a move that would become synonymous with her brand.

Her innovative approach to beauty treatments and cosmetics propelled her brand to international acclaim, marking the start of a beauty empire that continues to thrive.

Pioneered scientific skincare and introduced makeup to American women.

Developed the concept of the "makeover."

Launched iconic products like Ardena Skin Tonic.

Created travel-sized beauty products for the first time.

Built a chain of over 150 salons worldwide.

Became a sole owner and one of the wealthiest women in the world.

APPEARANCE: Elizabeth Arden maintained a refined and elegant appearance, reflecting the sophistication synonymous with her brand.

Pictured in 1939

FASHION: Known for her impeccable taste, Arden embraced a style that mirrored the timeless elegance associated with her beauty products.

Helena Rubinstein, a name that would make Elizabeth grind her perfectly manicured nails, became her archrival in the quest for cosmetic dominance. Together, these two titans waged war, not with swords and shields, but with lipsticks and eye shadows. Arden, the ever-canny businesswoman, introduced American women to the wonders of mascara and blush, making them look, and more importantly, feel, like the glamorous creatures they truly were.

By the time the roaring twenties gave way to the Great Depression, Elizabeth Arden was a household name. Her empire sprawled across the Atlantic, with 150 upscale salons catering to the beautified elite. She reigned supreme, the sole owner and one of the wealthiest women on the planet.

Pink wasn't just a color for Elizabeth, it was an obsession. From her clothes to her diamond rings, and yes, even her lipsticks, the world was awash in a rosy hue. She was a pioneer, the first to understand the convenience of travel-sized beauty products and the power of a founder's name emblazoned on a bottle of magic potion.

Spectacles? Those harbingers of age and infirmity? Not a chance!  Anyone who dared to darken her doorway with those pesky magnifying glasses on their nose was shown the door faster than you could say "cucumber facial."

CHARACTER: Arden was characterized by her tenacity, business acumen, and visionary spirit. Her determination to redefine beauty standards set her apart in a male-dominated industry.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While not extensively documented, Elizabeth Arden's success suggests a shrewd and pragmatic approach to her business, hinting at a possibly sharp sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS:  Love, like a good moisturizer, can smooth out the wrinkles of life, or so Elizabeth thought. She married Thomas Lewis, an advertising whiz who helped the business flourish. Together, they were a formidable duo, but alas, even the most potent formula can't mend a fractured relationship. Work became their all-consuming love affair, and love, in the traditional sense, eventually hit the rocks.

Elizabeth Arden's 1942 marriage to Prince Michael Evlanoff was a whirlwind compared to her longer first marriage. Evlanoff was a Russian emigre with a title, adding a touch of glamour to Elizabeth's life. However, it seems the allure faded quickly and they divorced in 1944.

MONEY AND FAME: Elizabeth Arden achieved immense wealth and fame through her beauty empire, becoming a pioneer in the cosmetics industry and earning a place among the most successful businesswomen of her time.

FOOD AND DRINK: While specific preferences are not well-documented, Arden's focus on beauty and wellness suggests a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Arden's contributions to the beauty industry can be considered an art form in itself. Her brand has been associated with elegance and sophistication, aligning with artistic ideals.

LITERATURE: Elizabeth Arden's influence on beauty standards and her entrepreneurial journey could served as inspiration for literature on business and beauty.

Elizabeth Arden's book titled The Quest of the Beautiful serves as a guide to her beauty products and techniques.

NATURE: She enjoyed spending time at her horse farm in Kentucky.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Beyond the world of beauty, Elizabeth Arden delved into horse breeding, operating the Maine Chance Stables in Kentucky where the 1947 Kentucky Derby winner was bred.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Arden's innovations in cosmetics  and skincare reflect a pragmatic understanding of science and chemistry, contributing to her brand's success.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: While her public statements on philosophy and theology are not extensively recorded, Arden's commitment to enhancing women's confidence suggests a philosophy rooted in empowerment. She believed that beauty was attainable for all women through science and nature.

Arden was allegedly a dedicated suffragette, and there is a story that she marched for women's rights in 1912. 

SCANDAL: Elizabeth Arden's public image remained largely untarnished, with no major scandals associated with her personal or professional life.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Arden's commitment to beauty and wellness suggests a keen awareness of health and physical fitness, although specific details about her personal routines are not well-documented.

HOMES:  Lived in New York City and had a luxurious estate in Maine.

TRAVEL: As her brand expanded globally, Elizabeth Arden's professional life likely involved extensive travel to oversee the expansion of her salons and beauty products.

DEATH: Arden died at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan on October 18, 1966. Her resting place is the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York, bearing the name Elizabeth N. Graham.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Both the musical War Paint and the comedy Lip Service dramatizes Arden's rivalry with competitor Helena Rubinstein. 

ACHIEVEMENTS: Elizabeth Arden's achievements include revolutionizing the beauty industry, establishing a global brand, and pioneering advancements in skincare and cosmetics. Her legacy endures as a trailblazer in the business world and a symbol of empowerment for women.