War Paint, Lindy Woodhead
War Paint, Lindy Woodhead
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War Paint
Madame Helena Rubinstein and Miss Elizabeth Arden: Their Lives, Their Times, Their Rivalry

Author: Lindy Woodhead

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Unabridged: 20 hr 44 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/31/2017


Synopsis

They were both born in the nineteenth century in humble circumstances—Helena Rubinstein in an orthodox Jewish household in Kraków, Poland, Elizabeth Arden on a farm outside Toronto. But by the 1930s, they were bitter rivals in New York, the rulers of dueling international beauty empires that would forever change the way women thought about cosmetics, salons, and wrinkles. This riveting biography brings these two celebrated women to life, revealing the ruthless drive and innovative business strategies that took each to the top. Along the way, it offers an intriguing look at their personal idiosyncrasies (Rubinstein collected art, Arden racehorses), their checkered marriages, and the rarefied social milieu in which they both traveled.

About Lindy Woodhead

Lindy Woodhead has worked in fashion PR for more than thirty years. She worked in the music business before establishing her own PR agency in 1974. She has been on the board of Harvey Nichols and worked in television and advertising. She is married and lives in London.

About Bernadette Dunne

Bernadette Dunne is the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and has twice been nominated for the prestigious Audie Award. She studied at the Royal National Theatre in London and the Studio Theater in Washington, DC, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center and off Broadway.


Reviews

I must admit I had no real specific or particular interest in these cosmetic empresses - I bought the book because I'm going to see the Broadway show and wanted to know more before I went to see it. I haven't got even halfway through - but I'm finished. I'm just not interested. The women are both bus......more

Goodreads review by Renata

I feel like the impulse that there's a story here is good, but this isn't an especially compellingly-written story despite all the juicy details buried in here. I picked this up on an impulse because I had seen the musical War Paint (also on an impulse) and thought I'd like to learn more. And I did!......more

inspiring...women can rule the world if they're as mean as these two were.. :p......more


Quotes

“Exhaustingly, admirably researched.” New York Times

“I have seldom enjoyed a book so much as War Paint. The research is staggering—I loved all the detail about society and the arts in Paris, New York, and London that so beautifully set our two heroines in context during such a long span of years—well done—it was a wonderful read. Thank you for so much enjoyment.” Lulu Guinness, fashion designer