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Helena Rubinstein Beauty Treatment, circa. 1935
Helena Rubinstein was a woman of paradox. She rose from humble beginnings to a position of great wealth, power, and influence as President of her namesake cosmetic company. She lived a colorful public life, contriving always to be in the public eye. She married a prince, but rather than "princess" preferred everyone addressing her as Madam (including her own son if reports are to be believed). She courted actors, titled gentry, and artists ...up to a point. ======= When asked by Mark Chagall for assistance in bringing his daughter and son-in-law out of Nazi Germany in the late 1930s, she refused. "I don't have time, ask one of your  other
friends," she wrote him in response to his personal pleadings for help
to save his child and her husband from Hitler.
======= As is often the case with the wildly successful, Helena Rubinstein surrounded herself with dedicated, loyal, trustworthy employees. Her personal assistant and the head of her public relations department, Amy Blaisdall Maltz, dedicated her entire working life to serving Rubinstein. Helena was know for her collection of exquisite antique Chinese silk embroidery and made gifts of lavishly decorated kimonos and ceremonial garment to Amy while she was under her employ. Paradoxically, retiring after more than thirty years faithful service to the woman, Amy was denied medical and other retirement benefits Madam had verbally promised her. Amy's attempts to contact Ms. Rubinstein to verify her claim against the company failed. Her calls went unanswered. Madam no longer had time for her. Luckily, Amy had other friends. The photos on this page are from the Amy Blaisdall Maltz and Alexander Maltz private collection and may not be reproduced except by permission of the trustees of the Maltz estate (Donald Elson and Arthur Mertzel, email: Don@Elson.com)
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DONALD ELSON - JULIAN POLLACK - VALERIE ELSON - BERTHA ELSON - ANNETTE ELSON - SCOTT GRIESSEL  |
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