Elizabeth Arden History

It's hard to describe Elizabeth Arden in just one word. Innovator doesn't cut it; entrepreneur won't do her justice and sophisticated just doesn't go far enough. She was all of those things and a whole lot more, creating a brand that would still be at the forefront of prestige skincare and makeup 100 years after its inception.

From throwing open the salon door on Fifth Avenue, to being the first to incorporate the founder's name into a product in 1915 (Ardena Skin Tonic), the first to unveil a full range of skincare and colour cosmetics, the first to introduce travel-sized products, the first to train up and send out saleswomen and even the first to hire a publicist, it was clear from the start that Elizabeth Arden was a woman who knew what she wanted and did everything in her power to make her dream, her vision come true.

Bold, while others were shy, Miss Arden boldly declared in 1930: “There are only three American names known in every corner of the globe: Singer Sewing Machines, Coca-Cola and Elizabeth Arden.” A TIME magazine cover girl, upon her death in 1966, the company was grossing an estimated $60 million annually. In 2007 that number would be $1.3 billion, so let us take a look at the woman behind the brand that would change the way we look and feel forever.

All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Arden