Exhibition: Helena Rubinstein « The Collection of Madame » at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) is the founder of the cosmetic brand of the same name. Born in Poland in a modest family in Krakow, there was nothing to predispose her to her extraordinary destiny. From Australia, where she makes her fortune, to Europe, where she cultivates her taste for the arts, to the United States, where she anchors her empire.

Helena Rubinstein went to Australia in 1896 to join her two maternal uncles and work with them in their shop. She brings with her some beauty cream pots from Dr. Jacob Lykusky, donated by her mother. Inspired by this cream, in 1901 she developed the formula of her first cream of care called « Valaze ». She opened her first shop in Melbourne in response to the success of this product among her Australian friends. She then has the intuition that science and beauty are linked and thus invents the concept of beauty institute. Helena Rubinstein innovates the world of beauty through her relationships with many scientists and listening to her clients.

After opening other brands in London, she decided to settle in Paris in 1912, in her « Beauty House » on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. She thinks that French women have a greater taste for makeup than English women. When World War I broke out, Helena Rubinstein emigrated to New York.

The exhibition is associated with Helena Rubinstein’s passion for the arts of Oceanians and Africans. Around sixty objects mainly from Africa, Oceania and the Americas are unexpected pieces from his collection of the early lovers of distant arts. These works of art have caught his attention since the first years of his commercial and financial success in Europe.

Exposure is extended until September 27, 2020

Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)

10:30 – 19:00

Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

37 Quai Branly

75007 Paris

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Claudine BESSOU

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