Paris was occupied, couture was collapsing, as for Coco Chanel, the lady who built an empire on freedom made choices that would haunt her legacy long after the war ended. Coco Chanel built an empire on simplicity, modernity and an almost ruthless clarity of vision. But when the 1940s rolled around the 1940s, the decadeContinue reading “Chanel and the Occupation: Was Chanel a Spy or Wasn’t She?”
Tag Archives: 1940s
Section 4: Post‑War Settlement and the Modern Chanel Empire
When the war ended in 1945, the balance of power between Chanel and the Wertheimers shifted decisively. Chanel returned to a France re-building itself, but her attempt to seize Parfums Chanel had left a trail of legal complications and reputational strain. The Wertheimers, meanwhile, had survived the war with their business intact — protected byContinue reading “Section 4: Post‑War Settlement and the Modern Chanel Empire”
Besame Cosmetics: Victory Red Special Edition Set
The Victory Red Special Edition Set, which includes of course the Victory Red lipstick…hold on. Let’s rewind to the beginning. First, what is Victory Red lipstick? No, I don’t mean the straightforward answer to the question but rather the backstory. Yeah, this lipstick has a backstory. How often do you hear that, right? Well, muchContinue reading “Besame Cosmetics: Victory Red Special Edition Set”
Egg Yolk Deep Conditioning Treatment (1940s–1960s Home Beauty Routine)
During the mid‑20th century, egg yolks were one of the most trusted home remedies for achieving soft, glossy, deeply conditioned hair. Long before commercial masks and salon treatments became mainstream, women relied on simple kitchen ingredients to restore moisture and shine — and egg yolk was considered one of the most luxurious options. Egg yolksContinue reading “Egg Yolk Deep Conditioning Treatment (1940s–1960s Home Beauty Routine)”
Face Exam (circa 1940)
In the 1940s, a “face exam” was a common beauty ritual offered in salons, department‑store counters and even home vanity guides. It wasn’t medical — it was a personalized beauty assessment designed to help women understand their facial structure, skin type and the makeup techniques that would enhance their natural features. A typical face examContinue reading “Face Exam (circa 1940)”
WWII Skincare Routines
During World War II, skincare became a quiet act of resilience. With rationing, shortages and limited access to luxury cosmetics, women adapted their routines to fit a world focused on survival. Beauty didn’t disappear — it simply became more practical more resourceful and more intentional. Cleansing was simple and consistent. Most women used basic soapContinue reading “WWII Skincare Routines”
