International Headquarters of Helena Rubinstein, Inc., by Joseph Braswell, New York, New York, 1971
Artist/Designer:
Joseph Braswell
Project Location:
New York, United States
Figure 1: When Helena Rubinstein, one of the most successful businesswomen (or men) of her time, did anything she did it well, big, and grand. While she was no longer alive when the International headquarters of her cosmetics empire were done, the interiors by Joseph Braswell reflect the brand which is as rooted in Rubinstein, the woman, as in anything else. Therefore, the spaces reflect who she was as well as where her company was without her. "Although the Reception Room is an area of maximum activity, designer Braswell created the gracious atmosphere of a drawing room. Dali's surrealistic interpretation of Helena Rubinstein is the focal point of the room. Framed in bronze and glass, the portrait seems to float against the silk wall covering...The rug, a Bessarabian design from Stark Carpet covers parquetry flooring from Coughlin. Taffeta hangings from Scalamandre are placed at the windows with a double tie-back effect. The four French chairs are covered in velvet from Clarence House."--from page 14, Architectural Digest, March/April 1971.
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Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 14 )
Figure 2: "The Venetian chandelier and the ornately carved 18th Century English mirror, mounted on the paneled smoked mirror screen directly behind the reception desk are all from the personal collection of Madame Rubinstein."--from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 15
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Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 15 )
Figure 3: The Chairman of the Board of Helena Rubinstein, Inc. has an office overlooking Central Park and lower Manhattan. "The desk and leather desk chair are both by Knoll Associates. Swivel chairs are upholstered in hot colors...The chairs are from Jil Associates, Pace Collection. 17th Century side chairs, upholstered in suede add a note of antiquity to an essentially contemporary design...Window hangings are simple raw silk. Ocelot patterned carpeting is from Wershal's."from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 21.
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Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 21 )
Figure 4: "A view of the office of Mr. Roy Titus, Chairman of the Executive Committee reveal a 17th Century writing table that was used by Madame Rubinstein. The side chairs were part of her office suite. ..The desk chair was especially designed by Mr. Braswell in keeping with the heroic proportions of the furniture. The walls are covered with natural unbleached Haitian cotton. Silk fabric from Thailand was used for the corner sofa and chairs. The portrait by Pavel Tchelitchew was personally commissioned by Madame Rubinstein."--from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 22.
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Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 22 )
Figure 5: "The curved desk designed by Mr. Braswell is shown in this view of an executive's office. The three Queen Anne chairs are covered in Thai silk from Isabel Scott. Walls are upholstered in billiard green felt and trimmed with strips of polished brass...The chrome lamp arched over the desk is from Atelier."--from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 19
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Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 19 )
Figure 6: "The corner banquette is covered in Thai silk from Isabel Scott...Vertical blinds encasing the entire window wall are reflected in mirrored panels flanking the window. ..The portrait of Madame Rubinstein is by Gottlieb."--from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 19.
(
Photographer: from Architectural Digest, Mach/April 1971 issue, page 18 )
Style/Period(s):
Modern, Revival Styles
Primary Material(s):
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Paint
Function(s):
Workplace
Related Website(s):
Significant Date(s):
1970-1979, 1971
Additional Information:
"A New Look of Individuality for the Helena Rubinstein Cosmetic Empire", Architectural Digest, March/April 1971, 12-27.
"Big Little Apartment", Architectural Digest, May/June 1973.
"Park Avenue Profile", Architectural Digest, March/April 1974.
Rense, Paige, ed. "Architectural Digest: Designers' Own Homes: Private Residences of 30 of America's Leading Interior Designers (Los Angeles, CA: Knapp Communications, 1984).
The Helena Rubinstein, Inc., international headquarters were in the General Motors Building in New York. The GM Building was completed in 1968 at 767 Fifth Avenue.
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