The 1959 "Elizabeth Arden Edition" Imperial
"...Elizabeth Arden followed suit in 1959 with a tie-in to the Chrysler Imperial. The makeup and skincare kit was stashed in the glove compartment. The advertising also highlighted women's ability to be totally in control while still, of course, retaining a ladylike manner: "The Imperial for 1959 is powerful but well-tamed...does what you ask, instantly, serenely...you sit head-high, imperially straight, as becomes a woman whose car is so much hers that even the interior fabrics are an obedient and tasteful foil for her ensemble.
In a world where women couldn't even have a credit card in their own name, I could see how the prospect of independence and power through owning a car solely for her use would definitely be appealing.
Still, if we're to follow the aforementioned '50s narrative of suburban families with the husband as primary breadwinner, how empowered could his wife really be? Even if she drives a car designed for women, the man still paid for it."
Elizabeth Arden Imperial Edition Lipstick, 1959
Quoted from the "For Sale" page:
Marked on the bottom, Red Grape, Elizabeth Arden, New York. On the top is etched a pair of wings (for the Imperial car) with the initial "A" in the center.
This lipstick was connected to a collaborative marketing campaign, introduced in the January 1959 Vogue Magazine, and you could order the Imperial by Chrysler from Vogue magazine.
The lipstick stands 2 & 1/8" tall and is 5/8" in diameter.
The Imperial, produced by Chrysler was quite the car, and yes, it came in pink! It came in Arden pink, which was Jackie Kennedy's favorite shade of lipstick.
The Imperial put its best face forward with an ad campaign and product sponsorship by Elizabeth Arden (the cosmetic company) and Ben Zuckerman (a ladies' clothes company). The ad campaigns were large lush affairs run in magazines such as Vogue, and focused on the fancy, fashionable features women (surely) craved.
Vintage marketing to women, it's enough to make you blush. No Arden cosmetics required.
One such two-page ad was called "The New Look of Beauty", and it featured a special, exclusive cosmetic case designed by Elizabeth Arden. Called the Imperial Travel Case, this, like the car itself, was no small compact.
The case fit in the glove box and each car dealer got one case. In 1959, the case retailed for $25.
These days, it's pretty difficult to find vintage Arden lipsticks connected to Chrysler. Whether you collect vintage make up or vintage Chryslers, this is a must have piece.
Zeroing-In on the Feminine Market
With some women. elegance is a way of life. Everything about them is elegant — their manner, their possessions, their homes. Nothing about them is commonplace.
Thus it is that more and more such women are today being seen in the Imperial for 1956. For no other motorcar on the American road so completely fits into their was of life.
There is nothing ordinary about the Imperial. It is made in limited quantities for those who can both afford and appreciate the finest. Imperial owners do not have to pay the invariable consequences of mass production.
In appearance, the Imperial is elegance itself, from its dramatic exterior sweep to the richness of its interior appointments.
And the Imperial is elegant in function. The mistress of this magnificent motorcar has at her command the most advanced power features in American motordom. A pushbutton automatic gear shift that is literally under finger-tip control. Power steering that renders assistance every single moment. And power brakes that require but the gentlest touch of the daintiest slipper.
If it can be said of any motorcar, it can be said of this one — in function, in appearance, in true distinction, the Imperial for 1956 is, indeed. elegance on wheels.
Your Chrysler-Imperial dealer invites you to see and drive the new Imperial. We urge you to accept his invitation and then ask yourself if you wouldn't rather be seen in Imperial in 1956.
Pink And Lavender Imperial Automobiles Were Very Common, Back Then
1962-1963 Imperial Salesforce Cosmetics and Jewelry
Interestingly, Chrysler Corporation provided more women's (and men's) accessories for the 1962 and 1963 Imperials. Elizabeth Arden made a pink Imperial Travel Case with 9 different cosmetics. This was offered to Imperial dealers as a way for them to butter-up reticent wives: "If the woman is objecting to the purchase... It will help to warm her attitude toward you".
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