Beauty and Business

Ladies' Mirror, Volume V, Issue 6, 1 December 1926, Page 32

Beauty and Business

The Modern Business Woman

Specially Written for The Mirror

'J’here is so much talk about the deadly efficiency and indomitable driving power of the modern business woman that she becomes an almost terrifying creature to the woman who occupies most of her time with domestic and social duties. It is, therefore, a delightful experience to meet one, who, besides being successful in business, is still essentially feminine. Allow us to introduce her, so that we can have a chat and see how this wonderful trick is done. “Meet Miss Mary Craven She is the chief designer of Berlei, Ltd., of Sydney, one of the greatest corsetmaking concerns in the world. Hers is the brain and art which designs the work of 600 operatives, employed by this up-to-date and enterprising firm. Miss Craven learnt her work in America, France and England, and for the last fifteen years has been experimenting in "line” and "cut,” to get the necessary harmony between the modern figure and fashions. Tall and elegant, with a graceful carriage, delicate features and a beautiful head, Eton-cropped, she is all feminine, with a fragrance that is part of true womanly loveliness. In addition, she is highly intelligent, broad-minded, resolute and business-like highest type evolved in the history of women. “Why are women so successful in business She repeats the question in a low musical voice with a fascinating hint of an American drawl. “It is theirs to be so. After all, a good business is run like a wellordered house. Women cannot fail if they have common sense, broadmindedness, personality, and a sense of fair play. Where men use logic, women often “get there” in half the time by intuition. The feminine mind is particularly suited for organising and administrative posts. Please do not think by this that I disparage men, and would have it that women are mentally their superiors. Both excel in work dealing with the needs and requirements of their own sex. Women have proved that they can share business responsibility with men; let men and women co-operate in planning and executing, and from their joint labours, you will get the best results.” “But don’t forget,” Miss Craven laughingly added, “emotions and nerves must be left out of business. Difference of sex is a myth when it comes to a business deal. It is ability that tells, and men and women must meet on common ground. Already a splendid chapter has been written by women in their short business life of ten to fifteen years. For it is only in that short time that the business world has been really open to them.” Miss Craven thought for a moment, and then declared, “I am convinced that women have brought about better manners in the business world. It is always a woman’s fault if she is not treated courteously by men.” “But can women stand the strain as well as men?” we asked.

“Women’s endurance is proverbial,” replied Miss Craven. “Though not as physically strong as men, they often have more patience. It is essential that a woman should rest, although modern business is so smoothly and efficiently conducted, that there is not the final strain of irritating details.” Asked whether short hair and short skirts were just a passing craze, Miss Craven enthusiastically replied, “No, they are the result of the evolution of common sense • and beauty. Look at the woman of today ! Could she be more beautiful or more attractive, with her slim figure and simple, graceful clothes? It is plain common sense to have a figure that is supple, and free from unnecessary fat! And beauty follows a slim line.” Miss Craven’s expressive hazel eyes glowed as she cried: “Not since the time of the Greeks have women had such beautiful figures! They are made of running lines and long curves, just like a beautiful boy or girl of sixteen. And the present day fashions don’t cost any more, neither do they need extra thought. As a matter of fact, today all the big drapery firms and dressmakers think for you! All you have to do is select for yourself what is suitable for your social position, or business activities, and the store will do the rest. The great secret,” continued Miss Craven, “is to dress to suit your personality.” We asked Miss Craven what she thought, about middle age— age when, in the past, women contented themselves with bulky figures, stodgy comfort, and a back seat as far as fascinating femininity was concerned. “But why should a woman ever become SO or 60?” asked Miss Craven in surprise. “The ‘middle age spread’ is a thing of the past, and women of 50 or 60 can look like 30 with slim figures and attractive clothes. Why, the modern middle-aged woman is more sure of her audience than the flapper. She is so much richer in experience. A youthful figure, and mastery of the art of being well-groomed has given her confidence and self-assurance. An intelligent study of skin-foods has kept her complexion as fresh and blooming as a girl’s ; proper care of her hair has kept its glossiness, the knowledge of dressing it to suit her particular style and personality has given her charm, and a study of massage, diet, and exercise has kept her healthy and energetic. Why, half the bad figures today are caused through over-feeding on farinaceous foods and ignorance in poise.” Reluctantly we say goodbye to Miss Craven, and wish her a happy holiday in New Zealand, before returning to her work in Sydney. It has been a privilege and delight to meet a woman who is so charming to look upon, such a fascinating companion, and who has acquired so much wisdom. Truly, the beautiful is as useful as it is beautiful !