In the ’60s and ’70s, at the peak of Imelda Marcos’ beauty and popularity, the former Philippine First Lady appeared on the covers of international magazines, including Life, Town & Country and Women’s Weekly. As always, Mrs. Marcos was dressed to the nines, especially elegant in terno.
The Life article noted her verve and style. ‘With all the grace and attractiveness of Jackie Kennedy, and with an energy reminiscent of Eleanor Roosevelt.’
Life’s photographer Harry Redl and reporter Ron de Pablo recorded a day in the life of Imelda, who ‘appears to be everywhere in the Philippines at once. Even when in Malacañang Palace, the presidential residence, she also receives some 40 visitors in her normal 18-hour working day. And those who have not called on their First Lady can read all about her in local newspapers which record her activities in detail and with gushing praise.’
The local press, Life noted, even invented a new word in praise of Imelda, ‘it’s difficult not to queenify her.’
In the ’60s and ’70s, ‘imeldific’ wasn’t coined.
No matter, Imelda Marcos was then one of the most beautiful women of the world, her life and times in cinema and Broadway materials.— RKC