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The Story Of

THE STORY OF is a monthly 29Secrets column that takes a deep dive into the history of legendary beauty products and iconic fashion moments. Written by award-winning writer Christopher Turner, the popular long-form essays weave meticulous research, interviews, rumours and facts into an easy-to-read, informative and entertaining story. No matter how much you thought you knew about the featured style icons or beauty products, Christopher will surprise you with insightful tidbits.

The column has earned multiple accolades since its launch, including a Silver at the 2021 Canadian Online Publishing Awards and Gold wins in 2022, 2023, and 2024, followed by another Silver in 2025—all in the Best Blog Column/Videocast/Podcast category.

Beauty The Story Of

THE STORY OF: Jean Harlow’s Platinum Blonde Hair…And The Dangerous Truth Behind Her Signature Look

Here’s how Hollywood transformed the screen siren’s silvery-white hair into a dangerous beauty craze and the most enduring hair colour of all time

Style The Story Of

THE STORY OF: The Maple Leaf of Canada Gown Worn By Queen Elizabeth II

Created for a state banquet in 1957, Queen Elizabeth II’s “Maple Leaf of Canada” gown quietly transformed fashion into diplomacy.

Style The Story Of

THE STORY OF: Trailblazing Transgender Model April Ashley

From British Vogue to tabloid headlines, April Ashley’s life was lived in public—and reshaped conversations around transgender identity.

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THE STORY OF: The T-Shirt

From military undershirt to global fashion staple, the T-shirt has evolved into one of style’s most powerful tools of self-expression.

Beauty The Story Of

THE STORY OF: Hairspray

How an aerosol can that was developed to fight malaria during WWII ended up shaping beauty ideals, Broadway, and the politics of hair.

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THE STORY OF: Alexander McQueen’s Hologram Dress And The Redemption Of Kate Moss

Few moments in fashion history have felt as haunting—or as redemptive—as the finale of McQueen’s “Widows of Culloden” runway show in March 2006 featuring a ghostly, floating projection…

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THE STORY OF: Grace Kelly’s 1955 Oscar Dress, Created By Edith Head

Created by a legendary costume designer Edith Head, Grace Kelly’s 1955 Oscar dress redefined red-carpet elegance—and still shapes how we think about timeless glamour.

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THE STORY OF: Valentino Garavani

For more than six decades, Valentino’s name has been synonymous with elegance, and a shade of red so iconic it became a language of its own.

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