The Odyssey of Beauty: From Caves to Social Media
Today, we're going to take a trip back in time to understand how beauty has evolved over the centuries. Based on the book "History of Beauty" by Umberto Eco (a guy who's probably never seen an edition of Bella Club, lol), we're going to unravel this journey of beauty
Prehistory: When "Hot" Meant "Well Fed"
In caveman times, being beautiful was synonymous with being chubby. The more curves, the better! The Venus of Willendorf was the Gisele Bundchen of her time. Just imagine: instead of crazy diets, women did everything they could to gain a few pounds.
Ancient Greece: The Era of "No Pain, No Gain"
The Greeks invented democracy and, as a bonus, the cult of the toned body. Suddenly, everyone wanted to look like a marble statue. Gyms would have made a fortune if they had existed back then. Aphrodite was the inspirational muse, but let's face it, she had an unfair advantage being a goddess and all.
Middle Ages: Gothic Wasn't Just an Architectural Style
In the Middle Ages, beauty was synonymous with paleness and fragility. Being tanned? No way! It was as if all women were vampires. Long necks were the obsession of the time - imagine how popular giraffes would be!
Renaissance: Curves Are Back in Full Force
Here comes the Renaissance and, boy, did curves come back with a vengeance! Mona Lisa smiled discreetly knowing she was the new standard of beauty. Botticelli's women seemed to float in seashells - a Renaissance Photoshop trick, perhaps?
Victorian Era: Corsets and Suffocation Chic
In the 19th century, the fashion was passing out because the corset was so tight. A tiny waist was the goal, even if it cost a few ribs. Women looked like walking hourglasses - and probably felt like one too.
The 20s: The "Less is More" Revolution
The 20s arrived with a bang and, suddenly, being thin became fashionable. Flappers danced the Charleston and laughed at the idea of curves. It was as if all women had decided to become rulers overnight.
The 50s: The Return of Curves
Then Marilyn Monroe appeared and, boom! Curves were back. Pin-ups became the dream of every American man (and Brazilian too, let's agree). It was the golden age for lovers of generous shapes.
The 60s-70s: Peace, Love and Thinness
With the arrival of Twiggy, the pendulum swung again towards extreme thinness. It was as if the goal was to disappear into the side. Luckily, the mini-skirt was invented at this time to compensate.
80s-90s: The Era of Supermodels
Supermodels ruled the world. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and co. were more famous than many actresses. Having long legs became a prerequisite to be considered beautiful. The rest of us, mere mortals, could only sigh.
2000s to Today: Anything Goes (As Long as It Gets a Lot of Likes)
We have arrived at the modern era, where diversity was celebrated (at least in theory). Now we have beauty in all sizes, colors and shapes. It's the time of "love your body", but don't forget to post a well-edited selfie on Instagram.
And I, Alexandre Peccin, discovered a secret that not even Umberto knew: there is a beauty that is like a 'bug' that becomes a 'feature'. Like, for example, that woman with a slightly larger nose, but instead of hiding it, she uses it as if it were a trophy. She transforms what would be a 'defect' into an exclusive charm. It's as if she had discovered a secret superpower and now she's out there, conquering the world with her confidence and uniqueness. These women are truly unique, authentic and absurdly charming works of art." That's my favorite type.
And what is your favorite era and type for you?
And so, dear readers and beauty lovers, we've reached the end of our journey. Beauty, as we've seen, is as changeable as a model's mood before breakfast. What doesn't change is our dedication to bringing you the best of Brazilian beauty, whether it's inspired by Greek goddesses or Instagram and TikTok influencers.
Remember: beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but a good angle and adequate lighting always help!
Alexandre Peccin
P.S.: If Umberto Eco were alive, I'm sure he'd love a subscription to Bella Club. After all, studying beauty in books is one thing, but appreciating it in high definition is something else entirely!
Prehistory: When "Hot" Meant "Well Fed"
In caveman times, being beautiful was synonymous with being chubby. The more curves, the better! The Venus of Willendorf was the Gisele Bundchen of her time. Just imagine: instead of crazy diets, women did everything they could to gain a few pounds.
Ancient Greece: The Era of "No Pain, No Gain"
The Greeks invented democracy and, as a bonus, the cult of the toned body. Suddenly, everyone wanted to look like a marble statue. Gyms would have made a fortune if they had existed back then. Aphrodite was the inspirational muse, but let's face it, she had an unfair advantage being a goddess and all.
Middle Ages: Gothic Wasn't Just an Architectural Style
In the Middle Ages, beauty was synonymous with paleness and fragility. Being tanned? No way! It was as if all women were vampires. Long necks were the obsession of the time - imagine how popular giraffes would be!
Renaissance: Curves Are Back in Full Force
Here comes the Renaissance and, boy, did curves come back with a vengeance! Mona Lisa smiled discreetly knowing she was the new standard of beauty. Botticelli's women seemed to float in seashells - a Renaissance Photoshop trick, perhaps?
Victorian Era: Corsets and Suffocation Chic
In the 19th century, the fashion was passing out because the corset was so tight. A tiny waist was the goal, even if it cost a few ribs. Women looked like walking hourglasses - and probably felt like one too.
The 20s: The "Less is More" Revolution
The 20s arrived with a bang and, suddenly, being thin became fashionable. Flappers danced the Charleston and laughed at the idea of curves. It was as if all women had decided to become rulers overnight.
The 50s: The Return of Curves
Then Marilyn Monroe appeared and, boom! Curves were back. Pin-ups became the dream of every American man (and Brazilian too, let's agree). It was the golden age for lovers of generous shapes.
The 60s-70s: Peace, Love and Thinness
With the arrival of Twiggy, the pendulum swung again towards extreme thinness. It was as if the goal was to disappear into the side. Luckily, the mini-skirt was invented at this time to compensate.
80s-90s: The Era of Supermodels
Supermodels ruled the world. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and co. were more famous than many actresses. Having long legs became a prerequisite to be considered beautiful. The rest of us, mere mortals, could only sigh.
2000s to Today: Anything Goes (As Long as It Gets a Lot of Likes)
We have arrived at the modern era, where diversity was celebrated (at least in theory). Now we have beauty in all sizes, colors and shapes. It's the time of "love your body", but don't forget to post a well-edited selfie on Instagram.
And I, Alexandre Peccin, discovered a secret that not even Umberto knew: there is a beauty that is like a 'bug' that becomes a 'feature'. Like, for example, that woman with a slightly larger nose, but instead of hiding it, she uses it as if it were a trophy. She transforms what would be a 'defect' into an exclusive charm. It's as if she had discovered a secret superpower and now she's out there, conquering the world with her confidence and uniqueness. These women are truly unique, authentic and absurdly charming works of art." That's my favorite type.
And what is your favorite era and type for you?
And so, dear readers and beauty lovers, we've reached the end of our journey. Beauty, as we've seen, is as changeable as a model's mood before breakfast. What doesn't change is our dedication to bringing you the best of Brazilian beauty, whether it's inspired by Greek goddesses or Instagram and TikTok influencers.
Remember: beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but a good angle and adequate lighting always help!
Alexandre Peccin
P.S.: If Umberto Eco were alive, I'm sure he'd love a subscription to Bella Club. After all, studying beauty in books is one thing, but appreciating it in high definition is something else entirely!
Author : Alexandre Peccin
Posted in: 11/26/2024
Last modified: 11/26/2024
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