Okay so I have been playing around with a few ideas for our next paper, but when we first received the assignment, my first thought went to how our idea of beauty has changed over the years. Sticking with my gut, I chose to research this topic.
The classical revival and portrayal of the voluptuous and full-figured woman of the Renaissance differs vastly from the ideology of the Victorian Era when women were expected to have tiny waists and dress modestly.
The 1920s saw yet another significant evolution in beauty with the flappers and the appeal for almost-boyish appearances. Bold makeup was in and shorts bob hairstyles were considered fashionable.
The 1930s and 1950s saw the transition to healthy lifestyles and exercise which highlighted feminine curves and muscle tone. Furthermore, hairstyles became more modern and feminine, but upon entering the 1950s, there was a step backwards to more conservative ideologies. Women were expected to have an hour-glass shape that reflected domesticity.
The 1960s saw the popularity of both the “hippies” and the modern swing women. The hippies tended to sport low-maintenance hairstyles and makeup while on the other hand the “Twiggy-women” were typically seen with bold lashes and short, structured bobs. All women were conscious of being thin.
In the 1970s, the idea of being thin sky-rocketed to new heights in which thin was the new sexy. To highlight this idea, the mini-skirt made its debut. Longer hairstyles, bronzers, and tanners also made their first appearances.
The 1980s saw the importance of fit women and bright, bold fashion. The 80s was also the time for “big hair,” hairspray, and eye-catching makeup.
In the 1990s, the bold fashion of the 1980s stayed around, but room was made for grunge, more exposing clothing, modest makeup, and bobs and bangs.
Today, the 2000s see the increased flexibility in expression and appreciation of all body shapes, but fashion comes at an all-time high price (ex: plastic surgery). Simultaneously, the 2000s have also seen the resurgence of trends from various decades such as grunge and menswear. This age does not yet have a defined makeup or hair styles.
From this topic I think I have a strong foundation and plenty of evidence that I could utilize in my paper. As an alternative option, however, (one that I would also be interested in doing) I could discuss the changes in the relationships and interactions between humans and horses since prehistoric times. I would have to conduct further research, but horses have played significant roles in the social and economic lives of people throughout history so I believe that I would be able to find solid evidence to support this topic, as well.
Source: http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/82016-a-timeline-of-beauty-defined-through-the-ages/