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| HAIR HISTORY - The Gibson Girl |
| The
influence of television and movies on fashion trends today were
once employed by the illustrator. Charles Dana Gibson was one
such artist. His impact with pen and ink lasted almost two decades
from his first sale to Life Magazine in 1886. His drawings portrayed
young, beautiful people, self-assured, and dressed fashionable.
They represented America's fast growing middle class, climbing
up the social ladder, giving a ray of hope for a better more secure
life. Many young women copied the Gibson Girl's dress, hairstyle
and gestures. Her chin was held high and she emanated an air of
distinction and confidence. Hairstyles from this time period were worn high in the front and combed over a "rat" which was often horse hair. The hair was waved with hot tongs in the technique coined by the Parisian hairdresser Marcel in the 'nineties. Women soon realized the abuse that was caused by constant Marceling the hair and turned to adding waved hairpieces. This time period is referred to as the Edwardian. Women often wore white dresses embellished with fine embroidery, applique, and lace. Lingerie was worn to give the Gibson Girl silhouette it's famous curves. A popular saying was that "the invisible is more important than the visible". |
I
was recently in an antique store and discovered these photographs
hiding on the floor, in a tattered shoe box. While gazing at
these beautiful women with their fashionable Gibson Girl hairstyles,
I wondered what their tale might have been. How long did they
live? Did a hairstylist comb their hair? Were they married?
Did they have children? But most of all, they affirm a long
time phrase that a woman's hairstyle is her most important accessory.
If it wasn't for their timely hairdo's, they would still be
concealed in that old shoe box. Instead, they are on my website
in all their splendor for the world to see. A beauty feast for
the eyes. Enjoy! |
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Copyright
© 2013 Salon Glam. All Rights Reserved. All photos and artwork featured on this site remain the property of their respective owners. They may not be used in printed materials, web sites, presentations, or any other manner without prior written permission. |
