Throughout time the idea of what is beautiful has changed and even now it can differ depending on location and culture. Inspired by this idea Buzzfeed decided to put together this video with real models showing us how the ideal woman’s body type has changed over the last 3,000 years.
All of the models wear a plain white swimming costume, allowing you to see how the ideal has changed over time. It forces us to challenge what is ‘beautiful’ and which era had the right idea. What do you think?
Ancient Egypt (c. 1292-1069 B.C.)
Slender, high waist with narrow shoulders and a symmetrical face.
Ancient Greece (c. 500-300 B.C.)
Plump, full-bodied with light skin. Women at this time were considered ‘disfigured’ versions of men.
Han Dynasty (c. 206 B.C.-220 A.D.)
Slim waist, large eyes and pale skin.
Italian Renaissance (c. 1400-1700)
Ample bosom, rounded stomach and fair hair.
Victorian England (c. 1837-1901)
Full figured with a clinched waist, normally achieved by wearing a corset.
Roaring Twenties (c. 1920s)
Flat chested, short bob hairstyle with a boyish figure.
Golden Age Of Hollywood (c. 1930s – 1950s)
Slim waist but curvy with an hour glass figure.
Swinging Sixties (c. 1960s)
Adolescent physique with long slim legs and an overall thin body.
Supermodel Era (c. 1980s)
Athletic build but still curvy, tall and with toned arms.
Heroin Chic (c. 1990s)
Incredibly thin with almost translucent pale skin.
Postmodern Beauty (c. 2000s-Today)
The desired look today is a thigh gap, large breasts and butt and a healthy approach to weight. Sometimes these things are achieved with cosmetic surgery.
via boredpanda.com
