Shady Business: Lipstick Color Symbolism from 1920-1959
This research project is meant to show the correlation between the symbolism behind the color of lipstick worn by American women and the historically cultural, political and social events that occurred in the United States between 1920-1959. There was a pattern of rebellion and conformity in women's role in the social hierarchy during Post World War I and II. Desired trends for women to follow were cleverly promoted through various forms of media including movies, magazines, and product packaging propaganda. Dated information critical for this research is being gathered from books concerning American history, 1930s movie film stills, ads from the 1940s, fashion, vintage makeup styles, and Vogue photographic magazine covers. The visual images, facts, and theories uncovered and presented will subtly covey both the physical consumer and the ideological views of the American mass population, specifically women, during this timeframe. A Detailed timeline inclusive of images and text will be used to present this information.
School:
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department:
Graphic Arts
Research Advisor:
John Jennings
Department of Research Advisor:
Graphic Design
Year of Publication:
2003