WE ROAR Issue 02 - Flipbook - Page 59
Why a red lip is an act
of rebellion..
Do not underestimate the power of
red lipstick and how it can affect how
you show up in the world and how
confident you appear. It has a long,
powerful history of amplifying the
wearer to be their strongest, most
defiant self. I want to tell you my
favourite rebellion stories of the
feminist symbol, the red lipstick, so
that you may add it to your armoury of
tools when you want to step out as
your most fierce and fabulous self,
especially on the days you may not
feel your most fierce and fabulous
self.
For many years, the red lip was
associated with prostitutes, actresses
and showgirls, but in the early
twentieth century, it all changed
when red lipstick became a signature
statement piece of the suffragettes
and their supporters, it was a time
when women were expected to stay
home, cook, clean, and look after the
children. Still, some were fighting for
rights that paved the way for the long
road towards equality that we see
today.
It
symbolised
strength,
boldness and confidence and was a
favourite of suffrage leaders Elizabeth
Cady Stanton and Charlotte Perkins
Gilman because of its ability to
intimidate men. It became a symbol of
liberation for women and a clear act of
rebellion that shocked men and made
a very clear statement that things
were going to change. Elizabeth
Arden was a huge supporter known to
hand out red lipstick to protestors
during their marches.
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