What makes an artist iconic? Aside from their prodigious work, a striking appearance doesn’t hurt either. Let’s look at some of the most important artists in history, and learn some tricks on how to recreate their looks.
Frida Kahlo
Famed Mexican artist and feminist Frida Kahlo never succumbed to society’s female ideals, especially in the beauty department. Take her famous unibrow as an example—what tweezers?
Get the look: Just like Frida’s art, thick eyebrows are immortal. Grow them thick and avoid over-plucking them. If your eyebrows are sparse, fill them in with an eyebrow pencil, gel, or powder. If all else fails, dye them a darker color to make them more prominent.
Andy Warhol
The master of the pop culture art movement is best known for his monoprints of Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. What else? His signature platinum wig.
Get the look: You don’t have to wait for thinning hair to don a wig. If it makes you happy, wear one. If you have a healthy mane on the other hand, you can cut your hair short, with the bangs swept to the side. If you want to be bold and bright, go platinum!
Antoni Gaudí
In his younger years, Antoni was a handsome, well-groomed chap. But in his older years, he spent less time grooming his hair and beard, and resorted to wearing worn-out suits, so much so that he was mistaken for a beggar.
Get the look: Fellas, if you are planning to grow a beard, keep it tidy and well groomed. Don’t shave it regularly. It doesn’t make your beard grow thicker and faster. Wear proper clothes to compensate for all the facial hair. Unless looking disheveled is your thing.
Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel is arguably the most famous fashion icon ever. But in her time, her slightly androgynous style was unconventional. For Coco, simplicity and comfort were the two guiding principles in design and dressing.
Get the look: Her look is all about looking put-together while keeping things simple. Like Coco, master the art of wearing only what is essential. As she once said, “Before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove on accessory.”
Illustration by Danica Condez
Source: Beverly Dalton for Northern Living, “About Face,” August 2014
