Since ancient times, beauty has been a concern for many women, something that has led to various styles in fashion and makeup within different cultures, philosophies and historical periods.
During the 18th-century Rococo Period, when Marie Antoinette was the fashion leader, large, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant sack-back gowns, known as robe à la francaise, came into vogue along with an elegant and sophisticated court lifestyle.
This show, which is based on research by the Pola Research Institute of Beauty & Culture, presents the makeup and hairstyles of Western women from the 18th-century Rococo to the early-20th-century Art Deco periods. Concurrently running at the museum is a complementary exhibition introducing the current trends in makeup art; till Dec. 25.
Kobe Fashion Museum: (078) 858-0050; 2-9-1 Koyocho Naka, Higashi Nada-ku, Kobe; near Island Center Station, Rokko Liner. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥500. Closed Wed., Nov. 24, Dec. 28-Jan. 4; open Nov. 23. www.fashionmuseum.or.jp.
