In 2008 fashion designer David Delfin
asked an orthodontist to insert a bracket to open a space between his
front teeth. The bracket is a metaphor for the separation of his father
who died the same year, explained Delfin.
And it seems like Mr. Delfin was ahead of the fashion curve.
Lara Stone is officially a supermodel. Lindsey Wixson is the face of everything and Georgia Jagger is inescapable. It's fair to say that gap-toothed girls are having a moment.
But this latest idea of beauty isn't actually that new. In many African cultures, gap teeth were always considered as a sign of beauty and wisdom. In France they call it "les dents du bonheur" (teeth of happiness) and in the 14th century a gap between your teeth was considered as a symbol of lustfulness as told in The Wife of Bath's Tale from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer.
But also in our generation it's no new trend. Lauren Hutton, Alek Wek and Vanessa Paradis have ruled the world with their "imperfect" smile many years ago.
But what are the reasons for this unusual trend? Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine, explains:
"It's a love for the imperfect, and the authentic," says Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine. "These are values that are more and more important for younger generations. Originality, authenticity…in a world that is more and more digitally enhanced."
We love the natural and eye-catching look but do not agree with the advise of Tyra Banks to one of her contestants of "America's next topmodel to shave a gap into her teeth to increase her chances.
The popularity of models such as Jessica Hart, Ashley Smith and Lindsey Wixson caused a big increase of the demand for orthodontic procedures. Models widen their brackets for better chances on the market.
Surely that's the opposite of what this trend is meant to demonstrate, a positive body image and the importance of accepting one's natural look.
But, experts do believe our new interest in the diastema represents a backlash against unattainable beauty standards and an obsession with perfection.
"I think for so long the look was cookie-cutter beauty, and it doesn't stand out," says Heather Muir, beauty news editor for Allure magazine in New York.
"We're shifting to a more quirky beauty, and I think that includes women who have very fair skin, many freckles, or frizzy, big hair."
Now is the time to let whatever is interesting about your look shine through. Embrace it!
All photos from:
www.mikepiscitelli.com
www.thegloss.com
www.thefashionspot.com
And it seems like Mr. Delfin was ahead of the fashion curve.
Lara Stone is officially a supermodel. Lindsey Wixson is the face of everything and Georgia Jagger is inescapable. It's fair to say that gap-toothed girls are having a moment.
But this latest idea of beauty isn't actually that new. In many African cultures, gap teeth were always considered as a sign of beauty and wisdom. In France they call it "les dents du bonheur" (teeth of happiness) and in the 14th century a gap between your teeth was considered as a symbol of lustfulness as told in The Wife of Bath's Tale from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer.
But also in our generation it's no new trend. Lauren Hutton, Alek Wek and Vanessa Paradis have ruled the world with their "imperfect" smile many years ago.
But what are the reasons for this unusual trend? Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine, explains:
"It's a love for the imperfect, and the authentic," says Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine. "These are values that are more and more important for younger generations. Originality, authenticity…in a world that is more and more digitally enhanced."
We love the natural and eye-catching look but do not agree with the advise of Tyra Banks to one of her contestants of "America's next topmodel to shave a gap into her teeth to increase her chances.
The popularity of models such as Jessica Hart, Ashley Smith and Lindsey Wixson caused a big increase of the demand for orthodontic procedures. Models widen their brackets for better chances on the market.
Surely that's the opposite of what this trend is meant to demonstrate, a positive body image and the importance of accepting one's natural look.
But, experts do believe our new interest in the diastema represents a backlash against unattainable beauty standards and an obsession with perfection.
"I think for so long the look was cookie-cutter beauty, and it doesn't stand out," says Heather Muir, beauty news editor for Allure magazine in New York.
"We're shifting to a more quirky beauty, and I think that includes women who have very fair skin, many freckles, or frizzy, big hair."
Now is the time to let whatever is interesting about your look shine through. Embrace it!
All photos from:
www.mikepiscitelli.com
www.thegloss.com
www.thefashionspot.com
