John Galliano’s Maison Margiela Artisanal Show
In a recent Maison Margiela Artisanal show, designer John Galliano showcased a rather sweet merkin, sparking discussions about the return of the bush. Inspired by Hungarian-French photographer Henri Brassaï, Galliano celebrated the natural look, using real human hair painstakingly embroidered onto silk tulle stockings. The show celebrated the female form rather than fetishization, embracing a variety of body shapes.
A Brief History of Pubic Hair Maintenance
Reflecting on the history of pubic hair maintenance, we remember iconic moments like Carrie Bradshaw’s full Brazilian wax in Sex and the City and Kate Lawler’s landing strip referred to as a “David Beckham.” From there, we descended into the era of vajazzling, with celebrities like Jennifer Love Hewitt and reality TV stars from The Only Way Is Essex embracing the trend. However, recent years have seen a shift towards embracing the natural look and celebrating body positivity.
The Influence of Red Carpet Trends and Social Media
While red carpet fashion and social media influencers have promoted the porn-y shorn look, there is a growing movement among Gen Z to reject established grooming standards. The pandemic has also contributed to a more laissez-faire attitude towards personal upkeep, with a resurgence of the well-pruned Seventies chic tidy bush. Despite this, many men still express a preference for less hair.
The Personal Decision of Grooming
Ultimately, the decision of how much to groom is a personal one. Some individuals may opt for a fully bare look, while others embrace the natural aesthetic. For those who want to experiment, there’s always the option of a merkin – a pubic wig. Regardless of personal grooming choices, the trend towards body positivity and self-love is encouraging individuals to embrace and celebrate their own unique beauty.