Eyeliner : A Cultural History
(Autor) Zahra HankirA dazzling exploration of the intersections of beauty and power around the globe, told through the lens of an iconic cosmetic 'Awe-inspiring and fascinating' Funmi Fetto 'A treat to read' Kassia St Clair From the distant past to the present day, humans have been drawn to lining their eyes. The aesthetic trademark of figures ranging from Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools; ancient royals and Gen Z beauty influencers alike would attest to its uniquely transformative power. It is undeniably fun - yet it is also far from frivolous. Seen through Zahra Hankir's (kohl-lined) eyes, this ubiquitous but seldom-examined product becomes a portal to history, proof both of the stunning variety among cultures across time and space and of our shared humanity. Through intimate reporting and conversations - with nomads in Chad, geishas in Japan, dancers in India, drag queens in New York, and more - Eyeliner embraces the rich history and significance of its namesake, especially among communities of colour. What emerges is a delightful, surprising, and unexpectedly moving journey through streets, stages, and bedrooms around the world, and a thought-provoking reclamation of a key piece of our collective history.
Zahra Hankir
Zahra Hankir is a Lebanese-British journalist and editor known for her work in amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of women in the Arab world. She is the editor of "Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World," a groundbreaking collection of essays by female journalists from the region. Hankir's literary style is marked by a commitment to diverse storytelling and shedding light on underrepresented narratives. Her work has had a significant impact on the representation of Arab women in journalism and literature. "Our Women on the Ground" is considered her most famous work, showcasing her dedication to showcasing the complex, nuanced stories of Arab women in their own words.