14 DAY TRIAL // In 2009, the bob, the once-dreaded hairstyle, turns 100 but is still in the top of women’s preferences, and will probably remain so for much longer. Throughout the years, the bob went from being somehow of a taboo subject and even reason for public opprobrium, to being a trademark for certain classes, and then an expression of ultimately exquisite taste and timeless elegance.
Created by Polish-born hairdresser Antoine de Paris in France, the bob has seen more than a fair share of disapproval. For one, it severed completely the connection between long tresses and femininity, which caused many preachers to say, by the time it reached the US, that “a bobbed woman is a disgraced woman.” Then, it blurred even the lines between man and woman, taking the controversial androgyny route, and prompting parents to bitterly lament that, because of it, they could no longer tell which was their son and which their daughter.
It was frowned upon and derided, and women daring enough to cut their long, flowing hair, would often be forced to keep the locks and make them into a wig, used then to cover their shame of having a bob. With all this, this is one haircut that has passed the test of time – and of everything else we might think of – proving that it’s got what it takes to make it into the hall of fame.
In recent years, celebrities have taken it upon themselves to bring the bob back into public attention. From former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who was also perhaps the most successful at it, her ‘do sparkling the so-called “pob” madness, to pal Katie Holmes, former glamour model Jenny McCarthy, Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, and Anna Wintour from “Vogue,” starlets have done a truly wonderful job at keeping the bob in the spotlight. The myriad of variations it came with have also been more than welcome.
“The bob has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, thanks to its new-found celebrity status. It is the most versatile of styles and has stood the test of time by constantly re-inventing itself in a variety of lengths and textures, creating a different feel and attitude. What is really unique about the bob is its ability to suit a multitude of face shapes, whether it’s a classic cut bob or a more modern graduated shape, the bob can be personalized to suit whatever your style.” Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, global creative director of Toni&Guy, tells the Daily Mail.
In the end, it could be that all those years of bitter disapproval of the bob were well worth it, if we’re to take into account the almost unbelievable heights it has now reached. Also, if durability is one factor we’re to judge a hairstyle by, then the bob is a clear winner. “The bob has rocked through the ages with the Punks, the Mods, New Romantics and with pop and television stars.” Mark Coray, vice president of the National Hairdressers’ Federation of Great Britain, tells the Mail as to the bob’s long life.
