Old Shanghai cosmetic box

• Main Author: Tang, Peiwen
• Other Authors: School of Art, Design and Media
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/59559
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Since the implementation of reforms in China after the Cultural Revolution, China has turned into globalization in an effort to increase economic growth. In doing so, it has allowed the influx of western culture. The tremendous economic growth that China has achieved over the years has also cultivated the growth of consumerism. While being exposed to western products and culture, the aesthetic standards of the people in China are now largely influenced by the westerners. In terms of how a beautiful Chinese woman should look and behave, many Chinese people adhere to western standards, and their beauty standards show little sign of their own traits and culture. My project seeks to give a little direction to women whom may be adhering too much to the western beauty standards and is losing their own cultural identity. My project takes references from the old shanghai culture of China during the Republican’s Era. During that time, a uniquely Chinese aesthetic standard is developed among the socialites; Chinese traditional culture is mixed with western influences to form a well balanced fusion of both cultures. Through designing a makeup box for women, I will try to show how the Shanghai socialites have incorporated western influences into the Chinese culture to create a unique cultural identity and beauty standard.