A recent project has transformed iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Birth of Venus into contemporary interpretations, utilizing artificial intelligence to apply popular beauty trends from the last three decades. This innovative approach, led by Vitabiotics Perfectil, imagines how these historic subjects might look if painted with the beauty aesthetics of today.
The Birth of Venus, originally created by Sandro Botticelli in the 1480s, has been given a distinctive 1990s makeover, featuring body glitter, nail art, and tiny butterfly hair clips—trends emblematic of that era. Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has been reinterpreted with early 2000s features, including thin eyebrows, chunky highlights, and frosted eyeshadow. In a modern twist, Girl with a Pearl Earring, painted by Johannes Vermeer in the 1660s, showcases bold brows, dewy skin, and nude lips.
This creative endeavor reflects the exploration of beauty trends that have defined the last thirty years, following research that identified the smoky eye, the ‘Rachel’ haircut, and kohl eyeliner as some of the most iconic looks. The project highlights modern beauty icons, including Jennifer Aniston, Kate Middleton, and Beyoncé, who have consistently influenced contemporary beauty standards.
A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Perfectil noted, “Some of the trends of the last few decades have been iconic, so we wanted to give some iconic paintings a truly iconic look.” They emphasized that if Vermeer or da Vinci were alive today, their works might reflect the fleeting nature of beauty trends while also stressing the timeless connection between beauty and wellness.
The research also revealed that 51% of the 2,000 women surveyed believe that many 1990s and 2000s beauty trends are experiencing a resurgence. Among them, 12% expressed a desire for the return of thick kohl eyeliner, a favorite of television presenter Claudia Winkleman. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, 22% of respondents took their beauty cues from television and cinema, while the same percentage turned to friends for inspiration. In contrast, today, 27% now look to social media platforms for beauty guidance, according to data from OnePoll.com.
Moreover, 69% of respondents reported that their beauty routines are important to them, dedicating over 20 minutes daily to their regimen—averaging around two hours and 20 minutes weekly. Notably, 26% admitted to spending more time on hair and beauty now than they did during their teenage years.
The spokesperson from Vitabiotics Perfectil added, “Beauty has always been a focus for many, even if the trends they try to replicate may differ from when the Mona Lisa was first painted.” They highlighted that the foundation of beauty remains rooted in good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, asserting that while trends may evolve, the commitment to wellness remains constant.
This artistic project not only pays homage to historical masterpieces but also invites a dialogue about how beauty standards shift over time, encouraging a reflection on personal beauty choices amid changing cultural landscapes. The reimagined portraits serve as a compelling fusion of art and modern beauty, showcasing the enduring influence of both on society.
