This Video Packs 100 Years Of Ethiopian Beauty Trends Into Just 60 Seconds

Feven G. in The Cut's '100 Years of Beauty: Episode 13 - Ethiopia'

History buffs and beauty aficionados alike will appreciate the latest installment in Cut Videos' viral 100 Years of Beauty video series. Ten decades of popular Ethiopian hairstyles and makeup looks take center stage, showcasing model Feven G. wearing a variety of teased Afros, bold lipstick, precise cornrows, straightened tresses and more—all in under 60 seconds.

At first glance, the video might seem to be all about beauty. But, an accompanying behind-the-scenes video reveals that each of the featured looks is actually a nod to either a trailblazing woman or a momentous event in Ethiopia’s past or present. Some of the icons commemorated include Empress Taytu Betul, the nation’s first pilot Asegedech Assefa, singer and actress Asnaketch Worku and supermodel Liya Kebede.

According to Karen Maniraho, the researcher behind the video, viewers can expect to see additional African countries featured in the series: "This isn’t the end to African beauty. This is just the first of many ways to talk about the diversity on the continent."