Introduction

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, was not only a musical powerhouse but also a trailblazer in the world of beauty and fashion. Her mesmerizing voice touched millions, but her beauty looks also set trends that shaped the cultural landscape of her era. From her early, glamorous Hollywood-inspired looks to her embrace of natural beauty and bold statements of Black pride, Aretha’s style reflected both her musical genius and her profound influence on fashion, culture, and beauty. In this article, we delve into the key beauty icons and trends that shaped Aretha’s ever-evolving beauty style, and how she redefined beauty standards for generations to come.

1. The Influence of Hollywood Glamour

Aretha Franklin’s early beauty aesthetics were heavily influenced by the allure and sophistication of classic Hollywood. As a young woman growing up in the 1940s and 50s, she witnessed the golden age of cinema, where actresses like Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Dandridge, and Lena Horne became synonymous with timeless glamour. Their looks, polished and regal, were not just about clothing but about the art of beauty itself—skin that gleamed with radiance, lips painted in bold reds, and eyes emphasized with dramatic lashes and winged eyeliner.

Aretha’s early makeup choices reflected these Hollywood influences. She became known for her signature bold red lips, a statement of confidence and sensuality. Her brows were sharply defined, offering structure to her face, while her eyes were highlighted with well-blended eyeshadows and thick eyeliner, creating an air of elegance and sophistication. The soft, luxurious hairstyles that Aretha often wore—whether styled in voluminous curls or glamorous waves—also echoed the polished yet natural beauty of actresses like Hepburn, who exuded an effortless sense of class.

Yet Aretha Franklin never simply mimicked the looks of these Hollywood icons—she made them her own. Her beauty choices were always an extension of her personality—powerful, unapologetic, and deeply unique. She brought a sense of warmth and depth to these beauty trends, mixing the elegance of Hollywood with her own sense of soul, grace, and passion.

2. The Natural Beauty Movement

As the 1960s gave way to the 1970s, the cultural landscape was shifting. There was a growing embrace of natural beauty, particularly within the African American community. This movement, which was as much about self-acceptance as it was about rejecting societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, deeply influenced Aretha’s approach to beauty.

The natural beauty movement, which emphasized embracing one’s authentic features—be it skin tone, hair texture, or body type—became a central theme in Aretha’s evolving look. In the 1970s, she adopted a more understated, yet no less powerful, aesthetic. She began to favor simpler makeup styles, often wearing lighter, more natural tones that highlighted her radiant skin rather than masking it.

But perhaps the most notable aspect of Aretha’s embrace of natural beauty was her decision to wear her hair in its natural curls. Throughout the 60s, she famously wore a variety of styles, from sleek updos to voluminous curls, but it was in the 1970s that Aretha truly embraced the natural texture of her hair. Her curls were big, bold, and beautiful—unapologetically African American—and she wore them with pride.

This shift towards natural beauty was also symbolic of the broader cultural and political movements of the time. The Civil Rights Movement and the rise of Black Power were deeply intertwined with the idea of self-love and acceptance. Aretha’s natural beauty became not just a personal choice, but a political statement. She was, in essence, rejecting the beauty standards imposed by mainstream society and embracing the full spectrum of Black identity.

Her natural look also resonated with countless African American women who saw in Aretha a reflection of their own beauty—untamed, authentic, and powerful. In this era, Aretha became more than just a music icon; she was a symbol of self-respect and cultural pride. Her natural beauty was a form of self-empowerment, inspiring generations to embrace who they were, inside and out.

3. Black Power and Afros

One of the most iconic beauty statements Aretha made was her decision to wear her hair in an afro. In the late 1960s, as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, the afro became an emblem of Black pride and a form of resistance against traditional, Eurocentric beauty standards. The afro was a radical departure from the smooth, straight hairstyles that had dominated mainstream beauty for decades. It was bold, unyielding, and a celebration of natural African heritage.

Aretha’s decision to adopt the afro was a profound statement. It was a symbol of her deep connection to the Black community and the broader Black Power movement. At the time, the afro was not merely a hairstyle; it was a political symbol, an assertion of identity, and an act of rebellion against the societal norms that sought to define beauty in narrow terms. By wearing the afro, Aretha was embracing a revolutionary form of beauty, one that celebrated her Blackness and defied conventional standards of femininity.

Her afro was not just a passing trend, but a statement of solidarity with other African American women and men who were reclaiming their heritage and identity. The afro became a cultural revolution, with figures like Angela Davis, James Brown, and others in the Black Power movement also sporting the hairstyle. Aretha, in her own way, became an ambassador of this movement, using her platform to promote a message of Black pride, empowerment, and liberation.

Her afro was always full, voluminous, and perfectly shaped, reflecting her powerful, larger-than-life persona. It became a signature part of her identity, and over the years, she would continue to wear it with pride, showing the world that beauty comes in all forms, and that the natural, unapologetic beauty of Black women was something to be celebrated.

4. The Evolution of Aretha’s Signature Beauty Looks

As Aretha’s career progressed, so did her beauty. She was never content to rest on her laurels or adhere to one particular aesthetic for too long. Instead, she evolved her looks to match her ever-changing musical persona. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Aretha’s beauty choices became more glamorous, often reflecting the era’s trend toward bold, dramatic makeup and high fashion.

During the 1980s, Aretha was often seen with her hair styled in more voluminous and sculpted waves. Her makeup choices leaned into the glam of the era, with bold eyeshadow colors, sharp eyeliner, and glossy lips. Yet, even in these more stylized looks, Aretha never lost touch with the authenticity that had defined her earlier beauty. She continued to embrace her natural features, whether through softer makeup or by allowing her natural curls to peek through.

In the 1990s, Aretha became a staple on red carpets, where her beauty was refined yet still full of soul. She wore rich, jewel-toned dresses that complemented her glowing complexion and often paired these looks with elegant updos. Whether attending award shows or giving concerts, Aretha continued to radiate a timeless beauty that was both regal and down-to-earth.

5. Aretha’s Enduring Legacy in Beauty and Fashion

Aretha Franklin’s beauty legacy transcends her music. She redefined what it meant to be a woman of strength, power, and beauty, and she did so with an authenticity that was deeply rooted in her identity as a Black woman. Her beauty was not just about looking good; it was about feeling good, embracing one’s natural self, and never compromising who you are.

Today, Aretha’s beauty continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly Black women, who see in her a reflection of their own journey toward self-love and acceptance. From her iconic hairstyles to her glamorous makeup looks, Aretha demonstrated that beauty was not confined to a single definition. She showed us that beauty is about confidence, authenticity, and power, and that it is something that transcends age, time, and cultural norms.

Aretha Franklin will forever remain the Queen of Soul, and her beauty will continue to be a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. As her music lives on, so too does her profound impact on the world of beauty and fashion.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin’s beauty was as legendary as her voice. From the early influence of Hollywood glamour to her embrace of natural beauty and political empowerment, Aretha’s looks were a reflection of the times in which she lived and the powerful statements she made through both music and style. Her ability to blend elegance with authenticity, strength with sensuality, and glamour with naturalism made her a true icon in the world of beauty. Aretha Franklin redefined beauty standards, not just for Black women, but for all women, showing us that beauty lies in self-empowerment, individuality, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression.