Rachel Rowe

Joining the discussion is Rachel Rowe, an author and historian from the University of Edinburgh, specializing in Victorian beauty standards, particularly regarding black models. The conversation dives into why pale skin was idealized and how black bodies were perceived in a racially biased society. Rowe highlights the stories of figures like Sarah Bartman and Fanny Eaton, illustrating the exploitation and challenges faced by women of color. The episode also touches on Black Dandyism and the cultural appropriation in 19th-century beauty standards, offering a nuanced look at this complex legacy.