Perfect Woman

At the start of Pretty Vacant, the Still Life Corporation did a search for the “perfect” woman. Their computers came up with Gigi Gutierrez.

Searching for the perfect woman entails specific characteristics. She certainly has to be smart, fit and good looking. Yet intangibles apply. This is true now as it has been throughout history.



In January 1913, the New York Times published an article on their perfect woman, Elsie Scheel.  She was listed at five feet seven inches and 171 pounds.  Even 100 years ago, critics pounced on her measurements: too heavy, too wide.  Yet Elsie lived to be 91 years old, so she probably got the last laugh on her detractors!

 

The recently closed Cleopatra exhibit at the Califonia Science Center is a reminder on how “perfect” the ancient Egyptian queen was throughout the centuries. In spite of the Roman Emperor Octavian’s best efforts (it was his fault that she killed herself), Cleopatra’s reputation is still intact today. Since so few actual likenesses of her still exist, this only has added to her legendary beauty!

The perfect woman fills a need to capture the imagination, be it a princess for a tradition-bound nation, the “hot” actress currently starring in Hollywood films, or a stunning soccer goalie in both ability and appearance. This person is not measured strictly by numbers (even if Hope Solo’s measurements match favorably with Scheel), but by the way people react to her.

Still Life reacted to Gigi’s status by plasticizing her as a body mold for a highly profitable mannequin line, so being “perfect” may not be the ideal situation! Despite Gigi’s best efforts to not be plastinated ever again, the improbable happens with each new Pretty Vacant issue. Her character’s adventures complete the story, and she is “perfect” for the role!