Pinup models come and go and are dime a dozen today. there are some that become legends and admired through many generations. one such pinup legend is Bettie Page. She was a pinup model started her career in the 50's and her influence in many area still stands today. she was not what you considered muscular, but the single picture at the beach below certainly qualifies her in this board,
Bettie page started her career in the 50's in New York as a model. it was a photographer (I think Jerry Tibbs) in New York that suggested she grow bangs to cover her big forehead because it was reflecting light. That one simple style move cenmented her the most popular pinup of the time.
Bettie Page was very progressive for the time. She saw nothing wrong with photographers taking nude shots of her as long as no one was getting hurt by it. people also thought she was very outgoing and warm.
She had quite an influence in fashion in her day and her influence in fashion still strong today. Her bangs (hair style) is distinctively Bette Page that was popular then and even more popular now. She influenced several clothing styles and how pinups are photographed. She also unknowingly influenced the Bondage and SM genre, thought it was mild and playful when she did it (unlike today, which can get pretty rough).
She was also subject to pressure under the governments campaign on eliminating "smut". in the early 60's she found religion and disappeared from the limelight. In her later years, she had several medical, legal and financial problems and chose to stay reclusive. She chose to stay reclusive because she wanted the world to remember Bette Page as in the 50's.
despite the influence she had, she never profited from her persona nor understood the popularity she generated; it was usually other photographers and companies that profited tremendously. she never considered herself particularly pretty. I think it was her genuine wholesomeness with strong sex appeal made her so attractive to many.
it wasn't again until the 70's when there was a resurgence of interest in Bette Page and her persona. Even with the sudden resurgance, Bette Page still chose to stay reclusive opting to be remembered for her glory days. eventually (much later in her life), she got the rights to some of her persona and got compensated for it. She passed away on December 2008.
Bettie Page. Even today, I cannot think of another pinup who wielded so much influence to fashion and popular culture as Bettie Page.
Rest in peace Bettie Page and may your influence live on.
great calves, and photography:
very fashionable, easily start a trend:
The genre that made her famous:
