Pin-up model
From the early 19th century, when pin-up modeling had "theatrical origins"; burlesque performers and actresses sometimes used photographic business cards to advertise shows.
These promotional and business cards could be found backstage in almost every theater's green room, pinned up or placed in "frames of the looking-glasses, in the joints of the gas-burners, and sometimes lying on top of the sacred cast-case itself.
"[4] According to historian Maria Elena Buszek, "To understand both the complicated identity and the subversive nature of the 19th-century actress, one must also understand that the era's views on women's potential were inextricably tied to their sexuality, which in turn was tied to their level of visibility in the public sphere: regardless of race, class or background, it was generally assumed that the more public the woman, the more 'public,' or available, her sexuality."
[5] Among the celebrities who were considered sex symbols, one of the most popular early pin-up girls was Betty Grable, whose poster was ubiquitous in the lockers of G.I.s during World War II.
Miss Fernande displayed ample cleavage and full frontal nudity, and her pictures were cherished by soldiers on both sides of the First World War conflict.
"[8] Unlike the photographed actresses and dancers generations earlier, art gave artists the freedom to draw women in many different ways.
[10] Vargas Girls became so popular that from 1942 to 1946, owing to a high volume of military demand, "9 million copies of the magazine-without adverts and free of charge was sent to American troops stationed overseas and in domestic bases.
"[11] The Vargas Girls were adapted as nose art on many World War II bomber and fighter aircraft; generally, they were not seen negatively or as prostitutes, but mostly as inspiring female patriots that were helpful for good luck.
[12] Among the other well-known American artists specializing in the field were Earle K. Bergey, Enoch Bolles, Gil Elvgren, George Petty, Rolf Armstrong, Zoë Mozert, Duane Bryers,[13] and Art Frahm.
Although pin-up modeling is associated with World War II and the 1950s, it developed into a subculture which can be seen represented in the styles of some celebrities and public figures.
Pamela Anderson was considered the "perennial pin-up" due to decades' worth of modeling for Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine.
[26] The American singer Lana Del Rey, whose style is comparable to that of the classic pin-up model,[citation needed] has performed a song called "Pin Up Galore".
[27] Beyoncé has recorded a song titled "Why Don't You Love Me,"[28] which pays tribute to the American pin-up queen of the 1950s, Bettie Page.
Within this subculture, there are opportunities to perform in pin-up contests, including one which takes place during the Viva Las Vegas rockabilly festival.
Jet supported pin-up with their full-page feature called "Beauty of the Week", where African-American women posed in swimsuits.
In Jim Linderman's self-published book, Secret History of the Black Pin Up,[36] he describes the lives and experiences of African-American pin-up models.
