The Art of the Pin Up...

The much anticipated Cherrybomb Ball is just around the corner, on June 27th. Part of the festivities for the ball include two Burlesque shows, and a Pin Up Contest with all the fixin's. The contest will have many beauties competing for the crown as well as an opportunity to interview with The Diamond Agency, and a photo session with Flirtini Photographer Vanessa Sotomayor to appear in the next issue of Renegade Magazine! Each contestant will have to strut her stuff with her representation of a 50's pin up model, and will be critiqued carefully by the three judges as well as the crowd.



So, what exactly does it take to put your best Pin Up foot forward...

Personality
Pin ups have a bubbling personality, are full of charm and grace. They are unconditionally expressive, with a smile that can make a man go broke, and engaging eyes that love the attention of the camera.

Hair/Make-Up
Make-up is used the enhance the natural beauty. Ruby red lips, rose stained cheeks, full lashes and liner to frame the shape of the eyes. Hair is full, set with curls or a soft wave. Victory rolls, pin curls, and pompadours are especially choice. Accessorize the hair with small hats, veils, bows or the favorite hair flower. Choose a flower that compliments the outfit like a rose for an hourglass black dress, or a hibiscus for a tiki print dress.

Outfit
The outfit is just as important as the model. It should emphasize the beautiful curves of the body, and allow for an expressive pose. It also needs to fit the decade. Many pin ups would dress in character. Sailor, Cowgirl, Bathing Beauties were some great alternative outfits to the svelte lingerie, gowns and dresses that were more commonly used in pin up art.

Picture Perfect Pose
A pin up pose is animated an yet smooth in form. The best parts of the body were amplified in a sexy appealing way. Long legs were stretched out above the body, backs arched to puff out the chest, or bent over body to show off the toosh. Show off what your mama gave you!

The history of the pin up dates back to the 1890's, but was more prominent in the late 30's through the 50's. They were used to give hope to the GI's during war, and were commonly plastered all over the lockers of the men. Betty Grable posed for her famous pin up photo in 1943 for all the men fighting in World War II. Other famous pin up models include Rita Hayworth, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Lili St. Cyr, Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane), Jayne Mansfield, Bettie Page, Lauren Bacall, Kim Novak...I could go on.
In addition to the famous models, there were a bevy of artists made famous for their pin up art. Watercolor, pastels, and airbrush were used to elegantly parade the models on the covers of campy magazines or calendars. Brown & Bigelow was an art company that published artists like Gil Elvgren, Rolf Armstrong and Norman Rockwell, and were one of the biggest calendar printers in the world during the late 40's. And artists like Alberto Vargas and George Petty grew famous for their centerfold art in Esquire magazine. Other personal favorites of mine include Billy Devorss, Edward Runci Pearl Frush, and Earl Moran. Look up their art if you get a chance!

We here at FOUND vintage are very knowledgeable about pin up history and can outfit you and your friends in our vintage to ensure you wow the room (and the camera). Come shop!