A brief introduction to the history of the Pinup

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Since retro-inspired pinup modeling has become a thing of the present, I figured what would be more intriguing to talk about then how it began. I’ve done a huge amount of research on the subject and there are plenty of famous pinups from the time of our grandparents with some of the originals being Betty Grable, Jean Harlow, Esther Williams, Lana Turner, Jane Russell, and Marilyn Monroe setting the stage for who follow in their legendary footsteps. Pinup photography started with movie stars posing for magazines, newspapers, and publications to boost their fame and to gain major roles in movies. The first pinup photographs were taken of Barbara Stanwyck, Jean Arthur, and Loretta Young posing in small bathing suits and low-cut gowns for the publications overseas. When Howard Hughes discovered Jane Russell, he had her pose in a low-cut blouse reclining on a haystack, which turned into one of the most famous pinup photographs of all time. One of the most familiar is Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grate image of a pristine white gown blowing up over her waist as the air blew through the grate from a passing train. The pinup girl of the 40’s was the epitome of beauty. She was sweet, sexy, innocent, and mysterious all at the same time, and men adored her. They possessed exotic good looks and shapely hourglass figures (a far cry from the norm in high fashion now a days) with pristine, radiant faces and soft, fluffy hair. Many in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines would paint these pinups on their planes, pin photos up in their cockpits, near their beds, or just keep them close as a reminder of what they were fighting for: their wives or girlfriends back home. Bob Hope would even bring a pretty girl or two with him to entertain the troops overseas. The nose art and photos were icons of beauty and love in a time of great turbulence. So what does this have to do with you, a girl who might be interested in doing pinup modeling for a living? A ton. If you have a love and interest in something, it is important to appreciate its past. By knowing its roots, you can grow and evolve by adding your own twist.