What makes a pinup model?

[Bunny Bailey]

So my last blog got me to really thinking about what I perceive as a pinup model, as well as what others think. I can be very judgmental, although i mean well.

First of all l should acknowledge that pinup as a thing to do is not exclusive. Meaning that anyone can get dolled up and snap some "pinup" type photos and we'd generally say that's pinup. But I'm not talking about the fact that we all desire to feel and look sexy, which pinup is great at doing for us. I'm talking about what best represents the true face of pinup in its completeness.

Now I have been interested in the lifestyle and looking into it for years, but I haven't researched every aspect like a term paper or been very involved, so much of what I think are opinions and impressions. And when I think "Where did pinup come from?" my impression is that it rose up out of the era of glamour. A time when people were more refined and things moved a lot slower. It seems to me that the Hollywood startlets of yester-year had a certain jen e se qua (is that right?) that inspired many people to a new view of a woman; one who was cute or classy, oozed sex appeal, and could just as easily shank you as charm the pants right off you. The way they moved, laughed, and gazed all contributed to the sense that they were the height of female perfection; smart, sassy, and sexy.

So, while anyone can surely throw on some lipstick, some heels, and strike a pose, not everyone can embody that fantasy to such a degree. I really think it's just something you have or don't have - although I'll consider that if you have a little, maybe you can develop the rest. I think that it's something you emit by being yourself. It's hard to fake, and even if you look nice in a picture that doesn't make you pinup. And being a "pinup for a day" like most of the celebrities in the book I blogged about are most certainly not pinups and should'nt be representing pinups in that damn book.

I believe that the most important part of being a true pinup is either having the personality (like Mae West) or tapping into the attitude; but first you gotta have it, and you've gotta claim it. Like I would say Barbara Streisand makes me think pinup, except that she doesn't really seem to claim it like say, Bette Midler does. So Bette is pinup and Barbara is not, to me. Posing half naked or in some cutie pie costume without that is not pinup to me (think that freakish Rachel Ray FHM shoot I saw here on PL- search for "baking photos").

The second thing I think makes pinup is the scenery - that is, you and your environment. What is the lens (someone's eye or a camera) gonna capture? The makeup, the clothes, the props, the expressions, the background and how the girl interacts with it is a crucial piece of the pinup puzzle. I think a real pinup could make a cardboard box interesting though, so we're back to that certain "thing" she has. It's using all that attitude, personality, wit, and charm to play with your audience and entertain that fantasy, albeit innocent or deviant. But again, this is not accomplished by simply imitating this pose or that set. I guess what I'm really saying is that it's the person - you're the gimmick that makes pinup. If you don't have that, if you aren't that, then to me you're just playing dress up.

I support anyone who finds their eyes widening at the thought of emulating a pinup girl and wants to give it a go. Everyone wants, no needs, to feel sexy, attractive, and wanted. I just think you gotta have that "thing" to BE a pinup.

[Delyssia LaBelle {Madam}]

word bunny!

[Bunny Bailey]

Great feedback ya'll - Thanks! Rock on KH/NFC, I wish I'd had my look down when I was 19!

And Delyssia I didn't mean to suggest that you have to be "on" all the time to be considered pinup, so I agree with you. I didn't have anyone particular in mind when I wrote this aside from the celebrities in that book so by no means am I trying to call anyone out, like I said I support anyone interested in pinup and going for it. I'm just speaking to the difference between that and BEING a pinup like the old stars who inspired it or the new ones who represent it best like the lovely Bernie Dexter. I believe it's that "thing" that inspired and created pinup in the first place, and I think you have to have "it" in order to really be a pinup. It's not really about how many hours of the day you look or act like one, it's about that certain quality, that twinkle in the eye, that mojo, you know. I hope that clears up the confusion.

[Delyssia LaBelle {Madam}]

i agree that ap inup is the whole package, but as well as someone puting on retro clothes and makeup to "become a pin up" they can also don the personality as well. for as long as they like. people are multifacited personalities with a wide spectrum of emotions and thoughts. i dont think that someone should be called out for not living the life 24/7 and being a pinup model. its great if you do, more props to you! but we are all playing dress up even if it is everyday.

[Knockout Nikki]

I get what your saying.
Anyone can dress up for a day and be a pinup. Its sweet.

I get dolled up everyday, this has been my life since i can remember.
15 years old with fingerwaves everyday.

me at 16 graduationing beauty school.

Me at 19.

Me now at 23.

God I think i just aged myself.

xoxo Nikki FoldCrazy

[Poppy Fields]

I totally agree that the essence of pinup is largely what's inside: you either have an inner pinup or you don't. I think the crucial detail that is missing from a lot of "pinup" photography and models has to do with attitude. There is a certain innocence to pinup; it's not about SEXXX or even about being sexy, primarily. More cheeky, sassy, coy, spunky... and the "sexy" comes as a result of a woman who is comfortable with who she is.

I *think* I have an inner pinup, but she has trouble getting past the scary Victorian domina ;D

[Bunny Bailey]

Thanks Vivien, glad you understand what I was saying!

[Vivien V]

Great blog - I 100% agree. I see beautful pictures all the time but it's the the ones that you see the personality coming right out that are best.