J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter

Pin-up girls are celebrities, fashion models, sex symbols or actresses who’s beauty, charm and sexual appeal capture the attention of society’s pop culture in such a way as to cause mouths to drool and eyes to pop at the mere sight of their perfectly posed bodies across laminated posters and magazine spreads. Gaining popularity in the 1930’s, each era has seen a handful of these iconic beauty’s come and go…and in some cases, mystically come back again in the forms of clones so identical in look and attitude that it’s almost scary. Like the 1950’s voluptuous sex siren movie star Marilyn Monroe and the 90’s troubled millionaire widow Anna Nicole Smith, who’s respective journey’s to stardom and fame were both filled with rumors of scandal, drugs, passion and pain. Even the petite dark haired 1950’s pin-up Bettie Page who carried her legacy on camera well into the 1990’s met with her younger reflection found in the doll like face of fellow newcomer Bernie Dexter.

There are countless other legendary pin-up gals like 1930’s flapper Josephine Baker, 1940’s songstress Lena Horne, and 1950's Betty Page. Then there are those unforgettable modern day women like 1960’s vixen Raquel Welch, “10” star Bo Derek , 1980’s Sports Illustrated model Kim Alexis, 1990’s burlesque performer Dita Von Teese and ‘Baywatch’ beauty Pamela Anderson who’s curves and sensuality have landed them a place in the hearts of men young and old. Last but not least, the icon Betty Grable. She was one of the most popular early pin-up girls of all time. With a girl-next-door innocence and devilish smile, she called for your attention. And she got it. During World War II, her poster was ubiquitous in the lockers of homesick G.I.’s overseas. For them, she symbolized the American dream and became a heroin to their long and lonely nights.

Mass produced photos of these vintage and modern day ‘cheesecakes’ can often be found in magazines, postcards, calendars and on novelty items. For these pretty ladies were definitely ...” better than cheesecake.”

Pin-ups also include drawings, paintings, and other illustrations done in emulation of these photos. Artists such as the late Alberto Vargus and the great Earl Macpherson have not only created flirtateous images of beauties of the past, but left us with a legacy of work that is still hailed today as the precedent to which modern day pin up art work is set against. Even modern day photographer Bunny Yeager who has been in the business of capturing our desirable dandies on film for over a decade or more, rises to receive her accolades for work well done. Just check the archives displayed along the walls of old American military aircrafts, the foot lockers of testosterone filled high school boys and young GI’s overseas, or your current Sports Illustrated magazines and monthly calendar spreads, and you will have a clearer understanding of just why the golden era of classic pin-up art never really disappeared…it only faded.

By the 1960’s the classic ‘painted’ pin up started drowning in the sea of the adult film and publication industry that promoted sex, sex and more sex. Paintings of attractive women became more realistic and explicit. Photos of fem fatals in cute yellow polka dotted bikinis were replaced by artificially enhanced g-string wearing women leaving little to the imagination. The concept of ‘sexy’ became more of a ‘flesh’ thing than an attitude, and slowly this wonderful American art form faded away.

But everything comes full circle. The classic pin-up girls and pin-up art are being rediscovered and introduced to new generations of people around the world. With the help of our fresh pin up faces and such notable fabric mills as Timeless Treasure and Alexander Henry, we are seeing a revamp of the glamour girl and classic re-prints on cottons that take us back to the days of “Happy Birthday Mr. President”, drive in movies and ‘flappers’.

With a nostalgic selection of holiday, Harley and Hawaii Aloha pin-up girl fabric to choose from, this wonderful American art form is again receiving the attention and popularity reminiscent of its 1930-1950 heyday. Here at J&O we welcome you to come take your time and find your own sweet lady that’s ....better than cheesecake!