Past Perfect… Bettie Page
by admin , under Articles, The Magazine
Bettie Page from an early, silent short of her work. Image credits in detail at bottom of article
In the 1940s and 50s, when the pin-up girl was an institution, sassy, curvaceous goddesses decorated magazine advertising, and even military aircraft. While most favoured the classic buxom blonde, a la Marilyn Monroe, others preferred babes with a harder edge, and nobody captured the essence of a good girl gone bad better than the stunning, raven-haired Bettie Page.
While her peers were known for apple pie and cheesecake poses, Bettie established herself as a modelling legend by delving into darker territory—most evident when she teamed with photographer, Irving Klaw, for a match made in fetish heaven.
With her famous fringe, smouldering eyes, infectious smile, and a body to die for, Bettie resembled a fallen angel in her early S&M-themed photos, and is credited as the world’s first fetish model. The talented hottie played both dominatrix and submissive roles in her shoots, and starred in soft, black-and-white S&M films for Klaw’s more discerning clientele.
In 1955, the saucy superstar made it to the pages of two-year-old Playboy magazine, where one of her most well-known pictures—featuring Bettie in a Santa hat, and little else, winking cheekily at the camera—caused a sensation.
Disillusioned with fame, Bettie took to Christianity in the late 50s, distancing herself from her modelling career, and declining interviews and photos until much later in her life. Today, her likeness is found throughout modern culture, with many top models, such as Julie Strain, Dita Von Teese and Masuimi Max emulating Bettie’s unique look and sex appeal. It seems the dynamite Bettie Page will remain with us forever.
By Dave Kozicki
Image from DVD extras from film, The Notorious Bettie Page, copyright 2005 HBO Home Video. Gathered from celebritymoviearchive.com. If you are the owner of these images and wish to have them removed, contact us.
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