Celebrating Some of Lingerie's Leading Ladies

A pin up girl is a model whose mass-produced pictures see wide appeal as popular culture.  The fad of pin up girls was the first time that lingerie was shown in the media and was a huge advance in sexual revolution giving women everywhere more power.

Here are some of our favorite pin up girls:

Betty Grable - American actress, dance, and singer

The number one pin up girl of the WWII era and undeniably the most famous and popular pin up girl of all time.  Betty Grable, was most celebrated for her beautiful legs and iconic bathing suit posters.  After the war, Betty Grable became the highest paid female in America, earning about $300,000/year.

Bettie Page - American model turned pin up girl in the 1950's

Often referred to as the "Queen of Pin Ups," her jet black hair, blue eyes and trademark bangs have influenced many artists.  Her photos featuring fetishism and bondage, shocking at the time, opened up the doors to an early sexual revolution.  Instead of pouting, she made sexiness seem fun seducing the world with her natural smile.

Rita Hayworth - American dancer and film actress

Appeared in 61 films in 37 years and became one of the most requested pin up girls during WWII making dark red hair a popular fad during that time.  She was best known for her musicals such as You'll Never Get Rich and Cover Girl.

Norma Jean Baker aka Marilyn Monroe - American Actress, model, and singer

Starring in a number one successful motion picture in the 1950's and early 60's, Marilyn Monroe became the most iconic blonde in Hollywood and the very first cover girl for Playboy Magazine.

Betty Brosmer - Highest paid American model of her time period

Known for her blonde locks and stunning curves, she was a favorite among photographers and the American public as she appeared on over 300 magazine covers.

Gina Lollobrigida - Italian actress, photo journalist, and sculptress

"The world's most beautiful woman" is what they called the sex symbol of the 1950's.  She appeared in many films throughout her career making her one of the most popular European actresses of the 50's and 60's.

Veronica Lake - American actress and pin up model

Best known for her blonde "peekaboo" style hair updo and difficulty to work with on set.  Haunted with several broken marriages, a mental illness, and alcoholism, Lake lived a challenging adult life.

Jayne Mansfield - American actress in film, theatre and television, a nightclub entertainer, singer, and one of the early Playboy Playmates

Sometimes referred to as the "working man's Monroe," Mansfield was a major Hollywood sex symbol of the 50's and 60's publicizing her own personal life and publicity stunts.

Heather Renee Sweet aka Dita Von Teese - American burlesque dancer, model, costume designer, and actress

Helped re-popularize the burlesque performance and became the most well known modern day pin up girls in the '90s band '00s when the this movement was revisited.