Requiem for a Pinup Queen

As many of you have already heard, the glorious Bettie Page left our world yesterday at the age of 85. She changed many lives, had a major influence on the fashion world (she's still the epitome of rockabilly style) and incited lust in men in the world over from the '50s through today. Her look and style has been imitated but never duplicated. She was beautiful, smart and sultry, but her great asset was her ability to project a sense of delight into every photograph. She also helped pioneer the mainstreaming of the bondage and dominatrix style. Look into any issue of the current fetish magazine "Bizarre" and you'll find some direct or indirect homage to Bettie and her style.

My friend at Punchbuggy Blues sent me the link to CNN's obituary. The obituary reads nicely enough, but the photo is distressing. The photo is of a cardboard cutout of actress Gretchen Mol as Bettie from the film The Notorious Bettie Page. It's a great flick, but Gretchen Mol is not Bettie Page. Shame on you, CNN! Bettie was one of the most photographed women in the world, gracing the covers of endless magazines including Playboy, of course. I find it hard to believe that a picture of Gretchen Mol is the best that they could do. I chose to post the image from Bettie's 1955 Playboy cover shoot since it's supercute plus is also appropriate for Christmas.

I am saddened by the world's loss of its greatest pinup, but it's no tragedy. Bettie lived a long life and a very eventful life. I've no doubt that she will be remembered and worshipped by vintage fashionistas and S & M aficionados for years to come. She'll forever have a special place in my heart and in my home (my pink bedroom room is practically a shrine to her).

Ciao, Bettie. Your sexy little light shines on.