Pin-up icons have been an important part of popular culture for decades, captivating audiences with their timeless beauty and charm. Newlook Pin Up is a magazine that has dedicated itself to chronicling the history of pin-up models, artists, and photographers, showcasing their work and sharing stories about how they impacted the industry. In its most recent issue, Newlook Pin Up highlighted the life and career of Betty Grable, one of Hollywood's biggest stars during World War II.
Betty Grable was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1916 and started her entertainment career as a chorus girl. She rose to fame after appearing in a number of Broadway productions before making the leap to film. Her breakout role came in the 1940 movie Million Dollar Legs, which featured a scene where she danced while wearing next to nothing. That scene became iconic and helped establish her as a sex symbol. By the mid-1940s, Grable had become one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, commanding upwards of $350,0000 per picture. Her popularity extended beyond movies; she appeared on radio shows, toured the country performing with the USO during WWII, and even released several records.
Grable's appeal went beyond just looks - she was also known for her talent and versatility. In addition to starring in comedic roles, she also took on dramatic parts and excelled at both. One of her most famous performances was in the 1943 film Pin Up Girl, in which she played a struggling singer who becomes a war bride. The film was immensely successful and remains a beloved classic today.
Throughout her career, Grable was photographed by some of the era's top photographers, including George Hurrell and Peter Gowland. These images have since become synonymous with pinup culture and are highly sought after by collectors. Grable herself is credited with helping launch the trend, inspiring other models and artists to emulate her style and technique.
Newlook Pin Up dedicated an entire issue to Betty Grable, exploring her life and legacy through interviews, archival footage, and original photography. It examined how Grable's influence has endured over time, inspiring new generations of pin-up models and photographers. The magazine also interviewed contemporary pin-up models who credit Grable as their inspiration. For example, Dita Von Teese cites Grable's iconic poster from Million Dollar Legs as one of the reasons why she got into burlesque performance.
Overall, Newlook Pin Up continues to explore the fascinating world of pin-up icons, celebrating their contributions to popular culture while educating readers about their impact on fashion, entertainment, and art. With its deep dives into legendary figures like Betty Grable, the magazine demonstrates that pinup culture is more than just pretty pictures - it's a living history of American culture.