Bettie Page - sex symbol of the 50s - and her followers

On April 22, 1923, Bettie Page was born in Nashville, who became a sex symbol throughout the country in the middle of the century.

At one time, Bettie Page gained incredible fame working as a fashion model in such styles as erotica and pin-up. Many historians consider her almost the initiator of the sexual revolution that took place in the United States in the early 60s of the last century. Many books have been written about her life and biographical films “Bettie Page: Dark Angel” and “Indecent Bettie Page” have been made. Her jet-black hair, blue eyes and signature bangs continue to shape the image of many brunettes to this day.

Bettie Page became one of the first "Playboy Playmates" - her nude photograph graced the center spread of the magazine's January 1955 issue. That same year, she was awarded the title of “pin-up queen.”

In the 50s, Betty was probably the most famous model.

She worked closely with the American photographer and film director: she posed for his photographs and starred in his films on the theme of sadomasochism and bondage (although there were never nude scenes), which were made on special orders from clients.

Bettie Page spent her childhood in very sparse surroundings. In addition to her, there were five more children in the family; her parents divorced when Betty was only 10 years old. The financial situation was so difficult that the mother had to send her children to an orphanage for a whole year until she found a job that allowed her to support a large family. Betty studied well and wanted to be a school teacher, but, being carried away by acting at an acting school, she decided to become an actress.

When she arrived in New York, she was unable to get on stage, so she had to be content with working as a secretary. But chance brought her together with an amateur photographer, with whose help her first pin-up photos were taken, and Betty’s popularity quickly soared.

And although she very often starred naked and in very risky productions, there was no explicit pornography in her photographs.

But already in 1959 (that is, at the age of 36), Betty completely abandoned the continuation of her career in show business, converted to Christianity and began working in Christian organizations.

In 1979, after a nervous breakdown during a scandal with her landlady, Betty was hospitalized. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent 20 months in a psychiatric clinic.

Then there was another scandal and a fight with another homeowner, and she was even arrested, but was found not guilty due to her state of mind and was placed under surveillance. Betty was able to free herself only in 1992.

Bettie Page in the company of Hugh Hefner.

Bettie Page died at the age of 85 from pneumonia in 2008.

Bettie Page in 2003 with Anna Nicole Smith and Pamela Anderson. Betty was 80 years old when the photo was taken.

Bettie Page's signature look included not-too-long jet-black hair, triangle bangs, fishnet stockings and very bright red lipstick.

In 1959, Betty left show business forever, but her bright mask, of course, simply could not help but outlive its owner. This image was readily copied. Well, those actresses who played Betty in films based on her biography simply could not help but get used to her image.

Some modern actresses (for example, Dita von Teese) copy the image of Bettie Page quite deliberately. Moreover, many believe that Dita von Teese adheres to this image not only on stage, but also in everyday life.

But singer Katy Perry wears bangs almost constantly, which makes her almost a complete copy of Betty, shown in old photographs.

Uruguayan actress and singer Natalia Oreiro also uses black hair and red lipstick as the basis of her image. When she does triangular bangs, the resemblance to Betty becomes simply amazing.

The image of Bettie Page, like the image of Marilyn Monroe, has long outlived the actress herself and, it seems, has absolutely no intention of leaving the stage and leaving photo and telephoto lenses. Although now everyone who dares to wear this mask, despite its ageless popularity, will be forced to listen to reproaches that they are “just clones and imitators.” But there is only one way to protect yourself from such reproaches - to come up with your own unique and striking style.

Many actresses cannot resist the temptation to try on the image of Bettie Page “just for a minute.” Here Antonia Rubina appears as a sexy brunette.

Australian model and actress Megan Gale copies Betty's image during her photo shoot.

American pop singer and dancer Nicole Scherzinger gave herself a hairstyle a la Bettie Page.