5 Black Woman Serving Pin-Up
What do you think of when you hear Pin-up Girl? Maybe you think of a girl with jet black hair and protruding bangs like Bettie Page. Maybe you think of a girl in a sailor outfit like Betty Grable. Maybe you think of any girl with bold red lips and cat eyeliner. All of these are wonderful answers but something is missing.
Most of the images are synonymous with white women. However, black women have been in the pin-up scene for quite some time; getting overlooked often. Maybe it stems from an old notion that black wasn’t seen as beautiful; a hindrance during the Pin-up’s heydey. Maybe it’s because many women of color aren’t interested in vintage fashion. Overall, this can be a little discouraging to those who wish to enter this scene but don’t know-how. Well, I’m here to help you find your inspiration! Down below are images of Black Pin-up Beauties I’m personally inspired by.
Angelique Noire
In my opinion, Angelique Noire is the face of Black Pin-up. In fact, she was one of the first few models I had found when I typed “black pin-up models” into google. Off the bat, I was captivated by Noire. From her photos, she already appeared to be tall in stature; which to me, anyone who is above 5’10 and rocking heels is an inspiration. I began scrolling through her pictures and thought “Wow! She is so colorful!” which was a huge contrast to my choice of darker tones; especially black.
Noire can be seen wearing clothes inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour but she is not limited to that specific look. In fact, her style can range anywhere between the 1920s and the 1950s. Regardless, whatever Noire wears, she wears with such sophistication and class it’ll make you say “I need to step up my game.”
Lady Eccentrik
What is a Femme Fatale? If you had to take a guess on photos alone, you would agree that Lady Eccentrik was such. Seductive, mysterious, and beautiful, Lady Eccentrik delivers it all with vintage class.
Lady Eccentrik’s style lies within the 1940s-1950s and seems to be heavily influenced by the aesthetic of Film Noir. (Who doesn’t love a good film noir?) Lady Eccentrik commands the colors red and black (more of my speed if I do say myself.). In many of her photos, you get the feeling you are looking at a powerful woman despite dressing from a period where women were often describe as weak or frail.
Jennyrieu
Jenny Rieu is another model I would call a Femme Fatale. Yet, there’s a twist. She’s seductive and mysterious as you can see. However, she serves sweet and bubbly looks as well! Overall, Jenny Rieue remains glamourous in her looks.
Rieu’s fashion seems rooted in the 1920s and 30s. In some cases, you can see how her Parisian heritage influences her style. (How she manages to be minimal and glamourous is beyond me!) When she is not in a glamourous tailored dress, Rieu is showcasing her curves through lingerie.
Tammi Savoy
If you told me Tammy Savoy was a time traveler from the 1960s, I would believe you. I mean, she even sings as though she was signed to Motown! Savoy is a great representative for Pin-up inspired by the later decades specifically the 1940s-1960s. As of late, Savoy has been embracing the looks of the 70s.
Savoy delivers sophistication majority of her looks and soul in others. When she sings, you feel her charisma. Even her showmanship is wrapped up in a vintage bow! If you want to keep tabs on Miss Savoy and her musical journey, you can find her on misstammisvaoy.com.
Shardell Monique
When I was first introduced to Pin-up, it was the Rockabilly style that greeted me. (Can I blame this on Grease?) I thought poodle skirts were cute but not something I leaned towards. I don’t know what stopped me from pursuing the glamourous tomboyish look. Maybe it was the lack of representation in the images I saw. So when I found Shardell Monique, a.k.a therockabillybarbie, I was blown out of the water.
Miss Monique delivers sexy with the tomboyish flare that is the Rockabilly style. She screams classic rock and roll and vintage coca cola bottles. But she is not limited to this particular style. In her portfolio, you can see that she can also switch into the glamorous world of Burlesque. From pasties and feathers to jeans and a band shirt, Shardell Monique embodies it perfectly.
Each of the women presented here embraces Pin-up in their own unique style. It is safe to say that they are torchbearers for the modern girl wishing to embrace the vintage past. I hope this inspires you to go outside and find your Pin-up style!
