The pinup style is the staple of American culture for its value to everyone during the war–
times. The models inspired many of the American citizens to build up that “can–do” attitude that we
are so famous for having.
The fashion of the boyish, yet pleasing to the feminine physique developed during the first
World War. Posters were hung up to engage women and urge them to support the American
military. Not only did the image of these girls making a difference appeal to the the women of that
time, it also appealed to the men who were empowered by the thought that what they were doing
for their nation was appreciated by people they were interested in.
According to John Ayto of the Oxford University Press, the name pin-up was coined during
1941 by the soldiers serving in World War II since they would have calendars of the lovely ladies
pinned up on the walls of their bunkers or aircrafts. Eventually the name stuck around, giving these
models a wide-spread term. Almost every wall had a pin-up on it to inspire the men in the army to
remember who was waiting for them back at home, and to remember who they were fighting for.
The ladies in the calendars cheered them on and kept them kicking through the dark and difficult
times of the war, making them very important to the American culture.
Today, the pin-up style can be seen in places like Vogue magazine and their Pin Up Sailor
collection from the Summer of 2011 where they put modern twists on the classic American style.
But of course, not everyone dresses like everyday they’re going to be on the runway. That’s why
smaller things such as hair-pieces, high-waisted, and makeup have come back for the open public.
Hair pieces such as this are coming back in the form of elastic headbands and are sold in places as
simple as Target. These foxy cat-eye sunglasses can be found just as easily from places like Walmart.
High-waisted pants and poodle-skirts have been coming back to the “Modern–Feminine” style.
Certain modern-day feminists can be seen with that classic can-do attitude, hearkening back
to the 40s. The acceptance and care that they take for their bodies and physique reflects that of the
pin-up models of the past.