Random Image Dump #9: Bella Donna Edition

It’s time for another not-so-random Random Image Dump, and I guess my Italian heritage is shining through today. Not only that, but June 2 was Festa della Reppublica, the annual commemoration of post-fascism, universal suffrage Italy, since 1946. Appropriately then, this outing is all about celebrating something else uniquely Italian: famous Italian bella donnas. Here’s … Continue reading Random Image Dump #9: Bella Donna Edition →

Calendar Girl: Julie London for June

With June’s track from Calendar Girl, “Memphis in June,” our monthly crush Julie London sings of shady verandas under Sunday blue skies, cousin Amanda’s rhubarb pie, and sweet oleander blowing perfume through the air. Using those sultry pipes, London paints a picturesque view of a lazy, beautiful early summer day and night in Memphis. Looking … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for June →

Calendar Girl: Julie London for May

For May’s Calendar Girl track, Julie London sings wistfully of how “People Born in May” love deeply, consequences be damned. They’re also apparently always searching for someone born in July. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s another delightful tune made memorable by Ms. London’s trademark smoky, sexy vocals. Her May pinup … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for May →

Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday

Well, Bettie fans, the day is finally here. If Bettie Page (1923–2008) was still with us, she’d be celebrating her 100th birthday today, April 22. Over the last eight or nine months, during the lead up to Bettie’s centennial milestone, I’ve been blogging regularly about various aspects of Bettie’s iconic life and work while sharing … Continue reading Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday →

Queen Bettie: Bangin’

[Photographer Jerry Tibbs was] the one who got me wearing bangs. For years I had my hair parted down the middle in a ponytail, tucked down around the sides. But he said to me, "Bettie, you've got a very high forehead. I think you'd look good if you cut some bangs to cover it." Well, … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Bangin’ →

Queen Bettie: The Notorious Gretchen Mol

Gretchen Mol is splendid to behold in every stage of dress or undress. Todd McCarthy, Variety As an actor, how do you play one of the world’s great icons and do it even the tiniest bit of justice? This is a question Gretchen Mol must’ve wrestled with when she took on the monumental challenge of … Continue reading Queen Bettie: The Notorious Gretchen Mol →

Queen Bettie: Jungle Girl

During the brief but prolific period of time that Bunny Yeager photographed Bettie Page, the two created an absolutely stunning array of classic cheesecake shots. One outing in particular has become especially popular over the years and that’s the “Jungle Bettie” sessions. In these photos, Bettie sports a scandalously high-cut animal print loincloth while hanging … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Jungle Girl →