When Pin-Ups Take Arms!
As seen in Footlocker Dames IV, available now on Magcloud
I love Pin-Up. You're heard me say it before... It has transformed my life. There is something magical about planning wardrobe, the collaboration and artistic conversations with a makeup artist or with a photographer. It tells a vibrant story, it boosts self esteem; it brings a feminine side to a woman. Pin-Up is one of the best things that have EVER happened to me. But does it fill my soul? Does it sustain my quest for purpose? Is it enough to satisfy my intellectual curiosity? I thought it would, until it didn't anymore. It just wasn't enough to make me feel complete. I wanted to keep the fire alive... and then I fell in love with something else: Living History.
I wanted to understand the roots of what I was doing. I could have chosen to be an alternative model, a cosplayer, do only erotic and fetish photography or even become a commercial model but something drew me to the 1940's and its rich tapestry of stories. The entanglement of Pin-Up culture within WWII history became a gateway to something more profound. I started asking questions, doing some research; first about the soldiers who worshipped our calendar girls and icons... and then about the women who served as well. I've always loved a great uniform on a man. The men of WWII were no exception to that rule but it was their stories, their tales of bravery, of heartbreak, of endurance that touched and fascinated me the most.
The history was wonderful to learn, the legacy of a country united under the threat of no tomorrow. Living History is not reenacting. It’s not about shooting bullets in a field and reliving important battles in history. It’s about bringing to the public knowledge concerning an event by telling stories, educating them on significant moments that took place and displaying the uniform and equipment that soldiers or civilians used to show the way they trained and lived. We don’t pretend. We don’t wear costumes. We represent.
I am sure you've heard that the "hobby" as they call it is rather unfriendly to the pin-up kind and maybe you've witnessed it yourself. I for one was almost run over by the angry drunk wife of a military vehicle owner in a golf cart who called me a wh... you get the idea. Someone once told a museum that my photos were pornographic in nature and to not associate themselves with me... But then again, I submitted to a magazine that did not want my photo for a vintage military issue because I was not sexy enough and by another because I look too classy (what?). Surprise surprise, I get it from both sides!
The truth however is that while I get the occasional cattiness and snubbing from reenactors that believe that I damage their hobby by trying to fit in both worlds, I have also met wonderful, patient and kind men and women who have been the best teachers I could possibly dream of and that understands that my pin-up work is not hindering my ability to bring something to the table. Being a pin-up as well as a living historian does not make me less passionate, respectful or knowledgeable.
To living historians, the uniforms, the vehicles, the items they collect and the vets are sacred; they consider the legacy of every veteran, have an emotional connection to many and spend hours, weekends, holidays keeping their memories alive. We owe it to them to respect them and the people they idolize in the same way they owe it to us to be patient, kind and flexible in their belief that we can also help making a difference. When we get together without animosity or intolerance, incredibly wonderful things happen! Maybe you don’t want to be a living historian.
Pin-Ups are still not all fluff, sugar & spice. We can still choose to know the history of the men who adored our sisters from the past. We can understand & honor the memories of our veterans in a respectful, artistic & confident way AND remain playful & sexy. We can get involved; offer our gratitude to the men & women who served in a way that lift their spirits as we did back then. Fundraising, entertaining, serving is in our pinup blood! We are not just centerfolds & nocturnal day dreaming! The truth is that we all fight the same war. Isn’t it time we start fighting together?
A special thank you to Living Historian Lawrence Anthony for letting us photograph his amazing WWII Jeep (and himself!) and to The War Front for letting us shoot on location for this article.
Visit http://www.thewarfront.com to check out their collection of vintage vehicles and the best selection of original WWII uniforms I have ever seen!
