They were the fashion-cum-sex icons of their day. So dominant was their bearing, so influential their style, that to this day fashion still apes them – be it in the guise of Paul Smith’s ‘naked lady’ motifs, brands like Wheels & Dollbaby, and the women who bring this vintage, pin-up style to their modern wardrobes. How the pinup girl came to be has always been something of a mystery though, or it was to me at least. No more, however; with this behind-the-scenes look at exactly how some of the most famous Gil Elvgren pin-up girl drawings were composed.
Elvgren’s drawings are surprisingly faithful to the original photos – only more animated and with that extra bit of playfulness. Also take note, though, of the little changed details and improvised backgrounds that really give an insight into the pin up girl process.
