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THE COLORS OF VINTAGE GLAMOUR

This pinup revival thing has gone from counter culture to mainstream, yet the lack of ethnic imagery (new or old) in a country as diverse as ours is quite shocking. During my years of researching for my own pin up artworks, frustration took hold of me at the lack of retro beauty delving deeper than caucasian glamour hinting as if vintage pin-up was exclusive to one type. I could care less about what era or continent a woman is from. Beauty is beauty and beauty is timeless! It encompassing all colors, shades, hues, shapes and epochs. 

Because of so much discrimination, women of color had no equal access to the top photographers of the time, so they took matters into their own hands. I have come across so many rare gems in my finding that I feel compelled to share and help fill this vacuum, this neglected part of the pin-up world. I hope to inspire, to educate, expose and provide some history of the colors of beautiful glamour, pinup and Burlesque during the mid century. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

• Disclaimer: Due to the realities of that era some headlines may disturb   some viewers. 

Special thanks to "Vieilles Annonces"

Portrait of Elda Garcia - Owens

See real life Elda ---> Here

I transformed Elda into a classic Pin-up while honoring her heritage giving her an indigenous tattoo of the native "Taino" indians of Puerto Rico. The symbol is known as the "Sol of Jayuya" a town on the island still possessing many ancient petroglyph carvings, as well as adding urban "graff" stylings I love mashing together.

Curios about getting one made? =)

The best fans-friends!

As a creative person, you come across individuals that really enjoy what you do. Then there are  life long die-hards, following you across social networks, purchasing everything you create and unconditionally support all your efforts. Fadila Aalouchi, amazing friend and talented fashion designer for her label FAAYA, is one of those. Not only is she a hardcore fan for almost half a decade, but she took it upon herself to do a "fan photoshoot" with one of the shirts she purchased from my clothing line FRANKIE BABY complete with her B-girl poses, graffiti background and styling it with amazing leopard bottoms that she designed for her line. - all fitting with the "Boombox Bombshell" aesthetic.

 

 Fadila's own works below.

Moroccan born Fadila is an amazing designer living and designing out of Belgium. She makes incredible fashion designs drawing inspiration from ancient tribal cultures creating sophisticated modern fusions using activism, social justice and world peace as her platform. She even models all her creations herself. Fadila is on a mission promoting global unity and revolution while looking badass, sexy and stylish. I am honored to know her and have her as a friend.

Click link to peep her upcoming clothing line  FAAYA

 


Portrait of Fadila from Morocco

Detail of talented Moroccan fashion designer Fadila AAlouchi  holding needle and thread sewed through her "dove logo" that reads "SALAAM" (peace in Arabic) which is written in the doves face. I made the pattern on her dress the symbol of her native Morrocan "Amazign" tribe. The design of her halo is based on traditional middle eastern mosiac patterns and architectural motifs shared by both Muslim and Jewish cultures.