Bettie Page

Bettie Page passed away yesterday at age 85. Apart from maybe Marilyn Monroe, Bettie was the most identifiable and imitated sex symbol we'll ever see. Probably the most influential, too, as she became an icon years after walking away from modeling and disappearing. She was rediscovered probably 25 years ago and has gained legendary status since then, resurfacing during the past few years to lay claim to her image and her piece of the action. There are numerous sites dedicated to her, and tons of blogs and other tributes in the wake of her passing, so I won't be more redundant than I'm already being.

Obviously, this image of Vassanta and Iris owes a certain something to Bettie and the "old school" she represented. I'm just glad she got her propers while she was still around to enjoy them.

As I mentioned before (was that really 2-1/2 years ago?), the biopic The Notorious Bettie Page does a nice job of telling her story, and the story of her times. Worth a peek...