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Hilda By Duane Bryers: The Iconic Pin-Up Girl From The 50s
Though the 1950s celebrated feminine curves and also gave birth to pin-up girls, it was still unusual for an icon to sport a fuller, rounder physique. When you hear the words "pin-up girl," the first thing that comes to mind is most likely Marilyn Monroe.
This woman was an icon, defining the pin-up model style. But contrary to the common misconception, she’d be around size two by today’s standards and nowhere near the alleged size 16. With Marilyn still embodying the perfect woman to this day, people sometimes forget about the other pin-up girls—for example, the iconic Hilda.
Created by illustrator Duane Bryers (1911-2012), Hilda was a plus-size girl who was definitely not shy about her chubbiness. Not only was she the only curvy girl in the pin-up game at the time, but she was also hilariously clumsy. Hilda pin-ups graced America’s calendars from around the 1950s to the 1980s, and to celebrate that, we are going to share some of Duane Bryers’ classy illustrations below. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Hilda pin-up!
(h/t: vintageeveryday)
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Catherina Fijalkauskaite 9 years ago
Rubens meets Monet, meets pin up & Duane Bryers <3 LOVE this one!
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Julie Boyd 9 years ago
Bryers said that there really was no model for Hilda, that he created her in his head. That warms my heart to know that Hilda was his Dream Girl.
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Dana Dragonduck 9 years ago
Yes, this IS exactly what the boobies do when you are trying to carry a big heavy load.
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Barbara Williamson 7 years ago
the storytelling in each and everyone of these is so detailed. #BodyPositivity back when that wasn't a thing, Hilda haz it.
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Susanna Miller 9 years ago
It's mail order, brand new - the box and catalog are on the floor, the tag is indeed on the garment - and they sent a child's instead of an adult's. Look at the length!
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Jyllian Curran 7 years ago
This one is my favorite. So intimate the way that Hilda focuses directly on the viewer while showing her baby picture.
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M Mitchell Marmel 9 years ago
Aha! Now we know the secret! Hilda is actually the Mighty Katrinka, and she's waiting for the Toonerville Trolley! ;-)
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Shauna Moreno 7 years ago
You'd think she'd be a bit more tan with all of this fun in the sun!
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Tom O'Connor 7 years ago
Finally caught ya! Her hair is defying gravity. Still good though. Lol
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Janine Randall 9 years ago
She reminds me of Debbie Reynolds in this one, the facial expression is perfect.
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Teodora Dîrjan 6 years ago
hahahahahaaaa 'v been there, done that. It happened to me when I put some wallpaper all by myself. But finally I did it !
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Edna Donohue 6 years ago
I love that he drew her so adventuress & calm in the face of situations like this!
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Robbie Quattrocchi 8 years ago
This is what I love about her. She's a farm girl who just does her thing.
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Grace Robertson 9 years ago
Hilda should save some leaves for her little outfit - leaves get brittle real fast.
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What do you think ?
Michel M. Prins 9 years ago
The thing I personally always find very outstanding about these drawings of Hilda compared to usual pin-up girls is that the usual pin-up girls were always shown at their best (best pose, best clothing, etc.). The thing with Hilda is that you see her in situations which are far from the way she planned it. You see her happy, sad, annoyed, dreaming, etc. which also includes very genuine facial expressions. The situations she's in makes her very human, likable and relatable. Most of the usual pin-up girls (even though they look absolutely beautiful, stunning and amazing) lack the thing that Hilda has: Being comfortable herself and being comfortable to be around.
Arty 9 years ago
true! but what still bothering me is why is "plus size" supposed to be linked to "clumsy"? isn't it a bit stereotypical? Like you said, the other pin-up girls were always shown at their best.
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Sasy 9 years ago
They are fantastic, I would love it if they were available as prints, or that Society 6 thing where you can get them on items, such as bags and cushions etc, I would LOVE that.
Ravyn Soleil 9 years ago
It's pretty easy to find sites online that do that!
Load More Replies... Michel M. Prins 9 years ago
The thing I personally always find very outstanding about these drawings of Hilda compared to usual pin-up girls is that the usual pin-up girls were always shown at their best (best pose, best clothing, etc.). The thing with Hilda is that you see her in situations which are far from the way she planned it. You see her happy, sad, annoyed, dreaming, etc. which also includes very genuine facial expressions. The situations she's in makes her very human, likable and relatable. Most of the usual pin-up girls (even though they look absolutely beautiful, stunning and amazing) lack the thing that Hilda has: Being comfortable herself and being comfortable to be around.
Arty 9 years ago
true! but what still bothering me is why is "plus size" supposed to be linked to "clumsy"? isn't it a bit stereotypical? Like you said, the other pin-up girls were always shown at their best.
Load More Replies... Sasy 9 years ago
They are fantastic, I would love it if they were available as prints, or that Society 6 thing where you can get them on items, such as bags and cushions etc, I would LOVE that.
Ravyn Soleil 9 years ago
It's pretty easy to find sites online that do that!
Load More Replies...
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