Though the 1950s have celebrated feminine curves and also gave birth to the pin-up girls, it was still unusual for such an icon to sport a fuller, rounder physique. When the words "pin-up girl" are said, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely Marilyn Monroe. The woman was an icon and her style much defined the pin-up model style. But contrary to the common misconception, she'd be around size 2 of today's standards and nowhere near the alleged size 16. With Marilyn still to this day embodying the perfect woman, people sometimes forget about the other pin-up girls that are also worth remembering - Hilda, the plus size model, for example.
Created by illustrator Duane Bryers (1911-2012), Hilda was a plus-size girl who was definitely not shy about her plump body. Not only was she one of the only curvy girls in the pin-up game at the time, but she was also a hilariously clumsy girl that was fun to look at. Hilda graced America's calendars from around the 1950s to the 1980s and to celebrate that, we share some of Duane Bryers' silly illustrations of her below. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Hilda, the pin-up illustrations!
(h/t: vintageeveryday)
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Rubens meets Monet, meets pin up & Duane Bryers <3 LOVE this one!
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.
Yes, this IS exactly what the boobies do when you are trying to carry a big heavy load.
the storytelling in each and everyone of these is so detailed. #BodyPositivity back when that wasn't a thing, Hilda haz it.
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!
This one is my favorite. So intimate the way that Hilda focuses directly on the viewer while showing her baby picture.
