But what does it mean to be a pin-up girl? These two words “pin” & “up”, united comes to form the expression “hanging on the wall”. For this reason, all the photographs, postcards, calendars, illustrations which were hang on the wall, and  had a suggestive, provocative posture, they were considered Pin-Ups.

A pin-up model, or pin-up girl is a model whose mass-produced images, illustrations and photographs have a wide appeal within the popular culture of a society. Pin-up models are usually glamour models, actresses, and fashion models whose images are intended for informal, aesthetic display, such as being pinned onto a wall.

The term pin-up was first attested to in English in 1941 and refers to an image, mainly of a woman, who, with a sensual, suggestive posture, or looking, or smiling in a mischievous yet innocent way, captures the attention of the viewer. This term appeared a long time ago and, although it may seem like a “nickname” for those people who used to be portrayed or illustrated in this way, the truth is that they were used regularly in magazines, newspaper, calendars, posters, etc. The counterpart of the pin-up girl is the male pin-up, also known as beefcake, including celebrated actors and athletes who appeal to girls, adolescents and women, such as the actor James Dean, the singer Jim Morrison.

The Origin of the Pin-Up Girls

To discover the origin of the pin-up girls, we have to go back to 1920 in the United States. At that time, women were very repressed, that is, if they did something that was outside the norm, they were frowned upon. And at that time there were women who wanted to break with those schemes and start empowering women. Thus, images and posters began to appear with girls who posed scantily clad, in a seductive, mischievous and something sexual as well. The target audience at that time, were young soldiers, since they considered that these types of scenes served to boost their morale, and that is why so many scenes are seen with these types of photos in movies.

During the 20s and 30s, these types of publications began to distribute in droves. First, among the American soldiers, but soon after its audience expanded. And it is that in the 40s and 50s pin-up girls were a booming fashion. In the 40s was when World War II broke out, and all the American soldiers carried pictures of pin-up girls because they had become a kind of patriotic symbol and a talisman to return home. In fact, they didn’t just hang them on their bedroom walls or in their lockers – they carried them everywhere, even on warplanes, because they were very important to them.

Already in the 50s, because there were so many images, illustrations etc, the market ended it up collapsing, and that what it did, began to be interesting. People saw them so much that they no longer attracted anyone’s attention and that is why some of those pin-up girls, began to work in other sectors, or even to dedicate themselves to the cinema, striptease, or magazines. Even more so when in the 60s, nudity or lack of clothing was no longer prohibited in the images.

The History of the Pin-Ups

Beginning in the early 19^th century, pin-up modeling had theatrical origins – burlesque performers and actresses sometimes used photographic advertisement as business cards to advertise shows. These promotion and business cards could often be found backstage in almost every theater’s green room, pinned up or stuck into frames of the looking-glasses in the joints of the gas-burners, and sometimes, lying on the top of the sacred cast-case itself.

According to historian Maria Elena Buszek, “To understand both the complicated identity and subversive nature of the 19^th century actress, one must also understand that the era’s views on women’s potential, were inextricably tied to their sexuality, which in turn was tied to their level of visibility in the public sphere – regardless of race, class or background, it was generally assumed that the more public the woman, the more public or available, her sexuality”. Being sexually fantasized, famous actresses in early-20^th-century film were both drawn and photographed, and put on posters to be sold for personal use. Among the celebrities who were considered sex symbols, one of the most popular early pin-up girls was Betty Grable, whose poster was ubiquitous in the lockers of G.I.s during World War II.

In Europe, prior to the First World War, the likes of “Miss Fernande” (Fernande Barrey), were arguably the world’s first pin-ups in the modern sense. Miss Fernande displayed ample cleavage and full frontal nudity, and her pictures were cherished by soldiers on both side of the First World War conflict.

Other pin-ups were artwork depicting idealized versions of the beautiful or attractive women. An early example of the latter type the Gibson girl, a representation of the New Woman drawn by Charles Dana Gibson. Because the New Woman was symbolic of her new ideas about her sex, it was inevitable that she would also come to symbolize new ideas about sexuality. Unlike the photographed actresses and dancers generations earlier, art gave artists the freedom to draw women in many different ways. The 1932 Esquire “men’s” magazine featured many drawings and girlie cartoons but was most famous for its “Vargas Girls”. Prior to World War II, Vargas Girls were praised for their beauty and less focus was on their sexuality. However, during the war the drawings transformed into women playing dress-up in military drag and drawn in seductive manners, like that of a child playing with a doll. Vargas Girls became so popular that from 1942 to 1946, owing to a high volume of military demand, “9 million copies of the magazine-without adverts and free of charge was sent to American troops stationed overseas and in domestic bases”. The Vargas Girls were adapted as nose art on many World War II bomber and fighter aircraft – generally they were not seen negatively or as prostitutes, but mostly as inspiring female patriots that were helpful for good luck.

Among the other well-known artists specializing in the field were Earle K. Bergey, Enoch Bolles, Gil Elvgren, George Petty, Rolf Armstrong, Zoe Mozert, Duane Bryers and Art Frahm. Notable contemporary pin-up artists include Olivia De Berardinis, known for her pin-up art of Bettie Page.

Characteristics of Pin-Up girls

Being considered a Pin-Up girl in that era, was a compliment. But to be so, you had to represent a series of characteristics which defined those girls. These are the following:

• The attitude of Pin-Up girls

Being a Pin-Up girl meant breaking with the norm, and not caring about doing it, or what people may say. Therefore, you had to be a very self-confident woman, with high self esteem and who did not mind seducing, being daring, spicy, even naughty, always with elegance and glamour, since what differentiated them from other types of women is that they do not fall into vulgarity. In other words, they left the honey on their lips when hinting and suggesting, but without going any further.

• Wavy hairstyles

Waves, loops, and even toupees were a trademark of pin-up girls. In addition to the colors in the hair, although this was not usual. In fact, there were brunettes and blondes, but redheads used to attract the attention of many, because of that unusual color. Also, they used to decorate their hair with bows, ribbons, and other accessories to give touches of color, especially when it was more “normal”.

• Make-up

Pin-Up girls used to use little, and almost always based on bringing luminosity to the face and the parts of their body that were seen. Where they most sought to enhance their charms, was in the lips and eyes. For this, they used as a favorite the black color in their eyes, with long delineations in the lines of the eyes, and they outlined the eyebrows very well, and increasing the eyelashes. As for the lips, the most common color was red.

• Clothing

Or the lack of it. And it is that as the years passed, the “uncover” was being a characteristic of these images. In the ‘20s, traditional dresses showed parts of the female body, but without going further. However, from the ‘40s things changed, especially the use of illustrations where the artists let their imagination fly a bit, by recreating scantily-clad women (not without them, but short and tight). Nor were the real photographs left behind, since they showed independent, powerful, and self-confident girls, but light clothes. In fact, these photos came to be used to “give away” to their fans, or as a form or presentation for possible jobs.

Contemporary Pin-Up girls

Although pin-up modelling is associated with World War II and in the 1950s, it developed into a subculture which can be seen represented in the styles of some celebrities and public figures. The American singer Lana Del Ray, whose style is comparable to that of the classic pin-up model, has performed a song called “Pin-Up Galore”. Beyonce has recorded a song titled “Why Don’t You Love Me”, which pays tribute to the American pin-up queen of the 1950s Betty Page. The burlesque performer Dita Von Teese is often referred to as a modern pin-up. Von Teese has appeared in a biographical film about Bettie Page, “Bettie Page Reveals All”, in which Von Teese helps to define pin-up. Katy Perry makes use of the ideas associated with pin-up modelling, and has included these in music videos and costumes. Also, Christina Aguilera in the video clip of the song “Candyman” borrows the pin-up style and clothing at the 1950s.

Τhe history and origin of Pin-Up girls is a fascinating and enduring part of popular culture. From their humble beginnings in the 1890s, to their current status as a beloved and long-lasting style, pin-ups have captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe. Whether you are a fan of a classic glamour of the 1940s and 1950s, or the more modern and edgy look of today, there is a pin-up style out there for everyone.

Bibliography:

www.wikipedia.org

www.justlikeapinup.com

www.creativosonline.org

A Tote bag is a large open bag with two parallel handles, with open top, made of strong and durable fabric. The verb “tote” means “to carry by hand”.  They are usually unfastened at the top, and bigger than the most handbags. Tote bags can be made of a range of different fabrics, and come in multiple colors and patterns. They are often made from lightweight fabrics, such as canvas and woven cotton, but there are no limitations to what a tote bag is made of.

Uses of Tote bags

A Tote bag combines practicality with style, easily! It is a versatile product which can be used for a number of purposes. Commonly they are used for carrying shopping, but since many years may be used as simple fashion accessories which can be worn casually, or to make statement on more formal occasions. You can use it for work, school, the gym, dance class, as a travel bag, or even as a beach bag. The bigger size make them ideal for transporting everyday essentials, and it is a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. Most of them are washable, in lukewarm water.

History of Tote bags

The origin narratives for the tote bag are many, including one which takes place in Paris in the 1860s. The luggage industry soared with the growth of travel. It was primarily designed in leather as a strong medium to store and transport valuables or journey beddings for individuals travelling for work.

Tote bags did not get their name until the 20^th century, and are believed to have been around since the 17^th century. The word “tote” has been used since the 17^th century and was originally used as a verb to mean “carrying or transporting items in a bag”. Over time, the word “tote” became used as a noun, and the “tote bag” that we know today came about in the 1940s in the United States. In 1944, the tote bag has been introduced as the classic L.L. Bean’s Boat Bag. Given the carrying convenience, spacious storage, and minimal maintenance, people soon started favoring totes over heavier suitcases. Tote bags made their way into mainstream culture in the 1950s, predominantly used as everyday handbags mostly by the female population.

Initially, outdoor brands created the “ice bag” in 1944 which was a boxy box made from heavy canvas, and used to transport ice from the car to the freezer. It grew in popularity as people realized its usefulness, versatility and durability. It wasn’t until the 1960s that tote bags became a fashion statement, with new looks and colors being introduced throughout the decade. Since then, the tote bag has been a staple in the fashion world, printed with different patterns or designs, and made with different materials to provide a functional style for everyone.

• The 1940s

L.L. Bean’s creation of the ice bag was what placed the tote obsession in the modern spotlight. A well-known Maine-based outdoor store, L.L. Bean’s sturdy canvas ice carrier allowed people to transport ice from vehicles to their homes (for replacing ice blocks in the refrigerators). 

• The 1960s

L.L. Bean brought back the canvas ice bag in the 1960s, but with an upgraded version called the boat and tote. The older plain designs were livened with colorful trims, which is still a feature in today’s designs. The tote bag began to truly gain popularity during this period and was no longer just a practical bag. The 1960s, one could say, was when tote bags began evolving from a daily bag to a vibrant, fashionable statement. 

• The 1970s–1980s

In the following decades after the 60s, tote bags started gravitating toward performing as business advertising mediums. The bag grew in popularity during the 1980s, as did its applications. Businesses began using tote bags as promotional merchandise (they were cheap and easy to manufacture). They printed company logos on tote bags and sold them as marketable goods.

• The 1990s

IKEA’s iconic Frakta (for a dollar) took over the 90s streets. A popular blue and yellow bag with the capacity to carry up to 14 kgs. It was a game-changer for reusable shopping bags. Eventually, other stores started springing up their own designs of reusable plastic bag alternatives. 

• The 2010s

This was the era of tote bags taking center stage all over America and the world. Becoming a form of fashion and self-expression more than ever. The New Yorker also began handing out free tote bags to its subscribers in 2014. 

• Modern Day 

The tote is the most adaptable of all bag styles. The original features have stayed constant, but now we have endless styles and designs that complement daily office work to classy evening dinners. Tote bags, in the present day and time, are still dynamic and practical. Used by people from all walks of life across the planet.  

Shopping / Shopper bags

Shopping bag are medium-sized bags, typically 10-20 litres in volume, which are used by shoppers to carry home their purchases. Shopping / shopper bags are a type of tote bag. They often have pockets, zippers, and multiple compartments which help people to get through the day. Whether you need to make a shoe change, have easy access to your keys, touch up your makeup, carry your laptop, the shopper bag is a great solution which combine style and functionality.

Differences between them

The Straps

The straps of a tote bag are non-adjustable, while mostly on a shopper bag can be adjustable to fit your appropriate length. Tote bags are designed to be worn on the shoulder mainly, but with adjustable straps you can wear it on the shoulder, in the crook of your arm, or in hand.

The Interior

The tote bags are mostly a single-open carry-all space, with a large, and roomy interior. The shoppers bag almost always include inside pockets, dividers, and zipper or button closing.

Both tote and shopping bags are stylish and practical, which will be used a lot, so they need to be made of a material which will last. They have many benefits, including the following:

• Style
  • Durability
  • Versatility
  • Practicality
  • Great on-the-go
  • Light weighted

They make a great addition to your handbag collection, and look fantastic with just about any outfit! Choose a bag that suits your personal style, and  that you will enjoy carrying!

Bibliography:

www.hozencollection.com

www.buffalojackson.com

www.zatchels.com

www.koltovhandbags.com

www.gallantintl.com

Once you have the patterns design ready, you have to decide the type of fabric which you will use for it. There are many qualities of fabric, and below you can find some of these, so that you can recognize them.

Cotton. Cotton fabric is one of the most commonly used types of fabric, and maybe one of the most important. It is chemically organic, does not contain any synthetic compounds, and it is composed of different, varying lengths of fibers. Cotton as material, has soft and fluffy form, and it is spun into yarn and then it gets woven to create a soft, friendly to skin, and durable fabric. It is used in clothing, handmade crafts, home and decoration items, and they are available in one-color, or printed fabrics.

Jersey. Jersey is a knit fabric, soft, lightweight, absorbent, breathable and stretchy which in the past was made with wool. Nowadays, is made by mixing wool, cotton and synthetic fibers. The right side is smooth, and the back side is piled with loops, which make it ideal for a variety of clothing, apparel and home and decoration items.

Lace. Lace is a delicate, web-like fabric usually made of silk, linen, cotton or polyester threads. It has many varieties in complexity and patterns, and usually are used to accentuate or decorate parts of clothes, or used on lingerie, but also can be used for home decoration.

Viscose. Viscose (or rayon) is a soft, smooth and durable fabric, and gives a silk-like sensation, made from semi-synthetic threads. It is used as silk substitute, as it is much cheaper. It is popularly used in clothing, and at home items, as it is produced in one color, or it is pattern printed.

Crepe. Crepe is a silk, wool, or synthetic lightweight fabric with a distinctive wrinkled, rippling effect and a three dimensional texture. It is commonly used in high fashion for making dresses, suits, blouses, but in home décor like curtains, and pillows as well.

Georgette. Georgette is a type of crepe fabric that is typically made from pure silk, but can also be made from synthetic fibers. Crepe georgette is woven using tightly twisted yarns, which make a slight crinkle effect, less lustrous than the closely related chiffon. It is sheer, delicate, lightweight and has a dull matte finish. They come in solid colors, but often they are printed.

Chiffon. Chiffon is a term that is used to refer to a wide variety of different types of fabrics that all share similar qualities. It is sheer, lightweight, semi-transparent with a simple weave and small puckers, and a rough sensation. Chiffon can be used for evening wear, wedding dresses, blouses, scarves, ribbons.

Polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric created by petrochemicals, such as coal and petroleum. It is one of the most popular textiles, and has many applications on clothing. Polyester may be the sole constituent of clothing and apparel, but it is more common to be blended with cotton or another fiber. When blended with cotton, it improves the shrinkage, durability and wrinkling. Polyester is durable, has high-resistance to environmental conditions, but it is not breathable and does not absorb liquids.

Satin. Satin weave is a type of fabric which creates an elastic, smooth, glossy, shiny and soft fabric with a nice drape. On its one side it has soft and lustrous surface, and a duller surface on the other side. It is not durable, as it tends to snag. It is commonly used in clothing, for dresses, lingerie, blouses, shirts and bed sheets.

Linen. Linen is a flax-based textile which is similar to cotton, and it is extremely strong, lightweight, absorbent and breathable fabric, which makes it ideal for summer clothing, and helps to allow air to pass through and moderate the body temperature. It is usually used for household items, and clothing as well.

Silk. Silk is the strongest natural textile in the world. The fibers are produced by the silk worm, as a material for their nests and cocoons. It is very soft, shiny and has immerse tensile strength. In certain lighting conditions, silk produces a shimmering optical effect, due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fabrics. These prisms reflect light at various angles, which results in the subtle rainbow hue. Silk is used for formal attire, bedding and more.

Canvas. Canvas is a plain-weave fabric, made of heavy cotton yarn which is tightly woven. It is durable, sturdy and if blending with synthetic fabrics can become water resistant. Most canvas fabrics contain cotton fibers and feature PVC coating on one or both sides, for additional waterproofing. It is usually used in shoes, handbags, and clothing as well.

Chenille. Chenille fabric is a soft material, and its threads are manufactured by placing short lengths of yarn by purposefully piled. It looks different in one direction compared to another, as the fibers catch the light differently. Chenille can appear iridescent without actually using iridescent fibers. The uses of chenille are for clothing, blankets, home décor etc.

Velvet. Velvet is a sleek, soft, luxurious fabric which has evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap. It has a soft and shiny appearance, and it is popular for evening wear and dresses for special occasions.

Velour. Velour is highly similar to velvet. Unlike velvet, which is a pile weave fabric, it is pile knit fabric. It is more durable than velvet, while retaining many desirable properties. Velour are popularly used in clothing, for skirts, blouses, shirts and tracksuits.

Cashmere. Cashmere is a type of wool fabric which is made from cashmere and pashima goats. It is a natural fiber which is considered one of the softest and most luxurious types of wool, and it is significantly warmer and lighter than sheep’s wool. The fibers are fine, thin and delicate, feeling almost like silk to the touch. It is highly used for making dresses, shirts, sweaters, scarves and hats.

Taffeta. Taffeta is a crisp, plain-woven fabric usually made from silk, but it can be also be woven with polyester, or other synthetic fibers, by twisting yarn. Is has a lustrous, shiny appearance, and it is smooth to the touch, and can vary in weight. This fabric is usually used for evening wear and home decoration.

Denim. Denim is one of the most iconic fabrics all over the world. It is popular across national and cultural boundaries. All denim is made from cotton fibers using a twill weave, which creates a diagonal ribbing. Denim is used in apparel for jeans, skirts, dresses, jackets, vests, etc.

Twill. Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. Twill weaves have a distinct, often darker front side, with a lighter back. The fabric is opaque, thick and durable, and usually are used one color or multicolor yarns. It is usually used for denim, jackets, shirts and upholstery.

Corduroy. Corduroy is a durable, ridged fabric which is usually made with cotton, or with blends of polyester. It is a versatile, durable fabric which is ideal for dresses, shirts, jackets and more clothing, as they come in a variety of colors.

Cupro. Cupro fabric is recycled, it is not strictly synthetic, and it is hardly a natural fiber either. It is a new category of textiles, which when recycled may have the same negative impact on the environment, as fully synthetic fibers. It is characterized by fineness, elasticity, sheerness and can easily mixed with other fabrics. Usually, it is used for evening wear, lingerie, blouses, summer dresses and other light and form-fitting clothing.

Bibliography:

www.masterclass.com

www.sewport.com