Often
when we attend classic car shows, pin up contests or visit Instagram model profiles we see an edgy, flamboyant modern twist on the classic pin up girl. We start to
believe that the pin up girl must have been an edgy, liberal woman within rockabilly culture especially for those who are new to pin up modeling and
vintage culture.
Modern rockabilly has integrated the classic pin up into their
culture of different social aspects including punk rock, feminism and
liberalism. So what’s the difference between the classic pin up and rockabilly
pin up? There’s a huge difference – keep reading below! You can also watch the video below where I
explain more valuable information on the two vintage elements.
The History of Classic Pin Up & Rockabilly

The
history of Rockabilly started in the early 1950’s in the South. Rockabilly is a
combination of rock ‘n roll and hillbilly music with influences of bluegrass,
rhythm and blues and country.
Classic
pin up modeling is older than Rockabilly culture.
What's the Difference Between Classic Pin Up & Rockabilly?
Classic
pin up modeling was intended for advertisement usage and to display informally
in a room or space. We often see pin up posters and photos in garages, office
spaces, bedrooms and other informal places. I used to tear out interesting posters
and photos out of magazines and pin them up in my locker when I was junior high
and high school.
The pin
up girl was known for her subtle tease. She was innocent, cute and very
feminine. She was usually in a bad or happy situation. The pin up girl uses her
sexuality, sensuality and feminine charm to help sell a product, brand or just
for visual pleasure to brighten a room or space.
On the other hand. . .
Rockabilly
music genre became a culture – alike most popular music genres. Rockabilly
attracted plenty of rebellious, liberal-minded souls who viewed Rockabilly as a
lifestyle. Rockabilly enthusiasts tend to have heavy tattoos, piercings, bright
colored hair and distinctive 1950’s fashion style. The word "rockabilly" became popular after it was mentioned in a press release featuring Gene Vincent.
Although
they are engaging in a cultural aspect of the 1950’s, a majority of Rockabilly
enthusiasts are not entirely interested in history as a whole, conservatism or
the overall values of vintage culture. In my experience of meeting modern
Rockabilly fans, I observe how they are immensely passionate of the Rockabilly
culture due to its rebellious nature, but tend to not quite be interested in
real historical conversation or matters.
The Different Styles
Pin up modeling style is about advertising using looks and sensuality to persuade the viewer to purchase the item, or just for visual pleasure. It gives opportunities for models to add to their portfolio work as well.Rockabilly style is more about celebrating the 1950's classic rock 'n roll and appreciating the rebellious, liberal nature that came along with it.
Pin up style is associated with mimicking what a 1940's or 1950's woman would've worn, garter belts and showing legs. Rockabilly is associated with heavy tattoos, piercings, a flamboyant patterned style and dramaticized hair and makeup.
Below is a video where I discuss more valuable information on the difference between classic pin up style and rockabilly style. Be sure to share and drop a comment on your thoughts!
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