Last week, we published our list of 16 classic fashion icons every woman should know. In the weeks ahead, we’ll go into detail about each of these women, teaching you about her unique style and how to channel it in your wardrobe today. 

First up is Bettie Page.

When we talk about classic fashion icons, one can’t help but think of pin-up girls. And if there’s one pin-up girl who comes to mind, it should be Bettie, known as the  “Queen of Pin-Up.”

Bettie Page was one of the most famous pin-up models of the 1950s, a stylish sex-symbol of the era who succeeded against all odds.

You’ve seen her style imitated by everyone from Beyonce in the “Why Don’t You Love Me” video, to Katy Perry in her “Californa Gurls”/”Teenage Dream” era. Even Kathy Griffin and Madonna have posed as Bettie.

Keep reading to find out more about Bettie’s early life, career, influence, and how you can channel her look today.

Table of Contents

All About Bettie

Bettie’s Beginnings

Born in Nashville in 1923, Bettie had a brutal start in life. (*Potential trigger warning.*) She was a victim of sexual assault by her father, and she then spent time in an orphanage when her mother struggled to care for her. 

But Bettie was hard working and educated. She didn’t let her circumstances keep her down. She graduated high school as salutatorian and went on to graduate from Peabody College.

She wanted to be a teacher, a goal which she later achieved.

Queen of Pin-Up

Bettie moved from Nashville to NYC in 1949 to pursue acting. Her thick southern accent wasn’t quite fit for the pictures, but she made it modeling.

Surprisingly, her modeling career spanned only seven years, and she didn’t start until she was 27.