This photograph appears to settle an issue about Bettie’s famous hairstyle. Her high forehead prompted her first pinup photographer, Jerry Tibbs, to suggest that she style her hair with the bangs that became her signature look. However, Irving Klaw’s sister Paula has also taken credit for that suggestion. Bettie began posing for the Klaws in late 1951 or early 1952. This picture, likely made in the summer of 1951 (judging from Bettie’s sleeveless dress and the license plate on that car), appears to settle the matter once and for all –in Tibbs’ favor.
Bettie Mae Page (36C-23-35, W:H ratio 0.66, 5 ft 5½ in, 135 lbs) was born in Nashville on April 22, 1928 and died in L.A. on December 11, 2008. Her modelling career spanned the years 1950 through 1957. She was Playboy magazine’s Miss January 1955.
Jayne Mansfield (40D-21-35, 5 ft 8 in, 128 lbs, 1933-1967), Playboy magazine’s Miss February 1955 (immediately following Bettie Page). For those interested (all of us, presumably), Jayne’s waist-to-hip ratio was a memorable 0.60.
I will admit that this isn’t the greatest quality photograph that I snapped but I just had to share it. It’s apparently a rare photograph of pin-up model Bettie Page! How neat is that? Doesn’t she just look wonderful? And I must say, I think her bathing suit is just lovely.
