SD Investigates is a SexiDesign.com blog series investigating the elements of design which ultimately result in the sale of a product…Today’s images are gathered from Pinup artist Peter Driben.

SD Investigates: The Allure of Pinups

This week I’ve fallen in love with vintage artwork showcasing beautiful pinup women from the early 40’s and 50’s. In research of these sexilicious works, I began to wonder about what made so them attractive to loyal readers.

Here’s what I discovered…

Body Language

Poses and Position

Pinup poses are the epitome of sexy body language. They are famous for their arched backs, raised breastbones, and ever so sultry butt pooch. Feel a little tickled while studying these poses? Well it may be because many of these poses simulate common sex positions. Pinups are also often caught in compromising situations that reveal a glimmer of thighs or sexy under garments.

“Phantom Limbs”
One of the more interesting concepts I’ve come across is “phantom limbs.” Many artists place women in positions where only one arm or leg is showing. Though it may be influenced by perspective of the drawing, I think it has to deal with the overall silhouette of the pinup. Had the limb remained, the curviness of the pinup wouldn’t be as distinct.

Facial Expression
pinup expression
Images courtesy of Flickr
Whether its playful innocence or simulating sexual arousal, the expressions painted on these sinfully sexies hold the viewers attention. Pinups are often portrayed through their facial expressions as very fun, playful women, comfortable in their sexiness. Furrowing the eyebrows and showing the whites of the eyes communicates submissiveness to men. Pouty and parted lips make the knees of men buckle, while anything simulating oral sex can well…you figure it out haha..

Sexy Clothes
Pinups obviously wear revealing clothes, however, these clothes are painted to innocently reveal erotic areas as though by mistake or circumstance. Straps seductively fall off shoulders, showing a glimmer of breast, or dress skirts get caught, revealing lacey thigh high stockings.

Curvy Women

Famous for their sultry curves, pinups are often fleshy in the legs region, with full perky breasts. Portraying anything with “a little more flesh” could very well simulate the swelling of erogenous zones during arousal.

Proportion and Color

Proportion
Artists like Peter Driben, are famous for drawing emphasis to long legs in their work. If you notice, the legs are very voluminous, but the feet and hands are rather small in proportion. The popular hourglass figure derived from this era, with emphasis on broad shoulders, a tiny waist, and wide hips. Wide hips are associated with maturity and the ability to bear children.
Color
Peter Driben is famous for his bold vibrant colors used in his famous pinup works. These colors help to stimulate viewer with bright shades of red, yellow, and orange. Colors are very impacting on viewers, for instance, red can stimulate increased blood flow and increased blood flow is ALWAYS good..if you know what I mean, haha..

Fetishes


Pinups also play towards the common fetishes of many men. Though the women modeling may appear dainty and innocent, the reveal of their sexy lace black underwear sends the minds of men going. And their seating position doesn’t help either, often sitting with their legs up high, the viewer (who is at a lower perspective) is teased with the idea of getting a peek of the delicate details of the butt or vulva which are covered by material or the lower leg.

Resources

Titillated by these buxom vixens? Check out these resources for more on the history of pinups and be sure to subscribe!

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