Bettie Page - Playboy USA - Jan 1955

Bettie Page (April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008) was an American model who became famous in the 1950s for her fetish modeling and pin-up photos. She has often been called the "Queen of pinups". Her look, including her jet black hair and trademark bangs, has influenced many artists. She was also one of the earliest Playmates of the Month for Playboy magazine.

Bettie was known as the Queen of Curves, the Dark Angel and the Queen of Bondage. She grew up in Nashville, where she taught high school English. Some say that she quit because the boys in her class were uncontrollably distracted by her looks. But we think she wanted something else. In 1952 a New York photographer discovered her on Jones Beach. He took some pictures and made pin-up history. In 1955 she appeared as our sweet Santa.

Miss January 1955 forever transformed the way we appreciate women. She inspired art, fashion and millions of men’s fantasies. We look back at the cult icon with a pictorial.