Over the decades, there have been many women who have been immortalised in pictures as Hollywood pin-ups. During the 40s and 50s, certain ladies were burned into our consciousness when it came to talking about sexy allure, striptease and burlesque. These were the ‘cheesecake’ pin-ups, so called because gazing upon these ladies was considered better than eating cheesecake! Styles and attitudes have changed over the years, but a sexy woman will always remain so..
Brigitte Bardot
One of the first models to become internationally recognised and didn’t originate from the USA. During the 50s, she made her name modeling and graced the cover of Elle magazine. Her beauty and seemingly innocent manner won her an army of admirers all over the world. She starred in movies that were never box office smashes, yet still carved out a fantastic career for herself, including some singing! Bardot’s sensuality earned her the title of France’s top sex symbol in 1957.
Sophia Loren
Born the same year as Bardot, Italian-born Sophia Loren oozed charisma and raw sexuality on screen. Her measurements of 38-24-38 gave her the curves that men yearned for and women were envious of. She starred in many successful films, including; Scandal in Sorrento, Legend of the Lost and Brief Encounter. Loren was the first star to launch her own perfume, making her a small fortune. Her looks and natural curves have made her one of the most memorable sex symbols since movie making began.
Gina Lollobrigida
Another Italian actress who made an impact on the silver screen as well as men’s imaginations is Gina Lollobrigida. Her beauty and voluptuous figure paved the way for her to work as a model and enter beauty contests in her youth. Starring in many films during the 50s and 60s made her a worldwide sex symbol. She acted opposite Humphrey Bogart in Beat The Devil and with Anthony Quinn in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Shelley Winters
Starting out as an actress, Shelley Winters came to be known as the blonde bombshell of the movies of the time. Her sheer sassiness came across on screen, as did her amazing looks. She shared an apartment for a time with the lesser known Marilyn Monroe and claimed that she taught her how to do the open-mouthed pout! She managed to extend her acting career across six decades, but has always been known as a 60s sexpot.
The ladies from the ‘cheesecake’ era are reminiscent of the early Burlesque women. At 4Play Lounge, our dancers have a special Burlesque performance to take you back to these times of sassy, sexy, feisty women!
