NYLON NOSTALGIA VINTAGE LINGERIE. MEMBER OF THE VINTAGE FASHION GUILD.

Cover art of the 1950's and 1960's had some fabulous illustrations of beautiful vintage lingerie created by some of the most talented yet unsung artists of the mid-20th century.  I can only admire in awe any artist who can accurately convey in a piece of illustrative artwork the 'feel' and texture, the soft flow of delicate vintage glamour lingerie.  These incredibly talented and skilled artists are celebrated today by many who appreciate the work that went into providing cover art and illustrations for 'pulp' fiction and movie posters so popular in those mid-century years.  If, like me, you are an aficionado of fine, feminine vintage lingerie then you will surely appreciate the work of these six superb artists, Robert McGinnis, Victor Olson, Rafael DeSoto, Howell Dodd, Clement Micarelli and Tom Miller.  They are just six illustrators out of many, of course, but available space on this blog post prevents me from showing the work of more of my favourites.  Some cover artists were women too - not an easy career in an all-male world.  I'll feature the fine work of more of these talented people in time, but for now I hope you enjoy the creations highlighted here.

1904 - 1992

Rafael Maria de Soto y Hernandez was born in Puerto Rico in 1904. He moved to New York in 1923, where his career as an illustrator began.  De Soto's work primarily appeared in western, thriller, and adventure magazines, but he also dabbled in science fiction and incorporated sci-fi elements into some of his other pieces, including his series of covers for The Spider. Even after the decline of pulp magazines, De Soto continued to create covers and interiors for men's adventure magazines and paperbacks. 

Born 1926.

Robert Edward McGinnis was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1926.  He became an apprentice at Walt Disney Studios before studying art at Ohio State University.  Robert Edward McGinnis, a renowned American artist and illustrator, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and cinema. With over 1,200 paperback book covers and 40 movie posters to his credit, McGinnis has created iconic images that have become synonymous with popular culture. From the timeless elegance of Breakfast at Tiffany's to the futuristic fantasy of Barbarella, and the thrilling adventures of James Bond and Matt Helm, McGinnis' art has captured the imagination of generations of fans. 

1910 — 2005

Howell Dodd worked not only under his real name but also many pseudonyms.  Howell Dodd was a renowned American pinup artist and illustrator who worked under various pseudonyms throughout his career. He gained fame for his work with publications like Valor, Police Detective, and other semi-sleazy magazines during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Dodd was known for his bold inclusion of nudity in his illustrations, which many of his contemporaries avoided due to censorship laws. His artwork is highly sought after by collectors for its dynamic lines, vibrant colors, and dramatic flair. Dodd's pieces are considered some of the best examples of pulp art from that era and have amassed a dedicated following. Despite his popularity, little is known about Dodd's personal life, and even his death date is disputed by some who believe he is still alive and creating. Nevertheless, his work speaks volumes, transporting viewers to a world of adventure, romance, and danger, featuring captivating women, rugged men, and the perilous lives they lead. 

1913 - 2004

Few personal details are known about the Canadian artist Tom Miller despite being a prolific illustrator.

1924-2007 

Victor Olson was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA in 1924. He attended the Art Career School in New York and later became an award winning illustrator for many paperback book and magazine publications.  He died in 2007.  He was widely recognized for his exceptional work and received numerous awards throughout his career. Olson's illustrations graced the covers of various national magazines and paperback publications, and he worked with publishers such as Doubleday, Avon Books, MacFadden Books, Bantan, and Monarch. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the art world today. 

 1929-2008

Clement Micarelli was born on 29 June 1929 in providence, Rhode Island, USA.  He taught at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).  He died on 28 August 2008.   He honed his artistic skills at The Pratt Institute and The Art Student's League. Micarelli began his career as a commercial illustrator in 1955 and achieved great success. However, in 1971, he decided to retire from the commercial field and moved with his family to Massachusetts to focus on painting full time. Micarelli's work is highly regarded and can be found in collections all over the world. 

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Read more about vintage lingerie in pulp fiction of the 1950's and 60's.

Slips in mid-century cover art (article).

Stockings in pulp fiction art - the artistry of nylons.

If you love slips being modeled then you'll love Slip Model!

 Article written by Emma Benitez. BA (Hons) in Fashion and Dress History, incurable vintage aficionado and owner of Nylon Nostalgia.