Playboy in the UK

Thirty years after the London club was closed, this week Hugh Heffner re-launched his Mayfair club complete with the iconic Playboy Bunnies in tow.

For many a feminist out there it was a day of protest exclaiming that the re-opening the club was degrading to women and glamourised pornography.  Well, I have never claimed to be a feminist ... not a full time one at least ;).

I believe in equality but I also believe in defined roles between male and female but most of all I believe in empowerment of the individual.  I have always had a bit of a thing for Playboy and posted about vintage covers a while back.  It's true to say that if I were around back in the 60's/70's, I would have loved nothing more than to be a Playboy Bunny, following in the footsteps of the incredible Debbie Harry and Lauren Hutton who in my opinion are strong, empowered women.

These days I am a bit past it to be a Bunny and I don't think my husband would take to kindly to it either.  I don't look at it as degrading at all ... for the most part the women are covered up in their bunny costumes and it's all about the element of suggestion rather than walking into a strip bar where girl writhe around naked on poles.

Debbie Harry (Blondie) as a Bunny

None of the Playboy Bunnies are being forced to dress up and work at the club, they all applied for the job - I don't see that as degrading.  What about an individuals right to be what they want to be and do what they want to do?  Surely a person is free to make their own choices.

I was quite excited to hear about the Playboy club whether that makes me vile, disgusting, ignorant, I really don't know.  My heart still lies in the old retro Playboy era but I think it will be interesting to see how it will translate in the 21st Century.

Lauren Hutton as a Bunny

Apparently Hef isn't looking for uber tanned, overtly sexy women to be his Bunnies, he is sticking to his original brief from when the legacy began, the girl next door who can flutter their lashes and intrigue the customer.

It's just all a bit tongue in cheek and that's what I think the protesters fail to see.

What are your thoughts on Playboy hitting the UK after all these years?

x

Vintage Playboy

I guess these days, most people associate Playboy with tackiness. It has become a full on brand offering cosmetics, clothes, toys and even stationery. Once upon a time it was for adult consumption only but these days 10 year olds are running around with Playboy schoolbags and pencil cases!

Personally, I am fascinated by Playboy but more so it's beginnings. What it has evolved into, I can take or leave and I certainly don't make a habit of reading pornographic literature... although I have been told they churn out some rather interesting articles, aherm. My fascination lies with the images of old, the beautiful women on the covers and the art of suggestion. Back in the day, it was something less sleazy than today's offerings.

I thought I'd show you some of my favourite covers from days gone by ... I am determined to have one of these blown up and hanging on my wall one day - sounds a little batchelor-esque but I think it would look pretty cool!

Above covers from 1965

Above covers from 1967

19711982 (I wonder if PB ever marketed these sunnies - I bet they'd be a hit!)

So that's my selection of favourites, most of the covers after the 70's became much more vulgar hence the reputation of Playboy but I like to delve into the history books every now and then back when it was much more creative and with a hint of innocence.

x

Bettie Page rules .....

So, thats me back from my weekend and have come back to read so many blogs about the BBR and cremesheen collections that i really can't be bothered to write too much myself on it - its all been said already.
I picked up the redhead MSF - love it! Lipstick in Blowdry - love it! and the cremesheen gloss partial to pink - hmmm the jury is out on that one!

So tonight I was having a look on my hard drive where i store all my photos and images and came across lots of images I love and had saved for later use.

I love images of women. Glamourous, sexy, iconic women. I am a big fan of Burlesque, Cabaret etc and i love Playboy images especially from the 50s and 60s ... and adore 50s pin ups, my favourite being the infamous Bettie Page. Bettie became famous in the 1950s for her fetish modelling and pin up photos........ most people i speak to have never heard of her but she has become a bit of a cult icon. She was also Playboys playmate of the month in January 1955 i think.... and it seems today she is still influencing our modern day icons, Dita Von Teese for sure! She just looks so amazing and for her time she was taking big risks having a career as a pin up model!

In fact all these images I want to use in my home in some way or another. Would love an oversized playboy cover framed on the wall but so far everyone thinks its a bit batchelor padd-ish!! In fact the picture of Miss May on the zebra print rug inspired me to buy my very own rug .... although i don't lounge around naked on it...yet!! LOL!! only joking - i won't be doing that anytime soon ... too cold for a start lol!
I seem to love anyone with really distinctive looks that stand out in a crowd without looking gawdy. I love the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Diana Dors, Rita Hayworth, Edie Sedgwick, Gia, Blondie, Audrey Hepburn (always on anyways list i think). I think it maybe comes from being a redhead ... you don't really get to blend in to the background so easily.
Nowadays, I am loving people like Lady Gaga, Dita and Lily Cole, Leona Lewis and Britains sweetheart of the moment - Cheryl Cole.


Well now i have had a bit of a ramble i think i will get off to bed - going to spin class tomorrow - all part of the 'Looking Fine in 2009' resolution!!! I had better look like Elle McPherson by the end of the month or else i may just give up!!! lol

xx