Introduction
If you love vintage glamour, chances are you’ve heard of Vargas art—and maybe even admired a Vargas girl or two. As the father of classic pin up art, Alberto Vargas helped shape an entire visual style that still lives on today in modern pinup portraits.
But how does today’s custom pinup scene compare to the originals? In this blog, we’ll explore the signature look of Vargas art and how it paved the way for today’s empowering custom pin up portraits.
Who Was Alberto Vargas?
Alberto Vargas (1896–1982) was a Peruvian-American artist known for his glamorous watercolor illustrations of women. He rose to fame in the 1940s through:
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Esquire magazine covers during WWII
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His signature Vargas girls—elegant, playful, and softly sensual
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Pinups that blended glamour with innocence
His style was:
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Smooth and airbrushed
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Focused on form, light, and pose
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Modest yet seductive
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Highly stylized with idealized body proportions
What Makes Vargas Art Iconic?
Vargas brought pin up art into fine art. His pieces weren’t just pinups; they were portraits of feminine grace and allure. Some key features of Vargas art include:
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Barely-there clothing or sheer fabrics
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Delicate hands and poses
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Soft eyes, arched brows, and gentle expressions
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Dreamlike quality with minimal background detail
These Vargas girls became symbols of elegance and fantasy during a time of war and uncertainty.
How Modern Pinup Is Different
Today’s pinup portraits embrace the legacy—but add a contemporary edge.
✦ Style & Expression
Modern pinup is bolder, more diverse, and often more body-positive. Today, we celebrate:
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All body types and ethnicities
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Stronger poses and expressions
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Bolder colors and defined lines
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Personalized fashion and modern makeup
✦ Customization
At Pinup Portrait, you can choose:
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Vintage or modern flair
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Outfits inspired by 1940s-1950s, or something totally original
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Backgrounds from WW2 pin up girl style to urban retro
It’s not just about perfection—it’s about personality.
✦ Medium & Access
Vargas worked in paint; today, we use digital art to offer:
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Faster delivery
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Easier revisions
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Affordable, high-resolution pieces made to order
What Hasn’t Changed?
Both styles share one powerful idea: women deserve to feel beautiful and celebrated.
Whether you're inspired by a Vargas girl or a custom look, both vintage and modern pin up art aim to empower, uplift, and flatter in a timeless way.
Why Clients Choose Modern Custom Pinup Art
You don’t need to fit a 1940s mold. Today’s clients say:
“Make me a pin up girl who looks like me.”
And that’s exactly what we do. You bring the smile, pose, or idea—we bring the art that captures your best self.
Conclusion
Vargas may have started the pinup revolution, but modern pinup has made it more inclusive, personalized, and powerful. Whether you’re inspired by the elegance of the past or want a bold twist, custom pinup portraits are where vintage meets now.
Call to Action
Ready to blend vintage charm with modern flair?
👉 Start your custom pin up portrait today and bring timeless art to life—your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WW2 pin up girl?
WW2 pin ups were images of confident, stylish women used to boost morale among soldiers during the war.
Who was Alberto Vargas?
Vargas was a famous painter whose "Vargas Girls" became the gold standard of WW2 pinup art.
Why are WW2 pinups still popular today?
They represent strength, beauty, and resilience — and continue to inspire retro art and fashion.
