Bombshells and Dollies

Bombshells and Dollies harks back to an era when retro glamour and classic beauty ruled the world. This 2020 documentary, directed by Daniel Halperin, dives into the enticing world of the contemporary Bombshell and Pin-Up movements, fueled by nostalgia for the sophisticated fashion, culture sway, and bold femininity of the mid-20th century.

The film features iconic names in the modern pin-up scene, including the reigning queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, the infamous pin-up model Cherry Dollface, and Angelique Noire, notable for bringing diversity into the vintage lifestyle scene. Through their voices, we get a glimpse of the rowdy, extravagant, and yet intensely self-empowering universe of the Pin-Up girl.

From its striking opening sequences, the viewer is immersed in a vivid festival of originality, color, and timeless style, as the film weaves its storylines around the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. This annual carnival of vintage culture, seen by many as the largest of its kind worldwide, is the touchstone around which the narrative unfolds. Halperin’s camera takes us through the festival’s vibrant sights and sounds, drawing a clear link to the heydays of 1950s glamour and fashion.

We meet unique characters from around the globe who flock to enjoy this one-of-a-kind meeting of vintage enthusiasts. Their stories, brimming with authenticity and joie de vivre, are about more than fashion or dressing up. These are narratives about identity, personal liberation, and self-reinvention, connecting deeply with a bygone era while engaging with present-day issues from body positivity to diversity and inclusion.

Throughout its exploration, the documentary highlights and celebrates the enduring impact of 1950s and 60s fashion and iconography. Here, the bright red lips, cat-eye liner, full skirts, and perfect hairdos aren't just the stuff of old films and photographs-they are brought to life in the most vivacious and contemporary spirit. Furthermore, it underlines an essential theme: that this world of Bombshells and Dollies is not an anachronistic preserve but an ever-evolving culture that remains relevant, challenging, and empowering.

With the ever-enigmatic Dita Von Teese at the helm of its star-studded lineup, the film delves into the lives and motivations of its leading figures. Displaying the same meticulous elegance she brings to her burlesque performances, Dita guides the viewer on an eye-opening journey into the heart of this subculture. Equally compelling is Cherry Dollface, an internet sensation who brings a modern, edgy feel to the world of vintage fashion, while Angelique Noire's authentic and inspiring narrative further strengthens the film’s diversity and inclusivity message.

What’s striking about Bombshells and Dollies is its celebration of female imagery and identity that veers away from contemporary standards, finding in the past an empowering vocabulary of style, self-expression, and audacious femininity. It imbues a fresh perspective in this oft-misunderstood realm of pop-culture, inviting the viewer into a dynamic community presenting the past not as something to trip over but a platform to express oneself and inspire strides ahead.

Every frame of this film radiates with Halperin’s genuine love and admiration for its subjects, merging vintage aesthetics with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and on-stage moments to create a compelling visual and narrative experience.

In a nutshell, Bombshells and Dollies presents an eclectic mix of personalities, brought together by their passion for an era gone by. Through a shimmery lens, it showcases the world wherein femininity and nostalgia intertwine, creating a globally shared, celebratory and inclusive culture of fashion and style. Through the glamour of the pouting red lips, the twirl of layered petticoats, and the sway to rockabilly rhythm, this film highlights that the culture of the Pin-up and the Bombshell is not just about looking back, but also moving forward with confidence, elegance, and panache.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage fashion, interested in subcultures, or seeking a unique cinematic journey into a culture that defies time, Bombshells and Dollies promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable, thought-provoking, and visually stunning experience.