Exclusive interview: we quiz pin-up model Bernie Dexter

American rockabilly girl Bernie Dexter is one of the world’s leading pin-up and cheesecake models. The daughter of a burlesque dancer and a trained make-up artist, Bernie has always had a love for vintage fashion and make-up. QueensOfVintage.com has caught up with her to chat about her career, her best hair styling tip and where to start your very own pin-up career.

QueensOfVintage.com: How did you get into pin-up modelling?

Bernie Dexter: It’s funny, it was purely by accident. I was doing hair, make up and wardrobe for photographers and they would always ask me to show the models how to
pose, the next thing I know I am sitting for a light test. I actually submitted on of my light test photos in a pin-up contest to win free tickets to Viva Las Vegas.

I didn’t win, I think I was in 5th or 6th place, but modeling offers came flooding in. Companies like lolitagirlclothing.com, pinupgirlclothing.com and Space Cowgirls are just to name a few I modelled for. Iwas so worried they would be disappointed when they saw me, but the weren’t. My life has never been the same since!

QoV: What different types of pin-up modelling are  you doing?

Bernie Dexter: I do lingerie, high heels, stockings and corsets and that can tend to be a bit more on the fetish side. But I also model clothing, bathing suits, hats, hair clips and accessories and that’s mostly traditional style.

QoV: How did you get into vintage?

Bernie Dexter: I have always loved vintage, even when I was too young to realize. My mom would take me to thrift shops and I would always pick out cat eye sunglasses, spring-o-later shoes, hats  and party dresses. Even as a adult I made money while in beauty college selling vintage clothing. I would go to the Goodwill and pick cute things and sell them to the vintage shops on Melrose. Cheeky!

QoV: Do you wear vintage every day?

Bernie Dexter: Yes I do, it fits my body best.  But i also like reproductions and of course my own line of clothing, which I wear  most these days. It’s made to fit the body like vintage clothing.

Read on to find out Bernie’s favourite vintage piece!

 

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Tags: Bernie Dexter, model cheesecake, pin-up

Category: Queens meets, Vintage news