# Retro Illustration Resurgences George Petty's 1950s Art Becoming Popular Once More By Shelby Lee Walsh | Published 2009-08-25 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/george-petty-1950s-pin-up References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/24371/) & [cyanatrendland](http://cyanatrendland.com/2009/08/24/george-petty-curvy-pin-up-from-1947/) We are seeing a big return to the 1950s way of living. Perhaps this fact is due to the new third season of "Mad Men" or just a natural cycle of fads, but it seems everyone wants a piece of this traditional era. This explains the recent surge in interest in George Petty’s [pin-up art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norman-rockwell-for-pottery-barn). The realistic illustrations were routinely featured in magazines such as Esquire as well as in various calendars. The mainstream is certainly on the same boat as George Petty, embracing [curvier women](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stripes-beauty-hotter-than-ever) like Scarlett Johansson rather than heroin chic looks. I approve. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retro Illustration:** The resurgence of retro illustration presents an opportunity for artists and designers to create modern interpretations of vintage styles. - **1950s Living:** The return to the 1950s way of living creates opportunities for businesses to cater to nostalgic consumers with retro-inspired products and experiences. - **Embracing Curvier Women:** The shift towards embracing curvier women opens up opportunities for fashion and beauty industries to prioritize inclusivity and promote body positivity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** The resurgence of retro illustration creates a demand for artists and designers to create new artworks in a vintage style. - **Consumer Goods:** The 1950s living trend offers opportunities for consumer goods industries to create and market retro-inspired products for nostalgic consumers. - **Fashion and Beauty:** The trend towards embracing curvier women presents an opportunity for the fashion and beauty industry to redefine beauty standards and cater to diverse body types. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-90s-looks.md) - [Vintage-Inspired Cocktail Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deja-vu-cocktail-menu.md) - [Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peachy-dens-sweet-cheeks.md) - [Retro Cherry Colas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diet-cherry-coke.md) - [Classic Ad Campaign Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seagrams-7-crown.md) - [Accessible Nostalgic Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gap-and-den.md) - [Celebratory Midlife Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stripes-beauty-hotter-than-ever.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md)