Given her modeling background, it’s no wonder Betty is big on appearances. Before modeling was a awash with coke-addled tanoerxic teenagers it was industry for ‘nice girls’. Plucky, pretty young ladies who wanted swish around department stores, a local 4H club, and even a small run way show for the newest manufactured styles. If you were lucky enough to be immortalized in advertisement, say for a national soda pop brand, There were some guidelines outlined by a 1958 modeling pamphlet:
What to include in your model-bag:
- half slip
- strapless bra
- dress shields
- extra hose (seamless) black opera pumps
- clean, short white gloves (fabric and string)
- strand of pearls
- pearl choker
- two pairs of earrings
(plain pearl and simple gold) - clean comb, spray net
- scarf to protect hair
Further, the pamphlet echoes Betty’s philosophy that “You’re painting a masterpiece; be sure and hide the strokes.”:
’ Beautiful models and beautiful diamonds are not unlike. Both evolve by perfecting each and every facet so that the whole product or being will shine with brilliance. By giving all the phases of modeling the attention they deserve, you’ll polish every facet of the diamond - and the diamond is, of course, you!’
You better work, Betts!
