Retrophilia: Pretty Boys
retrophilia (ret troh FEE lee uh) n. 1 An intense attraction for things of the past. 2 a weekly series for popsucker wherin the irrepressible Wootini reveals the horrors of the past to the present to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
This is what you might call a handsome man. Borderline pretty, if you ask me. The heavy lids, the pouty lips... It's all a bit much. What's he selling? Make the jump and see!
I would bet you anything that the other guy is probably using the L.B. Butch Wax, and even with the crew cut, looks even more feminine than the other guy!
I always thought the '50s were all about being manly men, so is this ad just a bit of a misstep? Or were they going for a whole new audience? Keep in mind the text does claim that L.B. is a "campus favorite for guys... and gals!" The ellipses indicate the gals are an afterthought, really. I'm convinced that L.B. Laboratories was a trailblazer in marketing towards the affluent gay man. Just a theory!
Wootini
Posted to Hot Stuff, Retrophilia on 15 March 2010
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: advertisement, fifties, hair, l.b., retrophilia
The first guy does seem to be staring longingly at his friend, doesn't he? Perhaps he's just admiring his pomade
...and "Butch Wax" sounds like a good drag-king name.
They still have the old hair cut board at my barber shop. It has both these pictures and a few more. Never really thought about how the one with the flat top looks... Will have to pay closer attention next time I get a trim.