Sex Symbols of the 1960s

A tantalizing contradiction seems to exist in the sex symbols of the 1960s, a sexuality that simultaneously offers lust and innocence. Sex Symbols of the 1960sPaul McCartney used this iconography on the Out There tour as a stage backdrop for his performance of Paperback Writer.

Sex Symbols of the 1960s

Paul McCartney, Barclay’s Center, Brooklyn, June 10, 2012

The Dandy Warhols used similar imagery while playing Good Morning.

Sex Symbols of the 1960s

The Dandy Warhols, Terminal 5, New York, May 30, 2012

The images are provocative – more so than most graphic visuals of today –  as they tiptoe along the line of what might be allowed.

Sex Symbols of the 1960s

Brigitte Bardot

Sex Symbols of the 1960s

Raquel Welch

Sex Symbols of the 1960s

Jane Fonda

In other words, it’s not so much the nudity as the pose, a faux timidity almost asking, “Do you mind?” Of course those were different times.Sex Symbols of the 1960s