The Influential Legacy of the Tassel-Wearing Peel Pioneer

I have been mesmerized by this voluptuous vixen ever since I started researching histories of fabulous and fierce women. I learn from their examples and gain inspiration in their tenacity. There are so many stories that need to be retold and Carrie Finnell’s is absolutely one.

Pasties were mandatory attire in the 1920’s for female stripteasers and for decades after that. It is absurd to think that this perfect little product was an act of censorship then and today it is a word that its mere mention will get us censored and removed from Instagram. But I digress.

“This sensational performer pioneered the peel as we know it today. On top of that, she was the first dancer to adorn her pasties with tassels and she was the one who convinced our beloved Gypsy to take to the stage and take it all off. Oh, and if that’s not enough to make you fall head over high heels in love with her, she once beat screen siren Mae West in a stripping contest.” Credit: https://www.skysirens.com.au/carrie-finnell. Her full bio is worth the read.

On top of all of this, she undoubtedly paved the way for the artists of all body types. Conforming to a standard idealized version of the female form is not a new phenomenon and she broke the mold to bits and took legions of admirers with her. There was nothing conventional or conformist about this incredible woman. Creating, changing and challenging convention all the while being passionate, provocative and down-right gorgeous. #shero

Celebrate the goddesses that paved the way for us and who continue to shine the light on the paths we travel.

#tasseltuesday @skysirens