Coppertone sign

Coppertone Sign

The Coppertone Sign is a historic advertising sign that was originally created for the Coppertone company, a popular manufacturer of sunscreen products. The sign, which features the company's iconic logo of a young girl's bathing suit being pulled down by a playful dog to reveal her suntan, has become a recognized symbol of mid-20th century advertising.

History

The Coppertone Sign was first erected in Miami, Florida in 1959. The original design was created by Joyce Ballantyne Brand, an artist known for her work in pin-up art. The sign quickly became a landmark in Miami, drawing attention for its unique and playful design.

In the 1970s, the sign was moved to the Bayside Marketplace, where it continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Despite changes in advertising standards and public sentiment, the Coppertone Sign has remained largely unchanged, preserving its nostalgic appeal.

Design

The Coppertone Sign features a young blonde girl, known as Little Miss Coppertone, in a blue bathing suit. A small dog is seen pulling at the bathing suit, revealing a pale tan line against her tanned skin. The image is accompanied by the Coppertone logo and the slogan "Don't Be A Paleface," a phrase that was commonly used in Coppertone's advertising during the mid-20th century.

Cultural Impact

The Coppertone Sign has had a significant impact on American pop culture. It has been referenced in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and books. The sign's design has also influenced other advertising campaigns and has been parodied numerous times.

Despite some controversy over the years regarding the sign's depiction of a young girl, the Coppertone Sign remains a beloved piece of Miami's history and a symbol of a bygone era of advertising.

See Also

• Coppertone
• Advertising
• Bayside Marketplace
• Miami

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