The pinup community recently lost a major patron and friend. Michael Bann, founder, publisher, and editor of the most prolific modern pinup publication house in the world, left us on June 21, 2024. A talented artist himself, Michael was also well-known for his music, photography, and numerous other creative endeavors. 

His passing was sudden and his loss is felt by all. Retro Lovely was - and remains - a mainstay brand in the world of pinup. For nearly 15 years, Michael offered models of all kinds, photographers, and other artists in the industry an inclusive showcase platform for their work. Even those who didn't know Michael particularly well remember him for his kindness, fairness, and encouragement as editor of the various Retro Lovely imprints and special editions. Michael made sure that there was a place for virtually everyone in the Retro Lovely community, featuring a diverse array of themes and genres of "pinup" in his publications.

Michael and Retro Lovely featured Marilee's work - and her clients - numerous times of the years. Marilee's first Retro Lovely cover came way back in September, 2012, with Aly Loren's feature in Retro Lovely no. 9. This was back when Retro Lovely was a print magazine available at select newssellers and by physical subscription. Marilee's last Retro Lovely cover during the Bann era features La Bamboo Vixen on the new Asian Pinups special edition.