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Fabio: Part One

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Manage episode 445207850 series 3466689
Content provided by Reformed Rakes. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Reformed Rakes or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In the 90s the face of romance was the Italian cover model Fabio Lanzoni, who broke out of the insular romance fandom into mainstream superstardom. Known briefly as “The Fabulous Fabio,” he and his managers parlayed his success in romance modeling into an internationally recognized brand. Fabio was no longer just a model, but a spokesman for romantic, courtly love.

But what some people might not know is that even during the height of his fame, he was a lightning rod amongst romance fans and authors. Some embraced him for increasing book sales, and others felt like they were being made a fool of.

This is going to be a two-part episode, and in part one we are covering Fabio’s rise to fame, the romance authors who loathed him, and how a conservative man uncomfortable with overt sexuality became synonymous with salacious book covers.

This episode is dedicated to Lizzy's Angelfire fansite of John DeSalvo. Thank you for your service, Lizzy.
Some of the Fabio media from this episode will be on our Instagram! Check it out.

Support us on our Patreon!

Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @reformedrakes

Instagram: @reformedrakes

Beth’s TikTok

Chels’ TikTok

Emma’s TikTok

Chels’ Substack

Emma’s Substack

Thank you for listening!

  continue reading

51 episodes

Artwork

Fabio: Part One

Reformed Rakes

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Manage episode 445207850 series 3466689
Content provided by Reformed Rakes. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Reformed Rakes or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In the 90s the face of romance was the Italian cover model Fabio Lanzoni, who broke out of the insular romance fandom into mainstream superstardom. Known briefly as “The Fabulous Fabio,” he and his managers parlayed his success in romance modeling into an internationally recognized brand. Fabio was no longer just a model, but a spokesman for romantic, courtly love.

But what some people might not know is that even during the height of his fame, he was a lightning rod amongst romance fans and authors. Some embraced him for increasing book sales, and others felt like they were being made a fool of.

This is going to be a two-part episode, and in part one we are covering Fabio’s rise to fame, the romance authors who loathed him, and how a conservative man uncomfortable with overt sexuality became synonymous with salacious book covers.

This episode is dedicated to Lizzy's Angelfire fansite of John DeSalvo. Thank you for your service, Lizzy.
Some of the Fabio media from this episode will be on our Instagram! Check it out.

Support us on our Patreon!

Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @reformedrakes

Instagram: @reformedrakes

Beth’s TikTok

Chels’ TikTok

Emma’s TikTok

Chels’ Substack

Emma’s Substack

Thank you for listening!

  continue reading

51 episodes

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