Des Taylor has a way with the ladies. Beautiful women fill the home of the Watford illustrator, and many more trail him wherever he goes. He certainly can pick them: one is the daughter of a billionaire fashion mogul, one a publicist for a New York celebrity agency, one is a special operations secret agent, another a Parisian burlesque dancer.

And don’t be thinking these are vacuous, air-headed clothes-horses – they are strong, independent women; contemporary superheroes. Which is fitting since they are all the stars of Des’s comic book collection.

With captivating silver-screen monikers like Vesha Valentine, Katie Rodgers, Eva Strongbird and Scarlett Couture, each has the physical features of a ‘50s pin-up star, but with the mentality of a modern day woman.

“I grew up in a house with four women,“ Des explains, “which meant there was never any time for football on telly. I grew up watching those old films with Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, Ann-Magret and the notorious Bettie Page. This love of pin-up just came out of me, I just love that look.

“It was very much a female dominated household. From a young age most of the people I had in my life were really strong women.“

Having developed a distinctive retro- style since his days secretly scribbling cartoons at West Herts College, Des now finds himself much in demand; his books are a hit in the comic world and are attracting female readers to the genre, Scarlett Couture’s first graphic novel Katie Rodgers is being optioned by ITV Studios America for an animated series and this month Des has his own exhibition at the renowned Orbital Comics in London.

“My style has been a long time coming,“ says Des, “I think most illustrators would say that. You start trying to draw like other people, then you develop. Throughout I’ve thought ’this is my style’, but when you look back at old work you can’t believe you thought that.

“I’m always learning, always trying out new things but now I’ve developed a style I’m comfortable with. You’ve got to choose a niche, now people want my style.“

With a new Scarlett Couture graphic novel for Titan Comics in the pipeline, an American launch of Katie Rogers and a trip to the largest comic convention in Belgium later this year, Des’s ladies have a busy year ahead.

“In the world of male-dominated comics I thought it would be pertinent to show what the ladies are capable of,“ adds Des, “I’m bringing some chicks into comics!“

The Art of Des Taylor Exhibition is at Orbital Comics, Great Newport Street, central London until April 14. Details: www.despop.co.uk

Those that want to try their own hand at Des' distinctive style are welcome to a special Pin Up Art Class featuring models Nina Hearne and April Banbury.

You'll be able to gain tips while the stunning muses pose in a variety of burlesque and character inspired outfits.

The class is on Friday, April 5 at 7.30pm. Details: www.orbitalcomics.com/events