Nicki Thomas Playmate Of The Month For March 1977
A featured interview with Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan .
Nicki Thomas was born on March 22, 1954, in Berwyn, Illinois. Like many women chosen for the magazine’s primary pictorial during the mid-to-late 1970s, she projected a relatable, "girl next door" aesthetic that countered the heavily stylized, theatrical modeling trends of earlier decades.
According to the Playboy article accompanying her feature , 1976 and 1977 were widely regarded as the years when physical fitness became a national obsession, with "working out" gaining immense popularity. Nicki Thomas was the ideal representative for this era. A Dedication to Fitness
The March 1977 issue of Playboy, featuring Thomas on the cover, was a defining moment in her career. The issue showcased Thomas in a variety of poses, from playful and flirtatious to introspective and sensual. Her natural beauty and charisma shone through on every page, captivating readers and solidifying her status as a household name. Nicki Thomas Playmate of the Month for March 1977
Nicki Thomas’s pictorial and centerfold were photographed by the legendary . Posar was one of Playboy's most prolific and influential staff photographers, responsible for shaping the magazine's visual style from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Known for his masterful use of soft, warm lighting, natural filters, and elegant composition, Posar’s work defined the romanticized, artistic approach to nude photography characteristic of the 1970s. Her feature stood out for its use of outdoor and lifestyle-oriented backdrops, highlighting a healthy, natural aesthetic. Visual Content and Data Sheets
Following her career in modeling, she chose a more private path, reverting to her personal life outside the media spotlight. She married Anthony Rossine, adopting the name Nicki E. Rossine, and raised two children, Michael Anthony and Marissa Nicole.
She eventually married Anthony Rossine and had two children, Michael Anthony and Marissa Nicole. A featured interview with Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
The cover features a minimalist, artistic design typical of the late 70s.
: While Nicki was the Playmate, the cover featured Susan Kiger.
The visual layout executed by Pompeo Posar emphasized warm, natural lighting and artistic composition. Posar was widely recognized for using soft-focus techniques and outdoor backdrops that moved away from rigid studio lighting, aligning perfectly with the era’s liberation movement and appreciation for natural beauty. Magazine Highlights Nicki Thomas photographed by Pompeo Posar. Cover Model: Susan Kiger, shot by Phillip Dixon. According to the Playboy article accompanying her feature
The March 1977 issue reflected a turning point in the 1970s, a year that also saw the rise of punk rock and the release of
Nicki Thomas's centerfold was captured by legendary Playboy photographer , who defined the magazine's visual style across multiple decades. Known for using soft lighting, warm tones, and naturalistic backdrops, Posar's shoot with Thomas exemplified the romanticized, sun-drenched aesthetic popular in the late 1970s. The layout captured the classic "girl next door" archetype that Playboy championed during this period, presenting a mix of wholesome charm and provocative allure.
Following her appearance in the March 1977 issue, Nicki Thomas, known professionally as Nancy Elizabeth Tritt, stepped away from the intense spotlight of the Playboy world.
While every Playmate holds a unique place in the magazine's history, those from the late 70s are often remembered for bridging the gap between the classic pin-up style of the 60s and the high-production, fitness-oriented looks of the 80s.
If you're interested in more information about Playboy's history, the Playmate of the Month feature, or Nicki Thomas's career, I'd be happy to help with that!