Hello hello darlings!!
Recently I had the great pleasure in participating in the first ever Pinup Pageant in South Africa!
I thought I would share this journey with you as it has completely changed my life.
I have always been a lover and admirer of Rockabilly/Pinup culture but up until now, I've never been given the opportunity to fully explore it.
A few months ago, my housemate told me there was going to be a Pinup Pageant and that I just HAD to enter. That evening I went online and managed to apply literally 2 hours before entries closed! (Phew)
A week later I was delighted to be selected as one of the 10 finalists for the Miss Bomshelll Betty Pageant taking place at the Dusty Rebels and The Bombshells Rockabilly Lifestyle Festival.
Because it was the fist of its kind, none of us had any idea what to expect and it was MAGICAL.
I'd like to take a moment now to give a shoutout to my Style Icon/Role Model/Mentor The Blue Haired Betty for being our pageant mom throughout this experience. Being south Africa's most successful pinup (she came third at the Miss Viva Las Vegas Pageant earlier this year) she knew how to coach us and calm our nerves so the experience was far less harrowing.
Also I mean, JUST LOOK AT HER!!
So anyway, the first event we had was the media launch and I got to meet some of the other Finalists too
It was extremely nerve wrecking for someone who is painfully shy and is also painfully shy but I made it through!!
I also got to meet the amazing Miss Marilyn Deathrow who I connected with instantly as she seemed to be the only one as nervous as me!!
(She's really great you guys should check her out)
And so began the rollercoaster ride..
We were constantly out and about promoting the festival and the pageant
(And making excuses to party afterwards)
(Witness the evolution of my style)
It was such a good time learning to pose, dress, act and just BE pinup. I felt like I was slowly turning into every woman I've ever aspired to be.
I learned to wing my eyes. I gained a deep love for red lipstick. I acquired the (nearly impossible) skill of rolling my hair..
So, by the time it came round to the big stuff, I was ready!!
The first TV interview I did I won't lie I was shitting bricks..
But afterwards, seeing myself, it was just so surreal!!
Second time around I felt like a pro!
And then of course there was the time I sounded like a spaz on the radio..
Did I mention we were also in the Newspaper???
My favourite part of this entire experience though, was getting to bond with my fellow Pageant Sisters..
They were all so beautiful, genuine, friendly and supportive.
The friendships we all made between us I think will last a lifetime.
(Once a Bombshell, always a Bombshell!!)
And then, all too soon, it was pageant day...
The day flew by in such a blur. My nerves were eating me alive and, to be honest, after meeting all these gorgeous Pinup gals who eat and live and breathe the lifestyle, I was feeling a little disheartened.
(A funny side-note: Marilyn and I actually decided that morning that we would re-enter the contest again next year once we had become proper pinups because the intimidation was so real)
Anyway, the time came for us all to strut our stuff..
And then, the moment of truth came and we all shuffled (very gracefully) onto the stage..
By some fluke, ended up coming second
And my gorgeous Marilyn Deathrow came first!!
(After all that time psyching each other out hahaha)
(The laughter of utter shock and disbelief)
Since the pageant I have fully immersed myself into pinup/rockabilly culture...
I literally roll my hair every single day..
I feel like everyday is fancy dress day!!
I even celebrated my birthday at a 50's Diner...
This subculture has literally become the joy of my life and I couldn't be happier!!
Huge thank you to The Blue Haired Betty as well as Dusty Rebels And The Bombshells for this incredible life-changing experience.
Huge loves going out to my fellow Pageant Sisters: Penelope Peacock, Chantilly Lace, Bird(who placed third! Yay!),Carmen Lazzaro, Miss Opal Lamar, Miss Aurora Chaos, Miss Hart, Honeybun Shortcake and of course to my dear Queen B, Marilyn Deathrow who is possibly the best thing I got out of this pageant.
Will try post another update soon bunnies.
Until then!
