Annual Rockabillaque Pin-Up Contest

1. What made you tryout as a Contestant for Miss Rockabillaque 2018?

I truly enjoy pin-up and have been doing it for several years now. I entered the Miss Rockabillaque contest in 2017 as a way to get out there and meet people in the Charleston rockabilly scene after moving here. I came in runner up in 2017 to Olivia Schulz. Therefore, I had to try again in 2018 to see if I could win!

2. What did it feel like to win?

Amazing! I honestly enjoy wearing a cute dress and going out in vintage style, so Rockabillique would have been an amazing day even if I hadn't won. But, it was somewhat of a bucket list item to win since I had been in contests before and always been runner-up.

4. What is your theme song?

I wouldn't say I necessarily have a song that defines the way I live, but I can think of one that defines my personality. "Enjoy the Silence" by the Brains. The Brains are a great psychobilly band from Montreal, and they do a great cover of "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode. I like rockabilly, and Depeche Mode is hands down my favorite band. Ever.

5. What is your signature cocktail?

I got the "What is your favorite cocktail?" question in the contest! Whiskey and ginger ale.

6. Where are you from originally? How long have you lived in Charleston?

I've lived in Charleston for almost two years now. The "where are you from originally" question is tough for me! I was born in Texas, went to middle school, high school, and college in South Carolina, and then lived in Atlanta for 17 years prior to moving back to South Carolina in the summer of 2017.

7. What is your signature style?

I've had Bettie bangs for as long as I can remember now. I get so many compliments on the bangs, so I don't think I'm likely to ditch them anytime soon. As far as clothes, I am known to wear a lot of black. On an everyday basis, I keep it simple - jeans, my Converse Chuck Taylors, and a T-shirt are what you are likely to see me in. I love vintage & pinup clothes and have many great outfits in my closet, but I am not the type of girl to wear a giant circle skirt to the grocery store.

8. If you could have any classic car or vintage bike what would it be?

My husband had a 1930 Ford Model A hot rod several years ago, and having that car got me into classic cars. I want a car that is a little more comfy and has a back seat - a 1950 Mercury with the DeSoto grille. I would take a black one, but it would be ideal if it were painted dark purple.

9. Worst pick-up line you've ever heard?

I've actually had the line "Did you fall from heaven? Because you look like angel." said to me. No, it wasn't said to me by my husband.

10. What advice would you give to the ladies competing in this year's contest?

Be confident and be yourself.

11. Will you be at this year's Rockabillaque to crown this year's winner?

Of course! I can't wait.

12. What do you do for a living?

I'm an architect.

13. What do you like best about mid-century culture and style?

There is so much I like! Because I am an architect, I originally was introduced to mid-century style while I was in graduate school. I love mid-century modern houses, and the classic Airstream trailer actually was part of my thesis. I also obviously love the fashion. I like the fashion for its classiness and formality. I dress up in big skirts and heels occasionally for fun, but my grandmothers did it everyday. I marvel at that.

INTERVIEW WITH 2018

MISS ROCKABILLAQUE

PIN-UP JENNIFER MCKEEL

1. What made you tryout as a Contestant for Miss Rockabillaque 2016?

I love pageantry and vintage, so it seamed only natural to sign up!

2. What did it feel like to win?

It was just such a surprise! It was such a great feeling I will remember it for years to come.

3. What is your theme song?

Brooke Candy’s “Das Me” . Its all about female empowerment and anti slut shaming.

4. What is your signature cocktails?

I don’t drink a lot, so when I go out, I always ask for a Shirley Temple with extra cherries.

5. Where are you from originally? Where do you live now?

I was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, and now I live in Savannah, Georgia.

7. Describe your signature style?

I would say I like to look like a cartoon version of a 40’s/50’s pinup. My style is not necessarily what a woman would look like in that era, but a more theatrical version. I tend to go with bright pastel colors, fruit prints, and exaggerated makeup. I even like wearing vintage lingerie in my everyday wear.

8. If you could have any classic car or vintage bike what would it be?

I don’t really know much about vintage cars or bikes. But I would one day love to have a 1950's convertible in pastel pink or lavender.

9. Worst pick-up line you've ever heard?

Honestly the worst I’ve heard came out of my own mouth. I told this one to my now girlfriend of 3 years, on our first date. “What do you call an Irish lesbian… gaylick." Boooo, I’m terrible, I know.

10. What advice would you give to the ladies competing in this year's contest?

Don’t take it too seriously, remember to have a good time. When I see girls on stage having fun and being themselves, is when they look the most beautiful!

12. Best advice you've ever been given?

Don’t be afraid to look stupid when exploring pinup fashion. Outrageous fashion choices are how eccentric fashionistas find their signature look.

INTERVIEW WITH 2016

MISS ROCKABILLAQUE

PIN-UP kaj sultan

2019 Miss Rockabillaque

Pin-Up Contest

Returns Saturday, November 9th
$25 to Participate / Must be 18+
Register below through PayPal below
Contest will happen at 3pm at the Southern Roots Stage
Day of festival check-in by 2pm at Valiant Animal Rescue Info Booth, located at the intersection of E Montague Ave and O'Hear Ave

1. What made you tryout as a Contestant for Miss Rockabillaque 2017?

I live in a neighborhood of car-fanatics who brought up the Rockabillique festival and they mentioned there was a pin-up competition. My ears perked up because I LOVE the fashion, the hair, the makeup, and culture of that time period. I just had to be a part of it.

2. Had you ever been in a Pin-Up Competition before?

2017 Rockabillique was the first time I had been a part of a pin-up competition, but it won't be my last.

3. What did it feel like to win?

Whenever my name was called, I felt proud of myself and satisfied that I had nailed the style and class of that era; especially since I did my makeup and hair myself.

4. What is your theme song?

I don't exactly have a specific song, because I set my entire life, no matter what the scene, to some kind of music. I like it all! However, right now my jam of choice would have to be "Roots" from In This Moment. (I have a slight girl crush on Maria Brink from her powerful music and persona).

5. What is your signature cocktails?

Each mood I'm in has it's own drink; however my favorites are Jameson & Ginger ale, anything with Rum, or an Oktoberfest Sam Adams beer.

6. Where are you from originally? How long have you lived in Charleston?

I'm original from Kentucky & Southern Ohio area. Thanks to my job I've gotten to travel to multiple locations such as Mississippi, Alaska, Australia, Spain, & Honduras. I've only been in Charleston for a year and a half.

7. What is your signature style?

I always try to have a classy style in someway, but I also like romantic bohemian to relax in.

8. If you could have any classic car or vintage bike what would it be?

I have always wanted a '69 Camaro Z28 with a big block engine. Anyone need a model to show off their car, call me!

9. Worst pick-up line you've ever heard?

That one is hard to choose. Top three have to be "Did it hurt, when you fell from Heaven?", "I lost my number, can I have yours?", and " So when do we tell the parent's we're together?"

10. What advice would you give to the ladies competing in this year's contest?

Not only is your stage presentation key, but having that posh and sweet pin-up air to you the entire time while you mingle with everyone during the festival is also a great topper to set you apart.

11. Will you be at this year's Rockabillaque to crown this year's winner?

Hell yes! I look forward to meeting the next pin-up queen and sharing a celebratory drink.

12. Best advice you've ever been given?

Never underestimate your opponent.

13. What do you do for a living?

I'm Active Duty Air Force; hence all the great travel opportunities mentioned earlier.

INTERVIEW WITH 2017
MISS ROCKABILLAQUE
PIN-UP olivia shultz

1. What made you try out as a contestant for Miss Rockabillaque 2015?

My everyday life and style is inspired by the past, so when I heard about this event I had to enter the contest because I knew I would fit right in.

2. Have you ever been in a Pin-Up Contest before?

This was my first Pin-Up Contest! I wasn’t sure what to expect or what the judges would be looking for so I just put together an outfit that I felt great in and reflected my retro style.

3. What did it feel like to win?

I was so surprised! There was great competition and I did have doubts about winning.

4. What 50's icon are you most inspired by and why?

Bettie Page would have to be my inspiration because she’s a pin-up icon who started it all. She really inspired a confidence in myself and style that I saw in her photos. At one point I even had the same hair cut as her, which I enjoyed and even did a sort of reproduction photoshoot inspired by her.

5. What is your theme song?

My theme song would have to be ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ by Elvis Presley because I’m slightly obsessed with Elvis and the song is about drinking and dancing, which I like to do!

6. What is your signature look?

My signature look is my black hair and red lips.

7. What is your signature cocktail?

My signature cocktail is a gin & tonic, sometimes with a little Cointreau!