Here at The Pinup Registry we love supporting our community, and what better way to do that and learn more about the fabulous Pinups out there than sponsoring competitions!
Pinup Doll Australia is in its 4th year this year and we were proud to offer our support - one thing we love about PDA is the charity involvement that encourages each entrant to raise money for a chosen charity.
This year's PDA winner is The Flying Pinup, an aviator whose unique style and flair won the audience and judges over.
How did you choose your pinup name?
I started my Instagram @theflyingpinup back in March 2017 as a way to document my flying adventures. When I went to enter Pinup Doll Australia, I thought I would go in as 'Miss Kelly, The Flying Pinup' as I felt it was much more authentic than a made up name.
What do you enjoy most about the Pinup and Rockabilly subculture?
It's diversity and inclusivity. I love that the community embraces a range of styles and passions
Care to share your favourite Pinup tip?
Practice, practice, practice. So many people think you have to be 'born to do it' or that you have to have all the fancy expensive tools and accessories, but all it takes to do eyeliner and victory rolls is practice and patience.
Do you have a defining Pinup moment - when you felt like it was the right path for you?
My mum took me to a car show when I was 14, just as an activity to do that weekend. As soon as I was there, with the music blaring, seeing all the beautiful woman dressed up and the couples dancing in the street, I was sold. I knew that I liked the style, but I had no idea it was a 'thing' until that moment.
What advice would you give to Pinups thinking about entering their first comp?
It is super corny, but my advise really is to be yourself. There is no point in investing in outfits and routines that only fit the 'cookie cutter' pinup trends that are going around at the time, but it's not truly your style. Find a way to express who you are through pinup, and just have fun!
Do you get stage fright and do you have any tips for overcoming it?
Preparation is the key! I always get anxious before heading on stage, but when I know I have everything sorted and I have done the best prep I could possibly do, it gives me reassurance that what will be, will be!
How does it feel to be crowned 2017's Pinup Doll Australia?
Absolutely amazing, and I am still on Cloud 9. I am so honoured to represent a competition that embraces my own values, aims to empower woman and lift the pinup community! Pinup competitions have previously started to get a bad wrap due to negative experiences, and I love that PDA demolishes any of that to provide a fun, safe and enriching experience for all involved!
What did you enjoy most about the PDA comp?
It was really fun to have a number of different categories that pushed all of our creativity. The charity section was the most rewarding! It gave me a chance to organise my own charity events and I made so many new friends through the experience.
Why did you choose your charity?
Angel Flight was my choice of charity. Working with the advantage of Australian aviation’s close-knit community, Angel Flight unites rural and metro in the effort to make medical assistance available for every Australian. It is the perfect example of how our aviation industry comes together with the greater community; bringing further meaning and purpose to the enjoyment of flying and defining Australian mate-ship at it’s best.
What’s up next for you (if you can share your plans!)?
Next on the list is Miss Pinup International which is held in the UK, October 2018. I'm so excited to bring The Flying Pinup to the international stage and meet the other amazing finalists who are from all over the world! Visit theflyingpinup.com to keep up to date with upcoming events and announcements!
Image credits:
Mark Greenmantle - Images 1 & 2
Susie A GoGo - Image 4 & 5
Nick Maddocks - Image 3
If you're running a Pinup Competition in it's second year or more and would like to talk sponsorship, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!