Pinup in Aotearoa; A Kiwi Girl’s Perspective.

Greetings Darlings,

I read a little story about a young girl in a small town finding it especially difficult to embrace her Pinup lifestyle out in public because of the attention it was gaining her and it really hit close to home, as in the beginning, I too faced the same adversities. People would stare, make remarks (and not always for the good) and flat out made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. And this got me thinking... Is this just a small town, small minds thing? Or is it a Nation wide thing?

So I set out to interview Pinups from across the country in order to find out what their stories and experiences were since they had begun living their vintage-inspired lifestyles. This is the start of a regular blog piece and hopefully others will find these stories inspiring, motivational, comforting and at the very least, entertaining. I wish to give a big thank you to the ladies who have volunteered to take part, I commend your bravery and honesty, and wish you all amazing journeys ahead.

I'll start with myself.

Miss Luna La Vida.

Age: 27

Occupation: Cafe Assistant/Video Store Clerk

Location: Kawerau, Bay Of Plenty

Brief paragraph describing how you started living a vintage-inspired lifestyle and why: 

Christmas 2014, I'm potentially unemployed, newly homeless and feeling absolutely horrendous about myself and my life. When packing my things I find a red lipstick that I brought months earlier but never wore. I put it on. And for some strange reason I had a burst of courage flash through me. I called it my Bravery Red. And from then on, whenever I felt unsure or nervous or scared, I'd grab that red lippy and give myself that unexplainable, magical boost of courage. With the red lips came the winged eyeliner, then the circle skirts, cigarette pants, petticoats and more hair accessories than, well, a hair accessory shop lol And that's the beginning of my story, all thanks to a little red lippy.

 

How would you describe your style:

Eclectic, confused, mismatched, one of a kind lol I love the 'Cheesecake Pinup' style but I love the comfort and practicality of Rockabilly. So my style tends to range between those two genres of fashion.

Who influences and inspires you:

My mum inspires me. She's such a strong and independent woman, but she never used to be, her strength grew from necessity. She is my rock, my biggest supporter, my nurse, my shrink, my shoulder, my everything. I am very lucky to have such an amazing Mum. If I could be half the woman she is, I know my children will one day be as proud as me as I am of my own Mum.

What is your favourite article of clothing:

I brought a second hand nameless vintage orange floral swing dress from Trademe for $44 including postage. I didn't think too much of it seeing it online but for some reason I just had to have it. And when it arrived, I put it on and fell instantly head over heels in love with it.

What are some of the disadvantages or negative experiences you’ve faced since adopting your pinup lifestyle:
I live in a town where you're either a gang member or your retired. A lot of older gentlemen make comment about how I look. I hear things like "oh you're a real woman, I bet you can cook" and that actually makes me quite mad. I respond with my typical smart assness and they get quite taken aback. Just because I'm putting a dress on that's reminiscent of a time where it was ok to tell a woman she belongs in the kitchen, it does not mean I'm putting on the sexist ideals and attitudes of the past too. I grew up in an environment where my brother was favoured above me because of his sex, I was continuously made aware of "my place" in the house and the world. After I broke free from that, I swore to myself that I'd never again let anyone try to define who I am or dictate what I should be doing with my life. Although raised by a misogynist I'd definitely consider myself a feminist in some regards. My future hubby better be good in the kitchen because i need all the help i can get. I can throw a mean curve ball though and I'm pretty savvy with a hammer. Gender isn't the separation, small minds are.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning on their vintage lifestyle journey:

"Mind your own business" is probably the best advice I could give anyone. Don't worry if someone thinks you're doing or wearing something wrong. Since when did you have to follow anyone else's rules when it comes to dressing as and for yourself? If someone has a problem with your fashion and makeup choices, they have the luxury of not looking at you. You however, are stuck with you. So the only opinion that should mean anything to you is your own.

 

What are your dreams and goals for the year:

I want to collaborate with other Kiwi Pinups in creating a "Pinups for Pooches and Pussycats" calender, and other assorted goodies, to sell in order to raise funds for the SPCA. I also want to get some professional photography sessions under my girdle. And attend some Vintage events. 

Quick Q&A:

1. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Life ;)

2. Cats or dogs? Cats. My dream is a house filled of kittens that I can just hug all day every day lol

3. Vanilla or Chocolate? Vanilla. 
4. Winter or Summer? Winter, I cannot stand the heat and winter clothes are so much more fun to play with.
5. Eyeliner or Lipstick? Eyeliner, my favorite feature is my eyes so I love to play them up.

6. Favourite colour? Purple.

7. Favourite animal? Cats. Or Owls.

8. Place you’d most like to visit? Hawaii.

9. Celebrity crush? Michael Fassbender.

10. Favourite pinup? New Zealand's own, Miss Victory Violet.

Miss Rubiejay.

Photo by Shayron Photography.

Name: Olivia 
Pinup Name: Miss Rubiejay
Age: 24
Occupation: Self Proclaimed Artist 
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Website: https://www.facebook.com/MissRubieJay and my art page is https://www.facebook.com/Oldschoolalleydesigns I’m also on Instagram as @missrubiejay

Brief paragraph describing how you started living a vintage-inspired lifestyle and why:

It’s quite odd really, I started being interested in vintage items after my grandmother passed away in 2012 and I was given a whole lot of her things, and one thing lead to another, I started looking online for vintage dresses (being a hotrod gal, I was used to seeing all the gorgeous ladies dressed up!) and the first website I stumbled across was Rita Sue, and in 2013 I ended up with my very first pinup swing dress (from Rita sue of course!)  I haven’t looked back since!

How would you describe your style: 

Ooh, I’d say my style is quite traditional Cheesecake pinup (I always get called cute!) with my own little flair, being I mostly rock chuck taylors instead of heels cause I’m always afraid I’ll trip over! Haha.

Photo by Nic Fletcher Photography.

Who influences and inspires you: 

The Vintage doll was my very first inspiration, I found her on instagram! She is SO adorable and I love how she stands up for her image and her look and how she’s so inspiring! And of course I’d have to say the gorgeous Bettie Rage, our miss pinup nz 2015! I’ve been fortunate enough to become friends with this gorgeous gal, and have been in awe of her since I met her at the pinup boot camp I attended last year!

What is your favourite article of clothing: 

Oh gosh. This is mean! Probably my FAVOURITE piece of clothing would be my Bernie Dexter “An afternoon in Paris” swing dress! I bought it earlier this year, it was literally love at first sight! Saw it in the window and that was it I had to have it!

What are some of the disadvantages or negative experiences you’ve faced since adopting your pinup lifestyle: 

I don’t know if I would call this negative, but I think I find it quite rude when people don’t ask me for a photo but try and stand a few feet away being bluntly obvious with your phone! And some of the odd comments you get, like “Are you in a play or something?” It can get quite tiring.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning on their vintage lifestyle journey: 

Ahh I love this! TAKE YOUR TIME and find out who you are as a pinup and you hold onto that and squeeeeeze it and embrace it!!! Don’t be afraid to make something your own and incorporate that into your style! There are no rules! Let your imagination run wild! Also, I see the debate on a name seems to get tossed around a bit, I’m all for you find something special to you and you go for it!  It’s who you are! And mostly importantly LOVE YOURSELF! Be proud to rock the pinup way of life!

What are your dreams and goals for the year: 

My goals this year are too develop my style more and expand my wardrobe (No wonder im always broke!!) I’d love the opportunity to do more photoshoots cause I love them! I also hope to be more involved in events! My dreams are to become an advocate for mental health awareness, to promote my art more and of course be able to take the crown of Miss Pinup NZ 2016 <3

Quick Q&A:

1. Coke or Pepsi? Coke!!

2. Cats or dogs? I have the best of both worlds :D But I own a cat soo… Cats!

3. Vanilla or Chocolate? Chocolate! But it has to be dark chocolate
4. Winter or Summer? Winter so I can wear my fabulous coats and boots
5. Eyeliner or Lipstick? LIPSTICK

6. Favourite colour? Purple!

7. Favourite animal? Peacocks and Red Pandas

8. Place you’d most like to visit? England to visit my friend who promised me days of tea and crumpets.

9. Celebrity crush?  Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood)

10. Favourite pinup? Aaaw Can I pick more than one? Cause it’s a tie between Bettie Rage and Miss Charlotte cake :D

Photo by Jessica Marie Photography. 

 Miss VonZombie.

Name: Amy Leigh
Pinup Name: Miss VonZombie
Age: 19, 20 in May
Occupation: Waitress 
Location: Palmerston North 

Website: www.facebook.com/missvonzombiexx

Work/Exposure/Notoriety: I was this months girl in PetrolHead Mag

Brief paragraph describing how you started living a vintage-inspired lifestyle and why:

I was 17, I think I was watching the video of Candyman by Christina Aguilera and I just thought ‘YES!!’ and everything escalated from there.

How would you describe your style:

Ball’n on a budget vintage (:

 

Who influences and inspires you:

I wish I could pin it down to one person or thing but I can’t. I’m inspired but every woman & man who shares the same enthusiasm for vintage/rockabilly as me.

What is your favourite article of clothing:

That’s definitely got to be my Voodoo Vixen Emerald Taffeta and black velvet peacock tea dress.

What are some of the disadvantages or negative experiences you’ve faced since adopting your pinup lifestyle:

In my town, or the town I did high school in, people don’t really know how to take you, they think it’s just a faze. Not understanding that this is what you love and makes you comfortable.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning on their vintage lifestyle journey: 

1) It’s never too late to start, you could be 80 years old and it still wouldn’t be too late

2) You don’t need a big budget or a lot of money. You don’t need to purchase the expensive stuff right away. Even the most conventional items of clothing can be made into a cute vintage outfit.

What are your dreams and goals for the year:

Learn to make my own vintage clothing and learn more pin-up hairstyles to do on myself and all the lovely ladies in the area that do pin up photoshoots.

Quick Q&A:

1. Coke or Pepsi? Neither, Mountain Dew all the way

2. Cats or dogs? Dogs

3. Vanilla or Chocolate? CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
4. Winter or Summer? BOTH
5. Eyeliner or Lipstick? Eyeliner

6. Favourite colour? GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

7. Favourite animal? Tortoise

8. Place you’d most like to visit? French countryside

9. Celebrity crush? Benedict Cumberbatch ;D

10. Favourite pinup? Miss Victory Violet and Dita Von Teese.

 

  

Xamia Arc.

Photo by Jessica Savage.

Name: Anna McIntosh
Pinup Name: Xamia Arc
Age: 19
Occupation: Self employed

Location: Wellington

Website: www.xamiaarc.wordpress.com and I’m on Instagram as @XamiaArc. Also I should be starting up a Facebook page soon under the same name.

Brief paragraph describing how you started living a vintage-inspired lifestyle and why:

In my early teens I received a book on the history of New Zealand fashion, and inside was a photo of the most beautiful dress, which turned out to be from the 1950’s. I made a reproduction of it out of black and red gingham and loved it. I also watched a lot of vintage era movies and TV shows when I was growing up, so I think I was influenced by the glamorous ladies in those. I’m not really sure how I stumbled so far in, but the next thing I knew I was wearing winged eyeliner daily and curling my usually dead straight hair. It’s a lot of fun and I love doing my hair and makeup in the mornings. The clothes are also so flattering on any figure.

How would you describe your style:

A blend of 1940’s and 50’s with a strong touch of gothic influence. Also - cat prints.

Photo by Tara Lemana Photographic Artist.

Who influences and inspires you:

I get a lot of inspiration from people outside the vintage realm. David Lynch would be a big one for me, I love his film style. I read his book Catching The Big Fish and that was amazing, it’s all about meditation and creativity and how they affect one another. Also the woman behind the brand Toxic Vision, her clothing is to die for and is worn by some incredible Metal bands, also it’s entirely run by her and she started it off when just 17 years old!

What is your favourite article of clothing:

My favourite item of clothing would have to be my first ever true vintage dress. I bought it off Etsy years ago. It has a black jersey top with an amazing rhinestone collar and batwing sleeves, with a black taffeta full circle skirt. Though I wear many reproduction brands and really love those too, I find this dress just has something extra which makes it feel more special. Also it has a true 1950’s fit which is hard to beat if you can find one for your measurements.

What are some of the disadvantages or negative experiences you’ve faced since adopting your pinup lifestyle:

I live in windy Wellington to definitely one of the disadvantages is going out and having your skirt blow up and your hair completely trashed, but at least I get a lot of practise trying to weather proof hair. I haven’t really had any negative experiences with people that I can think of. I tend not to notice people around me anyway, though sometimes a friend will point out that people have been looking at me strangely, but that never bothers me.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning on their vintage lifestyle journey:

I would say remember to stay true to yourself and your own style. It’s really easy to get customised vintage clothing so if you have a certain signature colour, or you love zombies or unicorns incorporate that into your wardrobe!

What are your dreams and goals for the year:

I’m currently working on a mini collection of pinup basics clothing, so I would really like to finish that off. I also want to set up a site for it and maybe have a stall at the Atomic Markets. I also really want to do more pinup modelling and am hoping to submit to some magazines later in the year.

Quick Q&A:

1. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi

2. Cats or dogs? Cats

3. Vanilla or Chocolate? Chocolate
4. Winter or Summer? Winter for sure
5. Eyeliner or Lipstick? Eyeliner, but I do love my lipsticks

6. Favourite colour? Red

7. Favourite animal? Cats, again!

8. Place you’d most like to visit? It’s a toss-up between Sweden and Alaska

9. Celebrity crush? David Tennant

10. Favourite pinup? Bunny Yeager.

Photo by Tara Lemana Photographic Artist.