From fire fighting fluros to Old Hollywood waves and winged eyeliner, Bilpin resident Pam Sparre has proven she can pull off just about anything.
The Grose Vale Rural Fire Service officer will don much more chic attire when she steps on stage for the Miss Pinup Grand National Finale in Sydney later this month.
After falling in love with classic beauty of the Pinup era, Pam or Missy Love as she is known on stage, decided she would throw her ever so svelte hat in the ring.
Missy will join other lovers of Pinup for the competition, held at the Paddo RSL in Paddington on September 30, where women from all around Australia will grace the stage with the ultimate opportunity to shine as the unique individuals they are.
Missy said she has spent weeks preparing her outfit and look for the competition, and says she looks forward to taking the stage with her fellow “Pinup sisters”.
How did you get involved in Pinup competitions?
I’ve always had a love of the classic beauty and fashion from bygone eras and flirted with vintage on occasion but never truly embraced it until I decided to take the plunge and do a Hollywood Glamour photo shoot with Boogie Bop Dames one year ago.
I was hooked instantly and after hearing about the annual Miss Pinup Australia Competition I decided to enter, especially considering its all about empowering women and self growth.
What about that era of style do you love most?
I absolutely love that the ladies of that era looked glamourous every time they stepped out the door. Matching hats, gloves, fabulous hair and a poise which has unfortunately been lost in the modern era. 1950s styling was truly a classy and elegant era.
How many competitions have you entered?
This is the first actual Pinup comp I’ve ever entered but very happy I chose to take the Miss Pinup Australia journey.
What is your ultimate goal in competing in these competitions?
My ultimate goal in entering this competition is to overcome my absolute fear of being on stage in front of an audience.
What a better way to do it through showcasing vintage clothes, styling and poses that has been taught by our amazing mentor Miss Pixie (associate of the competition).
I’ve learnt so many new skills and connected with some of the most positive, beautiful humans.
It was definitely a struggle in the beginning but through this self growth journey with 10 other amazing supportive ladies from around Australia, and truly talented mentors, I am realising I can do anything.
Of the Pinup era, what are your personal favourite styles?
From the Pinup era I absolutely adore the glamourous styling and more edgy fun Rockabilly styles.
The likes of Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball and Elizabeth Taylor being among my favourite and timeless style icons.
How long does it take to get ready for a competition?
It takes weeks of routine practice, costume and prop preparation and customising your show to uniquely represent who you are on stage.
The Grand National consists of five categories. Day wear, lingerie, swimwear, evening wear and Talent.
Each category has a story line and running theme throughout and I still have a lot of preparation to get done in the next couple of weeks.
Where do you source you outfits from?
I source my outfits from our Miss Pinup Australia sponsors, the website Etsy, and I also have a few garments made by my lovely dressmaker.
My headpieces for the Grand Finale I have actually made myself.
Are you nervous about competing at the Grand National?
I am very nervous about competing in the Grand National but am hoping after our opening number most of those stage fright nerves will disappear.
Regardless I’m going to give it 100 per cent and my very best shot
What are you most looking forward to about competing at Grand National?
I cannot wait to share the stage with my beautiful Pinup sisters and to showcase my theme "fire" the best I can through costume, vintage posing and story line. And also to see just how far I’ve come since I started this journey.
To be able to represent my other love firefighting on stage through Pinup is pretty special and a once in a lifetime experience. I cannot wait.
