Cooly Rocks On 2018
'The one weekend a year that I'm not asked where I'm going, because everyone else is also dressed to the nines!'
Cooly Rocks On is my absolutely favourite event of the year; an entire weekend (plus a few a days!) dedicated to the nostalgia of the 40s, 50s, 60s AND 70s. It is simply amazing to see how everyone pulls together their best vintage frocks or favourite rockabilly attire and heads to the streets to partake in an event all about the cars, music and of course FASHION!
This year I started the festival with the 'Miss Cooly Rocks On' pageant held on Thursday night at the Tweed Civic Centre. In previous years it has been held on the Saturday, the change of day and venue truly made it all the more spectacular. Spectators were treated to a supper club set up, with fantastic views courtesy of the auditorium stage. Miss Chrissy from the Lindy Charm School presided over the evening in a breathtaking frock provided by competition sponsor Kitten D'Amour while Swingabilly Ray kept the audience entertained and co-ordinated music for the performances.
Eleven ladies took to the stage to showcase their favourite 'true to the era' daywear and evening wear as well as a two minute 'shine time' where each lady was further challenged to demonstrate a special talent. As always I was blown away with the fabulous outfits each lady selected and as they emerged one by one from the dressing room it was like looking back in time.
Traditionally, Miss Cooly Rocks On is one of the most prestigious pageants held throughout the year, it is a pageant that many of us plan and prepare for months before applications are even opened and well before any finalists are announced. After having such a wonderful experience in 2017, I immediately began searching for the perfect outfits and accessories to be held in the hope I would make it through the shortlist round.
This year I was honoured, and definitely surprised to be crowned Miss Cooly Rocks On 2018. With such spectacular talents, outfits and personalities I can only imagine how difficult the judging for this year's competition would have been. Although a number of girls were competing for the first time, they definitely earned and held their place in the pageant and I couldn't be more proud of their efforts and bravery. It's not an easy thing to volunteer to be judged, nonetheless while parading around on a stage with an audience of over 120 people.
Such a momentous achievement however, could not have been completed without help from a great number of friends; those who loaned me pieces, those who offered advice, those who came along and cheered on the night, those who sent messages of support.
Firstly, Miss Imy La Fleur for always being my rock, reminding me that I can do it and helping me with ridiculous prop ideas (usually the night before) but most importantly her cherished friendship. Bek (Louella Deville Boutique) for her second to none styling advice, late night chats and valued friendship, 2017 Miss Cooly Rocks On, Foxy Rocket for her pageant expertise and continued support for all things pinup - couldn't have done it without you! Kelly, The Flying Pinup, my pinup sister; wow... what a ride we've had. 12 months ago I would have never ever thought that this was where we'd end up. Chris from Remember When and Magnolia for always having the best vintage finds AND telling me haha and of course for being treasured friends; thank you ladies for letting me use your shop as a home base! Miss Vivien Victory for being an excellent travel companion, all of the laughs, and being handy with safety pins, quick to grab pictures (that selfie station is amazing!) it was great to further grow our friendship! Miss Cherree Velvet for the loan of Shazza and Bazza who graced the stage for my evening wear. All of the countless beautiful pinups who sent messages of luck, the team at Connecting Southern Gold Coast, in particular Jo (that woman is an absolute angel - also shout out to my fans Bella and Ruby <3 ) and finally my fellow contestants. I also feel like my boss (and friend) Dr Ali Hussain - Cosmetic Surgeon, deserves a mention for letting me have time off and holding down the fort while I was away, it's not easy to be a surgeon and manage an office but you did it ;)
The atmosphere backstage made it hard to believe that there was a competition at all, everyone was always quick to offer a helping hand. Last minute prop repairs, making sure petticoats weren't showing, final hair and makeup touches, loaning items to one another, offering encouraging words and smiles and finally making the whole evening fun! Winning was simply the icing on the cake, the friendships made the whole evening shine!
 |
| Miss Cooly Rocks On Entrants L-R: Ruby Alabaster, Miss Melissa Kay, Miss Vivien Victory, Miss Gigi Anne, Miss Polly Rockets, Miss Curly Sue, Miss Kitty D'amour, Miss Lotte Luxe, Miss Cherrybomb, Miss Krystal Lea, Miss Audrey Azure |
This year I started the festival with the 'Miss Cooly Rocks On' pageant held on Thursday night at the Tweed Civic Centre. In previous years it has been held on the Saturday, the change of day and venue truly made it all the more spectacular. Spectators were treated to a supper club set up, with fantastic views courtesy of the auditorium stage. Miss Chrissy from the Lindy Charm School presided over the evening in a breathtaking frock provided by competition sponsor Kitten D'Amour while Swingabilly Ray kept the audience entertained and co-ordinated music for the performances.
 |
| Ruby Alabaster, Miss Chrissy from Lindy Charm School, Miss Gigi Anne (Photo from CRO Official Photographer) |
Traditionally, Miss Cooly Rocks On is one of the most prestigious pageants held throughout the year, it is a pageant that many of us plan and prepare for months before applications are even opened and well before any finalists are announced. After having such a wonderful experience in 2017, I immediately began searching for the perfect outfits and accessories to be held in the hope I would make it through the shortlist round.
This year I was honoured, and definitely surprised to be crowned Miss Cooly Rocks On 2018. With such spectacular talents, outfits and personalities I can only imagine how difficult the judging for this year's competition would have been. Although a number of girls were competing for the first time, they definitely earned and held their place in the pageant and I couldn't be more proud of their efforts and bravery. It's not an easy thing to volunteer to be judged, nonetheless while parading around on a stage with an audience of over 120 people.
Such a momentous achievement however, could not have been completed without help from a great number of friends; those who loaned me pieces, those who offered advice, those who came along and cheered on the night, those who sent messages of support.
 |
| (Photo from CRO Official Photographer) |
Firstly, Miss Imy La Fleur for always being my rock, reminding me that I can do it and helping me with ridiculous prop ideas (usually the night before) but most importantly her cherished friendship. Bek (Louella Deville Boutique) for her second to none styling advice, late night chats and valued friendship, 2017 Miss Cooly Rocks On, Foxy Rocket for her pageant expertise and continued support for all things pinup - couldn't have done it without you! Kelly, The Flying Pinup, my pinup sister; wow... what a ride we've had. 12 months ago I would have never ever thought that this was where we'd end up. Chris from Remember When and Magnolia for always having the best vintage finds AND telling me haha and of course for being treasured friends; thank you ladies for letting me use your shop as a home base! Miss Vivien Victory for being an excellent travel companion, all of the laughs, and being handy with safety pins, quick to grab pictures (that selfie station is amazing!) it was great to further grow our friendship! Miss Cherree Velvet for the loan of Shazza and Bazza who graced the stage for my evening wear. All of the countless beautiful pinups who sent messages of luck, the team at Connecting Southern Gold Coast, in particular Jo (that woman is an absolute angel - also shout out to my fans Bella and Ruby <3 ) and finally my fellow contestants. I also feel like my boss (and friend) Dr Ali Hussain - Cosmetic Surgeon, deserves a mention for letting me have time off and holding down the fort while I was away, it's not easy to be a surgeon and manage an office but you did it ;)
The atmosphere backstage made it hard to believe that there was a competition at all, everyone was always quick to offer a helping hand. Last minute prop repairs, making sure petticoats weren't showing, final hair and makeup touches, loaning items to one another, offering encouraging words and smiles and finally making the whole evening fun! Winning was simply the icing on the cake, the friendships made the whole evening shine!
 |
| 2017 Miss Cooly Rocks On, Foxy Rocket; 2018 Miss Cooly Rocks On, Ruby Alabaster (Photo from CRO Official Photographer) |
Comments
Post a Comment