The '50s feel

There were doubts surrounding the first PinUp Girl Contest during a 2014 Cruise In event on the square in Perryville, Missouri. Not everyone necessarily knew what "pinup" meant or what the contest would entail. The contestants have proved happy to educate them since then. Pinup costuming, they've shown, isn't about pulp sexuality; it's about a feminine elan and good-girl empowerment, more Marilyn than Miley.

"It's about being classy and having morals," said contestant Jona Edwards, whose costume last week included lacy black gloves and a navy pencil skirt.

Some, like Edwards and her friend Amber Spies, opted for a more demure, heavy-lidded glamour to make that statement.

"We live in an era where everyone kind of puts things out there," Spies said. "I don't want to do that. [This] is about bringing you back to basics."

While the contests are just for fun, the pair said they've always been drawn to the nostalgia of '50s-era fashion. Several of the other contestants said the same, wondering in jest if they had not been born in the wrong decade.

Gabrielle Huber poses for a photo during the Perryville PinUp contest on Saturday, Sept. 3.Laura Simon

Many of the contestants pulled from the classic '50s wardrobe to create their costumes with pearls, polkadots, nylons and lace.

And lipstick. Red, red lipstick.

Some went patriotic with a wink and a "bring our boys home" salute, urging the audience to go buy war bonds.

Others, like Sonnie Willis, brought a modern spin to the Rosie the Riveter look.

"I like the time period and I like dressing up," Willis said. "It didn't take a lot of convincing for me."

Anna Lewis poses for a photo during the Perryville PinUp contest on Saturday, Sept. 3.Laura Simon

Some contestants, like LaKrisha Moore, went the extra mile with accessories, carrying a tray of cupcakes and a martini glass to complete her pinup housewife look. Edwards' son Kyren Flores even rode around with her in an antique baby buggy.

And for the owners of the antique cars around the square, the pinup contestants were more than happy to lend an air of nostalgia for a photo.

Judges considered costumes, poise and even mannerisms in evaluating the contestants to see who provided the best tribute to the era.

They chose Moore, who won a $100 gift card and a free photography session.

"So I'm the housewife, which is ironic," she said, brandishing her whisk. "Since I don't even cook!"

Jona Edwards poses with a 1940 Packard 180 during the Perryville PinUp contest on Saturday, Sept. 3.Laura Simon

Many of the contestants had participated in previous years' pageants. Some, like Spies and Edwards, have played pinups at other events, too. But even so, Spies said she wouldn't prefer it if her pinup costume was her everyday look, since it can take hours to put on.

"It's more of a daily moral attitude," she said. "You don't have to dress this way to feel the way the '50s feel."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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