In conversation with 2019 Miss Rockabilly

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a beauty queen?

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with the 2019 Miss Rockabilly winner, Kitty La Vie, to talk about all things rockabilly pageants and her experience in competing for the crown.

What was your favourite part about competing for the Miss Rockabilly title?

Without a doubt, the most wonderful part about competing for the Miss Rockabilly title is the friendships made and cemented during the process.  It is quite an intense experience and the knowledge that we are all doing it together, from the media calls to the design process involved in your outfits and of course the creation of a talent, really brings girls together.  It is quite an anomaly to find so many women all supportive of each other during a competition.  I am fiercely proud of what we do and what we achieve together.

What did it mean to you to be crowned Miss Rockabilly?

Being crowned Miss Rockabilly was 12 months in the making for me.  I entered for the first time the year beforehand and the minute I left the stage that night I vowed to myself that I would be back to win it next time.  I kept that promise to myself so there were tears, laughter, and a real sense of achievement.  What it meant to me was that I CAN do anything I put my mind to and so can any girl out there.  I am not special, I am not unique, I am a mother of two with a passion and a whole lot of magnificent women behind me who are all a part of the process.  The year that I won I got to share my win with Miss Audrey Azure who snatched the Miss CRO Runner Up crown.  She was and still is one of my very best friends.  It was a very special moment.

What inspired you to become a rockabilly girl and compete in pageants?

I honestly cannot remember a time that I was not dressing in a historical fashion.  Even as a child I preferred to watch historical movies and documentaries rather than cartoons. As for the pageant side of things, I was hairdressing one day when a previous sash holder Kelly, The Flying Pinup happened to be in my chair.  We talked of all things pinup and she encouraged me to come along to pageants.  Here I still am 4 years later, loving it.  I encourage anybody else who has maybe been thinking about it to come along.  Find me, I am only too happy to answer questions and pay forward the kindness and encouragement that was shown me.

Who are your favourite icons and musicians from the 40’s 50’s or 60’s?

This is going to be a hard one to reign into just one paragraph…lol!

Musically I am in love with Etta James, The Andrews Sisters, the big bands of the 40’s, Nina Simone, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Wanda Jackson and many more.  I am quite eclectic really.

As for icons, you really cannot go past Audrey, Grace, Elizabeth Taylor, Bettie Page, Mae West, Hedy Lamarr or Lucille Ball.  All strong women who blazed trails in their time.

Is there any knowledge or tips you would like to pass onto the next Miss Rockabilly or those wanting to participate in rockabilly pageants?

Just do it.

I really cannot express enough how liberating it is to know you can do something like this.  Cooly Rocks On is such a prestigious event and people flock to the Gold Coast from all over Australia, it really is a gift to be a part of it.  You are surrounded by amazing people, held up whenever you need it and there is always a hand outstretched for you to take if it gets too much.  From your fellow contestants to the amazing backstage kittens who work tirelessly to make your dreams come true for you, to the fabulous sponsors to the Stage Mumma herself Miss Chrissy of The Lindy Charm School.  Nothing is ever too much or too trivial for anyone.

Just say yes and you may very well surprise yourself and have a whole lot of fun along the way!!