Vegas or Bust! with Diablo Rose

Image by Diablo Rose 

Our favorite Le Keux cutie, boss ladies sister and all round master of hair and make up across the Le Keux stores gave us the pleasure of having a little interview with her, ahead of her trip to Viva Las Vegas (can you say jealous much!) where she will be competing in the Viva Las Vegas Pin Up Pageant, she 100% has our vote! 

For those of you who don't know, VLV is one of the BIGGEST pin up / vintage / rockabilly weekenders around. Held in it's namesake Sin City itself, us belles can only but dream of one day getting to attend this weekend which would be a once in a life time, dream come true. 

Diablo Rose hit the pin up scene with a bath bomb explosion of signature pink locks that always look quaffed to perfection in so many innovative and delicate styles. She was the leader of the original Le Keux Girls, gracing many covers such as chap magazine and since has recently launched her own line of incredible bold print tees.

So without further a do read on to see what Diablo had to tell us about the pin up comp, her t-shirt line and more....

1. What made you decide to enter this years VLV pin up comp?
   I think this year I finally decided to stop putting things off, believe in myself, and just go after the things I really want to do! I've dreamt about entering Miss Viva Las Vegas for years, I've even written my application a few times but never actually applied because of self doubt and all those other things which sometimes cloud our thoughts. But when I finally clicked 'enter' for this years competition it was the most amazing feeling of accomplishment, and that alone was a huge boost for me. Getting to the finals and actually being able to realise this dream of mine is going to be life changing and I'm so glad I finally took the plunge. Sometimes it takes a little time to build ourselves up to things, but I can tell you, it's completely worth the wait.
2. Have you entered a pin up competition before? 
   This will be my first pin up pageant and to say I'm nervous would be an understatement but I'm actually incredibly excited and ready to take on this new experience! I've been chatting with the other entries and finalists online for a few months now and they are all so lovely and supportive, so I just know it's going to be an incredibly uplifting and empowering experience.
   
   
3. What would your all time perfect outfit be to wear at the competition, if money and reality weren't an issue? 

   

   Photo Credit: My Boudoir H&MU Diablo Rose 

   Ooooh that's a good one, I think if I could combine pastels, tulle, sparkles, bows, a hint of vintage Dior couture, a little Disney inspiration and maybe even some florals in a way that didn't look like a crazy Easter egg that would be amazing. Or maybe I just embrace the Easter egg look and go with it, because if it makes you feel good and happy then do it!!
   
   

   
   
4. What are you most excited about? 
   I'm most excited about just trying to take in as much of the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend as I possibly can. Vegas is my favourite place in the world and to visit with thousands of like-minding vintage and pinup lovers is going to amazing. I can't wait to meet everyone, swoon over hair and makeup, dance, shop, maybe even get a new tattoo! I'm also so excited to be going with one of my favourite people in the world, my pal Lisa, we're going on a proper girls trip and I am SO excited to share all of this with her because she's amazing!
   
   
5. And now a little hair and make up question, if you could style anyone's hair or make up who would it be and why? 
   Oh goodness, there's so many stars who I admire, style wise! There's obviously Marilyn Monroe and Dita Von Teese, but I also love those modern twists, like Gwen Stefani. She combines a classic pin up look but gives it an edge and I've always really loved that. But honestly, I LOVE styling my regular customers, being able to understand their own ideal of what makes them feel beautiful in their own skin, then adding a little pin up style to it makes me so happy. When I finish up a hair and makeup appointment and my customer can look in the mirror and tell herself that she looks pretty just makes my day, because really it's those real moments of self confidence which matter the most when I think about what I do for a living.
   
6. Also would you consider doing a hair and make up course tour? be it European or international? 
   Absolutely! I would love to travel more, and I'm really hoping to be able to get out and about and do more teaching in 2018, we're working on a few new things and plans at the moment so keep an eye out on my pages!
   

Photo credit:  Frankie and Gerrys Retro Photo Studio H&MU by Diablo Rose 

Thank you ever so much Diablo for taking the time to chat with us and we will be sure to do a follow up after the big VLV Pageant! EEEEEK! we're all behind you!!

Introducing ... an interview with Miss Lillian Love

             I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Miss Lillian Love, a UK pin up model who also recently landed the role of Fashion and Events editor for InRetrospect magazine. I wanted to talk to her about the upcoming Pin Up Pageant at Viva Las Vegas that she is one of the finalists for and in fact the only UK finalist! How incredible is that?

BB- When did your pinup career start?

LL- Well I guess my pinup journey started with my first shoot which was with Jez Brown Photography. I never thought of myself as a Pinup and but a friend recommended it as a confidence booster after a bad breakup! I had so much fun that I ended up planning more and more shoots! I finally got up the courage to start my Pinup modelling page in February 2013.

The past few years have been incredible! I've enjoyed every moment and I have been lucky enough to work with some amazingly talented photographers, models, designers, makeup artists and hairstylists, and model for some great clothing companies.

BB- what is your favourite thing about Pin Up?
LL - I'm really quite shy and modelling has improved my confidence. I've never been a conventional beauty and I love that Pin-Up embraces women of all shapes and sizes and encourages us to find and celebrate our best features.

I'm shy but I love meeting new people. I'd like people to know that if they see me at Viva I'd love it if they came up to say hello! And of course I'd appreciate any votes on the day!

Jez Brown Photography

BB- is this your first time at VLV?

LL- Yes, and I'm super-excited about it! I've been wanting to go for years! This year I'm going to turn 40 and I decided it was now or never! 

Viva Las Vegas 2017

BB- What made you decide to enter the pin up contest?

LL- A friend knew I was going to Viva and tagged me in a post about it! I wasn't going to but she said 'What have you got to lose?' and I decided to go for it!

BB- how did you feel when you heard the news you'd made the final?

LL- Surprised and excited! I didn't quite believe it and had to re-read the message a few times! I'd seem my photo come down off the site before I went to bed and I thought that was it - I wasn't through to the voting round. I woke up to the best surprise! I feel really proud to be through to the finals with such an amazing group of women! 

Nick Photos

BB- Aside from the contest what are you most looking forward to at VLV?

LL- all of it! There's so much to see and do! I love dancing so I'm really excited about all the great bands playing over the weekend, and I'm a big fan of Dita Von Teese so I can't wait to see her perform again! And the car show is meant to be incredible - I'm looking forward to seeing all the beautiful cars!

BB- Who's your biggest inspiration?

LL - My biggest inspiration was always my grandma. I use her maiden name for modelling in tribute to her - she was kind and fun, with a wicked sense of humour and a smile that lit up the room and she always looked stylish.

BB- Who's your biggest icon?

LL- There are many amazing women I admire - Bettie Grable, Bettie Page, Cyd Charisse, Ava Gardner, Lauren Bacall...but I think if I had to pick just one it would be Heddy Lamarr because she was as intelligent as she was beautiful! 

BB- what's a mantra you live by?

LL - A little kindness goes a long way! Treat others how they'd like to be treated.

BB- what would you say to anyone thinking of entering this competition next year?

LL- I'd tell them to go for it! There's nothing to lose and I've met some amazing women through this contest. Everyone is so lovely and supportive and I've made some wonderful new friends! If you'd like to follow Lillian's VLV journey or just want to know more about her Pin Up modelling please find her:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

be sure to check back as we'll do a follow up after VLV to see how it all went! *fingers crossed* Lillian we're all cheering for you!


Interview by Charlotte Mary