The pin-up tradition returns to the Victor Harbor Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival in dazzling style with Shoreline Showstopper – South Australia’s only traditional format pin-up pageant in 2025, and we sat down to chat with organisers, Miss Lu Lu Belle and Miss Evelyn Goode.
This year’s competition promises colour, energy and sparkle across three categories: Debut, Intermediate, and Classic. It’s about celebrating confidence, creativity and individuality – all wrapped up in classic rock ‘n’ roll glamour.
For those who aren’t familiar with modern pin-up, how would you describe it in your own words?
Miss Lu Lu Belle: Both Miss Evelyn and I (Miss Lu Lu) would say that being a modern pin-up is about being comfortable in your own skin and bringing out your own personality in your style. There are so many variations to the pin-up style and sub-styles – yes, it encapsulates the by-gone eras, but at the heart of it – modern pin-ups are all about kindness, inclusivity and making sure that anyone can give it a go and join an amazing community.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about pin-up culture – and how does Shoreline Showstopper challenge them?
Miss Lu Lu Belle: Oh wow, what a question! There are so many misconceptions about modern pin-up culture.
Miss Evelyn Goode: Yes! agreed – one of the biggest ones is that we are 1950s Stepford-style housewives and that all we do is dress up and look pretty. Which is so far from the truth! A lot of pin-ups use their platforms and social standing to share education, political causes and helping with charities and not for profits.
Lu Lu: Absolutely, we want to show that Shoreline Showstopper is more than just “Wear a dress and have great hair”, we are a pageant for those that want to be an ambassador and support and bring together the community over the next year of their reign. We are also part of a small section of pageants that have taken the “Miss” title off our name, to increase the sense of community by inviting members of any gender to compete.
Shoreline Showstopper is South Australia’s only traditional pin-up pageant for 2025. What makes this format so special?
Lu Lu: This format is harking back to the more traditional pin-up pageants where you have to be an ambassador of the pageant you are part of. Being able to articulate why you are doing what you are doing and sharing your voice is an important part of being a great community ambassador – our classic pin-ups will have to answer a question on stage and all our finalists will be judged (in part) on how they interact with the festival throughout the day.
Evelyn: Because of our format we have also been able to offer a rare opportunity for pin-ups from all over Australia to meet up in beautiful Victor Harbor, to meet more of their community and strengthen the bond the community has all over Australia.
Your tagline mentions celebrating “confidence, creativity and individuality.” How do those values shine through on stage?
Evelyn: This tagline represents how our pageant is about way more than just a style of dress, it’s providing the entrants a way to showcase some of what makes them special, fabulous and different. It is a time for them to let their uniqueness shine! Confidence can come in so many forms – speaking, posing, interactions in person and via social media.
Lu Lu: Absolutely, confidence can be born out of creativity and passion of individuality, it is in the way we carry ourselves and how we interact with others. We want everyone that is a part of Shoreline Showstopper to be able to find their confidence, creativity and individuality throughout the day of the pageant and the lead up, to be able to learn how to become the best ambassadors they can be.
For someone thinking about entering but feeling a little unsure – what would you say to encourage them?
Evelyn: To anyone who is nervous or unsure about entering I’d say – Go for it! You’re amongst a great support network, you’ll have fun, laugh and make new friends.
Lu Lu: Do it! You will have an amazing network of pin-ups as well as Evelyn and I supporting and guiding you through the whole process and we are here to make sure you all enjoy the process of being in a pageant and finding and loving what the pin-up community has to offer!
…and finally: If you could sum up Shoreline Showstopper in three words, what would they be?
Lu Lu: Community, Empowering, Creative
Evelyn: Confidence, Supportive, Fun!
Want to know more?
Head to shorelineshowstopper.com.au for entry details, FAQ, judging info, and a peek behind the scenes.
Follow the team on socials for all the latest:
Instagram: @shorelineshowstopper
Facebook: Shoreline Showstopper
Shoreline Showstopper takes place on Saturday, September 20th
on the 5MU Stage on Warland Reserve.
Debut & Intermediate at 12:30, Classic at 2:30, and Crowning & Prizes from 3:30.