There was a lot to shout about at the third annual Houston Vintage Market and Festival at Colnside Fire Station as more than 25 Houston-area vendors set up shop featuring classic styles from the past. "I want to promote the idea to wear vintage," organizer Dawn Bell said. "What better way than to build a celebration around it?"
The festival featured hair and makeup demonstrations, dance peformances and a Miss Houston Vintage 2012 contest, in which I was honored to serve as one of the judges.
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At right, contestant Al E. Cat is ecstatic when the judges name her Miss Houston Vintage 2012. (Some of the women who are really into vintage fashion come up with cute monikers.)
Contestant Kristen Hanks blows a kiss to the crowd.
Contestant Jessie Rox curtsies for the crowd. She pointed that her hat still has the union label in it.
"Today is for everyone who loves vintage and these girls all epitomize that," said emcee Missvhaven, left. Contestant Jessie Rox showcases one of her best pinup poses. She was first runnerup.
Contestant Gigi Amor looks like a pinup princess. She placed second runnerup.
Contestant Elizabeth Lopez vamps for the crowd and the judges.
Contestant Al E. Cat knows how to make an entrance.
Contestant Angela Freeman pirouettes.
Contestant Jeannie Peery curtseys as she is introduced.
What's a pin-up contest without Marilyn? Kristy Casey Deal is a dead ringer for the actress/sex symbol.
The illustrious judges: Pam Pellegrino, owner of vintage shops The Way We Wore and Retropois, waves to the crowd. Other judges from left: Yours truly, pinup photographer Angela Morales and Mitchell Cohen, founder of First Saturday Art Market in the Heights and White Linen Nights. The winner receives a prize package that includes a photo session with Morales.
The contestants anxiously await the winner and two runners-up to be named.
Al E. Cat is named Miss Houston Vintage 2012. It was tough to choose a winner but the judges were bowled over by her confidence, vintage appearance (she later told me her entire outfit came from Replay) and witty banner. She pointed out that her floral dress was vintage '50s style — "it has a tiny waist with a big ol' bosom on top," she quipped.
Al E. Cat waves to the crowd. She has been attracted to vintage clothing since she was a little girl "I would steal my grandmother's clothes and run around," she said.
