It started when she was about 15 and now Melissa Murray, 25, of Cleveland will take her passion for all things 1950s to the GreazeFest catwalk on August 4,5 and 6.
Ms Murray (aka Miss Mai-Ling) joins a lineup of 20 girls to show their iconic vintage style in the festival's Pinups on Parade girl competition on August
A former Cleveland High School student, Ms Murray said dressing in the style of the 1950s gave her a lot of confidence and was borne of her being "a bit shy".
"The 50s can be for everybody and suits all body shapes. There's tight, high waisted skirts and big boofy skirts with scarves and hair done with rollers and pin curls. It's all about the dresses and the colour," she said.
Ms Murray said although she wore regular contemporary fashion, where possible she always preferred the 50s style, wearing it to work and when she went out.
"I love the style and the elegance of the era."
Ms Murray works at Daiso, at Carindale and said the quirkiness of the shop embraced her fashion sense.
"I grew up with the style. My parents love old cars and play music of that day, so I have been exposed to it," she said.
Part of the enjoyment is also felt on the dance floor with Ms Murray also enjoying swing dancing, which is a popular pastime at the festival.
Event organiser Lori Lee Cash said a bumper event was planned to celebrate GreazeFest’s 18th birthday, with a program of entertainment, starring rockers Pike Cavalero from Spain and Eddie Gazel from France, along with top Australian rockabilly acts, Rusty Pinto, Benny and The Flybyniters, The Detonators and The Lincolns.
There will be hepcat DJs, jive dancing, hot rods with more than 500 classic cars from the 1920s to the 1970s, lowrider cycles, classic bikes, pin-up parades, art displays and competitions, tiki carving, market stalls and food trucks.
“We are very excited to be hosting the 18th anniversary of GreazeFest at our new home at Cleveland Showgrounds. It will be a joy to celebrate with our Kustom Kulture community, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning, as well as with those who have recently discovered the delights of the rockabilly lifestyle,” Ms Cash said.
The festival is open from 7pm to midnight on August 4, 10am to 10pm on August 5 and from 9am to 6pm on August 6.
Adult tickets are from $15 to $80; teenagers $5; kids under 12 enter free. More on
www.greazefest.com
