Meet Millie Manhattan, our very first Pinup of the Month for 2019! Millie hails from Missouri USA and has found confidence and herself in Pinup.
We've loved learning more about Millie and think you will too!
How did you choose your Pinup name?
My pinup name was definitely an evolution. I knew I wanted an alliteration, that double consonant sound. So, for my first pinup contest I was signed up as Miss Matchstick, which I thought sounded too tough for me. I’m more classic than rockabilly. That led me to reregister as Millie Manhattan. My last name is Miller, and in high school my friends called me Millie, and I had always really liked that. And I love Manhattans, who doesn’t like bourbon?
Why do you love pinup?
I first fell in love with pinup because of the clothes. I have been dressing this way for years and have no plans to stop. After I started competing, it was no longer about the clothes, it was the lovely ladies. I have gotten to meet so many amazing women who are now my close friends. They are such a strong supportive group of amazing and diverse women.
Would you like to share your favorite beauty tip?
I used to struggle over my cat eye liner all morning, so I invested in a cat eye liner stamp. I’ve tried a bunch, many off of Amazon, and really haven’t found a bad one. The best one comes with two stamps - one for each eye, because it has a bit of a curve up. It saves me at least ten minutes off of my morning routine.
What’s your favorite aspect of the Pinup and Rockabilly subculture?
The community! I’ve never felt comfortable approaching a stranger, unless they’re in a poodle skirt. A shared sense of aesthetic values makes you feel like you already know someone. I love meeting new dolls! It’s what keeps me on the road to the next car show.
When did you know that pinup was the right thing for you?
I’ve been dressing in this style for over five years. I’ve had family and friends question why I dress this way, and try and change me. But this is me. My greatest validation was when I won my first pinup contest this past summer. It was validation for my sense of self, which I never really knew I needed. It gave me the confidence I needed to be me.
What advice would you like to give to new pinups?
If you are planning on competing, the bigger the hair flower the better. If it seems like too much, it isn’t. They look a lot smaller from off stage. Also, never underestimate a creative prop! I have used maracas, a martini glass of bubbles, and even a can of whipped cream!
Favorite business shoutout!
St. Louis has some of the best vintage! I love Parsimona Vintage, Retro101/Cherry Bomb Vintage, and The Vintage Haberdashery right down the street from me. That’s both a good and a bad thing!
What living person, other than family members, do you most admire?
My most admired person is actually a big group of people, my students! I’m a college math instructor. It takes a lot to show up every day and take a stressful course. I try to make my class as fun and stress free as math can be. My goal is to help each student find their strength in the subject.
Image 1: photography and MUAH by Tokyo Rose Pinups
Image 2: Image by Focal Points by Frankie, hair and makeup by Millie Manhattan
Image 3: Image by Stark Weather Images, MUAH by Millie Manhattan
Image 4: Image and MUAH by Vavoom Pinups