VVDO 2016: the Mumpty edition …

This was my second year at VVDO and this time I had my daughter in tow, which was a lovely outing for the two of us.
Our main reason for attending this year was to watch the Miss Pinup New Zealand competition, having featured all the lovely ladies on my Pinup Platoon series. I was also really keen to meet my Pinup Platoon sponsors, Esme from Moxie Mama Wear and Adele from Pinned On You, in person – which I did – and they are lovely!
First and foremost though, I’d like to congratulate Fran Robertson … our new Miss Pinup NZ 2016. What a dream contestant she was and oh-so-popular with the audience! A much deserved win. These are my two favourite pics of Fran from the competition.

Congratulations also to the Lady in Red (Runner Up & Miss Vintage Vixen) and to Lola Turquoise (Miss Publicity.)
For those of you who weren’t there, the four finalists were: Fran Robertson; Miss Lola Turquoise, Miss Opal and Dariel Dearlove.
A massive congratulations goes out to all the contestants – they really did put their all into it and it was so much fun to watch.
Anyway … I thought I’d share some of my highlights from this year’s VVDO in pictures …

Miss Monique Sweet in her strawberry outfit; designed by her and bought to life by Danielle from Devel Men & Women with headpiece by Amy from Chica Chica Boom Chic.

Mel from Style Mafia NZ – loved that pantsuit! She and Amy are always an extravagant looking couple of ladies, and VVDO 2016 was no exception!

Velvet De Collette – this beautiful lady was the first person we saw and we had a quick chat in the bathroom (!) … we thought she looked flawless!

Soda Fontaine in her Dita gown … it was Soda’s birthday too – what a great day to celebrate! And by the way … DITA “LIKED” SODA’S PHOTO – eeeep!!!!
Daniel Dearlove’s evening gown – wow. Daniel was clever enough t make this gorgeous gown herself; in fact, she made every single outfit she wore. Sooo impressive.
Miss Lola Fondant‘s talent: how to eat chicken wings without smudging your red lips!
This crowd selfie! Featuring Miss Monique Sweet; MC, Miss La Vida and Bettie Rage, complete with BUMP!
The Art & Cake stall, with Lily Kate Vallance and Miss Charlotte Cake – and yes we did sample a cake (Spiced Pear & salted caramel) and yes, it was yum – and very pretty!
Nat Hugill (aka Lilly Loca) – I always love seeing her and I was thrilled to hear she scored a dress she’d been lusting after for ages!
And last, but not least … this woman; Miss Opal …
It was an awesome moment when she stepped onto the stage in her “oh-so-Dita” tuxedo for the evening wear section; but even better than that, was her talent and those glorious butterfly wings – I think both outfits were made by the talented Linda McCarthy Costumier (correct me if I’m wrong.) However – it was the fact Miss Opal admitted to having to overcome crippling social anxiety that impressed me sooooo much. I think it was an incredible thing for her to do in that case and my gosh – you would never have known it watching her from the audience – she did a cracking job! I’d love to interview her about the inspirations behind her outfits, so fingers crossed she’ll oblige. In the meantime; BIG ups to you Miss Opal.
So that, in the most brief possible way, was Mumpty’s 2016 VVDO experience!!!
See ya next year, bigger and brighter …