Kiri Hollie Marshall, Miss October Diamond, is a finalist in Miss Pinup New Zealand this year. Photo / Tony McKay
Kiri Hollie Marshall, Miss October Diamond, is a finalist in Miss Pinup New Zealand this year. Photo / Tony McKay
Pinup pageants are not your typical beauty competitions and Rotorua's Kiri Hollie Marshall, Miss October Diamond, is not your typical pageant queen.
Growing up in Clinkard Ave, without a lot of money, surrounded by "government housing and drug dealers", Marshall said she always knew she was a little bit different.
"I grew up in a hot rod family and at those events, I would see women in petticoats or skin-tight jeans and leopard print.
"I op shopped for a lot of my clothes so I was always the kid in weird 60s and 70s fashion."
She said the pinup community was like a "secret society" where instead of a handshake people recognised each other by the victory rolls, the petticoats and, of course, the winged eyeliner.
Kiri Hollie Marshall, Miss October Diamond, is the only Māori finalist for Miss Pinup New Zealand. Photo / Tony McKay
"My style is hugely inspired by my amazing friends, who all have such a different take on the style, and all absolutely own it.
"Confidence is key, but there are always going to be things you don't love about yourself – just don't let them become your defining features, so focus on how damn good your hair looks, or the killer smile you're flashing, and that'll be what people notice."
Entering Miss Pinup New Zealand was a confidence boost for Marshall who has never entered a pageant before.
"Entering this competition gave me a boost of confidence and proved to myself that I could do it.
"A few years ago I was in a really dark and bad place, my confidence was nowhere near what it is now. I struggled to get out of bed, shower or even brush my hair. I couldn't have imagined in a million years entering a competition like this."
For the competition, she will have to take to the stage in daywear, swimwear, evening wear and show off her talent.
Miss October Diamond, Kiri Hollie Marshall is more nervous about her talent than the swimwear section. Photo / Tony McKay
"A lot of the girls are nervous about the swimwear category, but my biggest fear is the talent.
"I grew up in a big kapa haka family where everyone could sing and dance, but I got the raw end of the deal with no musical talent."
This year is the first time a man has made it into the finalists and Marshall said that was exciting.
"Pinup is so inclusive, whether you're chubby, coloured, gay, straight or even male, we all share the same passion for vintage."
She will be the only Māori competitor in the competition this year.
Voting for the people's choice award opened today, you can cast your vote at www.veryvintage.co.nz
