VIVA LAS VEGAS!! (Part 2) And now for our second Viva Las Vegas experience story from Sarah (pictures coming soon):

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Vamp and I am a model and dancer living in Las Vegas, NV. I am thrilled to be sharing my experiences at VLV 14 with you! This was my second year going to Viva Las Vegas, my first was in 2009. VLV 14 was bigger, better, and more exciting! I had the amazing opportunity to walk in the Vintage Fashion Show for La Muerte Apparel! Be sure to read on for more info on how to submit to be in the fashion show and tips on how models can get the most out of their VLV experience! The fashion show was a wonderful experience. Thursday morning was rehearsal for the fashion show and I got to meet the lovely ladies and models of La Muerte Apparel. They were so much fun, professional, and made me feel like a part of the team. La Muerte Apparel is an independently owned and operated home-based business founded by Janelle Recendez. They are currently based out of Denver, Colorado. To see their unique and one of a kind creations please visit www.lamuerteapparel.com. I was beaming with anxiousness and excitement at the rehearsal. I had been waiting for this moment to come and it was finally here! Seeing the big stage, lights, models, the crew and hearing the music meant the big day was almost here! At rehearsal I also got to meet Catherine Garcia, and Debbie Morales of Rockin Kitty Productions. Rockin Kitty Productions is the productions company that makes the Vintage Fashion Show not only fabulous but possible! They are a great team and definitely know what it takes to put on a successful fashion show! I only got a glimpse of all the hard work and preparation it takes. After rehearsal I got fitted for the outfits I was going to be modeling. My first look was a sexy black and cream halter pencil dress with a skull print on the bust. The second look was a curve hugging black corset and a gold satin custom made burlesque skirt with bustle. I loved both looks and felt confident. After the fitting I was off to the Palms where I was staying to meet my mom. She came with to support me and for a little shopping. I got everything ready and called it a night.

Finally the big day had arrived. I got to the showroom around 9:45am. The room was filled with models with curlers in their hair, the production staff, dancers rehearsing, and Rockin Kitty Productions making sure everything was going smoothly. For the first couple of hours I was filled with anticipation and was waiting for things to start happening. But as soon as I started hair and makeup everything went by very fast. The fashion show was sponsored by Besame Cosmetics and had two talented makeup and hair teams. I loved my smoky eyes, kissable red lips, and classic victory rolls. After photos were taken I headed back to La Muerte’s station and I put on the first look. Before I knew it, it was show time! We all lined up and waited for our cues. Each clothing company only had about 7-9 minutes of runway time. It goes by so fast and I was so focused on modeling the clothes, doing the right poses, and walking I didn’t have time to be nervous. Being a dancer for a heavy metal band here in Las Vegas definitely helped as well. Being on stage and walking the catwalk was rather thrilling with the lights, music, cheering, and click click of the photographer’s cameras. I was sad for it to be over, but I was happy that after wanting to walk in the fashion show many years I got the opportunity! After the fashion show all the clothing companies and models went to the Big Easy Lounge for the Designer’s Showcase. A chance for the audience to purchase the designs they just saw, take photos with models, mingle with the crowd, and meet Sabina Kelley! It was a great event. It was awesome promoting La Muerte Apparel and meeting people who had enjoyed the show. After the event my mom took me out for a wonderful dinner to celebrate then I went back to the hotel for some much needed sleep! Saturday I had a photo shoot with the talented Ama Lea. Ama Lea is an internationally published pin up/alt/horror photographer based out of Los Angeles, California and has shot with many successful models including Sabina Kelley and Mosh. You can see more of her work at www.amaleaphoto.com. The shoot was a blast and Ama was awesome to work with. She is very laid back, professional, and easy to work with. Successful model Kat Kartel, who is also based in California, did my hair and makeup. I went for a sexy, smokey eye and Kat did an awesome reddish black lip. My first look was vampilicious! I wore Bordello Mary Janes, fishnets, a red high waisted pencil skirt from www.onthetrashyside.com, a black bra, and a beautiful waist cincher provided by Exquisite Restraint. My second look was a lot of fun. Janelle from La Muerte Apparel gave me an awesome dress made out of Robert Kaufman Hollywood Monster fabric! I paired it with a red waist cincher, fishnets, and black Bordello heels to complete the look. I am confident that we got some awesome shots, and I am anxiously waiting for the proofs! After the shoot I rushed back to the hotel to get changed. I could finally unwind and enjoy VLV. First my mom and I went to the last 45 minutes of the car show. Next year I will make sure to spend more time there. I did get to go to the Pin Up Girl Clothing booth. I purchased the beautiful Evelyn Feather Print Dress with matching reversible Black Velvet Bolero. It is a wonderful dress, very girly, pretty and fits like it was made just for me. After the car show my mom and I went to the Retro Lovely Magazine Party at the Big Easy Lounge in the Orleans. It was a lot of fun; I got a tasty drink in a VLV 14 keepsake skull cup. I also got to see Riannon from PinupLifestyle and meet her husband Daniel aka Dear Daniel. After I got a refill and some photos taken my mom and I went up to the vendor area to get in some shopping. I got some lovely wedges from Bettie Page by Ellie Shoes. They are black with white polka dots, and have a cute red and black feather/flower adornment on the toe. I also got a bad ass sugar skull cigarette case and my mom got a gorgeous Pinup Couture train case that is glittery pink with leopard print lining. You know the saying time fly’s by when you’re having fun? Well that was definitely the case because before I knew it, it was time to go back to the hotel. Overall my experience at VLV 14 was beyond amazing. It is always fun to be around an environment of people where everyone is excited, having fun, and appreciates the pin up, kustom, and rockabilly culture. I am already planning and getting excited for next year!

Tips for models going to VLV

Submitting to be a model in the Vintage Fashion Show is easy! All you need is to meet the requirements and follow the submission instructions. Rockin Kitty Productions posts casting calls for the fashion show on their Facebook page. You can also find more info and requirements on VLV’s website closer to the event. Follow the instructions carefully and you will need one natural headshot, one pin up headshot, one pin up full length shot and a video of your runway walk. They will also send you examples of what they are looking for. Once they have accepted your submission they will send it to all of the companies participating in the fashion show.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! VLV is an amazing place to meet photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, clothing designers, jewelry designers, magazine publishers and so much more. Put yourself out there. Attend special events and parties at VLV. The car show is also a great place to meet and network with new people.

Book a photo shoot! There are so many talented photographers that come to VLV. It is a perfect opportunity to work with a professional team that you wouldn’t normally be able to because of location. They also usually have affordable packages that may include makeup, hair, wardrobe, props, and accessories.

Bring model business cards or comp cards. A comp card is an 8.5”x5.5” full color card of your 5 best photos. It also includes your measurements, types of modeling, and contact info. Having those on hand will make it easy for people to get into contact with you.

Utilize social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and PinupLifestyle. PinupLifestyle is a great community based website that embraces pinup lifestyles and culture! It is free to join and you can create a profile, add photos, write blogs, post casting calls, and much more. If you are on Model Mayhem search casting calls a few months before and leading up to VLV.

Hope these tips are of some help! Most importantly make new friends and have the best time of your life!

Sarah Vamp
www.facebook.com/sarahvamp
www.modelmayhem.com/sarahvamp