Pin-up model launches rockabilly styling, events business

SHE’S a pin-up girl pining for the days of old-school romance, and she has the business to capitalise when it does.

Sofie Bahnson (right) with Si Cranstoun and the very pink Coco-chanel. . Picture: Contributed

SHE'S a pin-up girl pining for the days of old-school romance, and she has the business to capitalise when it does.

Sofie Bahnson, the reigning 2015 Miss Cooly Rocks On, says a lifetime love of all things rockabilly has driven her to venture into the small business world, creating Rubies and Rice, a wedding and romantic occasion planning service with a nostalgic twist.

The staffer at a Coast legal firm said she was hoping the new venture would take off, so she could pursue her passion full-time but admitted it was a while down the track.

"We're a vintage styling and event organisation business," Sofie said.

"We individually tailor romantic moments, gestures, anniversaries and proposals as well as vintage styling for weddings and hen's nights and that sort of thing."

The part-time pin-up model said the chance to express her love of rockabilly, vintage cars and old-school romance through pin-up pageants was a great way to connect with like-minded people.

"I've done a couple now but this (Cooly Rocks On) is probably the biggest one I've done," she said.

Sofie took out this year's competition at Coolangatta, where an epic line-up of vintage cars and old-school enthusiasts flocked to the famous beachside strip to celebrate all things retro.

She said the retro scene, which originated in the US, was starting to gain popularity in Australia, particularly in capital cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

"I've always been a little bit interested in it and I've always felt that I'm a little bit born in the wrong era," she said with a laugh.

"Everyone put effort into everything back then, whether it was the way they dressed or the way they romanced each other."

The 30-year-old Peregian Beach resident - an 11-year Coastie with Danish family - said she was stoked at the way Rubies and Rose had been received so far.

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Originally published as Pin-up model launches rockabilly styling, events business