By Barb Pert Templeton
When ‘Lindy Lamore’ turns up at pinup contests across Michigan and beyond her blond bombshell look circa the 1950’s captures attention, awards and warm memories for her alter ego, Danielle Hudson.
A Port Huron resident, Hudson created her bombshell character in memory of her late mother Marilyn ‘Lindy’ Francek, who was strong and supportive and loved the 1950’s era.
“My Mom’s nickname was Lindy and Lamore means love so I wanted to honor her, the name means I love my mother,” Hudson smiled.
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A group of the Bombshell pinup girls strikes a pose during a recent outing.
She became part of this unique bunch of women from across the state in 2016 and although there is no official group and “no structure whatsoever” the women come together for various events and contests decked out as pinup girls upon request.
This Saturday local pinups will be part of the Miss Bluewater Bombshell Contest during the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show at Birchwood Mall. The ladies will pose next to cars, with car owners and spectators before competing for cash prizes before a panel of judges. The event is hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the pinup contest will begin around 10:30 a.m.
‘Lindy Lamore’ aka Danielle Hudson loves posing for pictures as one of the pinup girls.
“We usually have lots of ladies from all over the state but with gas prices over $5 a gallon many opted out this time,” Hudson said. “But we do have 10 bombshells from the St. Clair County area coming on Saturday.”
The contest will judge contestants in four categories, hair and makeup, clothing for the era, stage presence and personality while answering a question posed by the judges. Prize money, provided by the Fort Gratiot Business Association, includes $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third prize. The ladies also get a tiara and a special sash, Hudson said.
The various contests at events across the state highlight bombshells dressed up in clothing from the 1920’s to the 1970’s although the majority seem to embrace the 1950’s to 1960’s era.
“We have vintage fashions but not vintage values, this is a very empowering group for women,” Hudson said. “And it gives 10 to 15 ladies the chance to dress-up, be silly and make complete fools of themselves because that’s what we do.”
Calling the bombshells ‘kind of a sub-culture” for those who enjoy all things vintage, Hudson said some of the ladies even carry their characters into everyday life with clothing, cars and homes that reflect the past.
“Lots of ladies shop at thrift stores for their clothing but there’s also a group that makes their own costumes,” Hudson said.
Pinups go hand in hand with summer and fall car shows so they are often in demand from June to October, many of them traveling distances to be part of the show.
“This is really the most amazing and empowering group of ladies that you could ever be around,” Hudson said.
“Membership” in this non-group is open to everyone and new bombshells join the fun all the time. To find out more visit Lindy Lamore’s Facebook page.
