Be a Car d'Lane pin-up princess

To kids, classic pin-up models might as well be princesses.

That’s what Jenny Cook has observed, at least. She owns The Retro Studio Photography and Events, a new portrait studio in downtown Coeur d’Alene, and specializes in photographing pin-up models and classic cars.

For years, Cook has attended local car shows along with her studio’s spokesmodels, The Retro Dolls. The pin-ups make car shows more interesting for the whole family, Cook said, but it’s especially gratifying to see how kids respond to them.

“They always think the pin-ups are princesses,” she said. “They look up to them and see these beautiful, classy women,” she said. “I think it’s really important to show a classy, family friendly image to our young daughters.”

This year, The Retro Studio will host a pin-up contest “with a twist” during Car d’Lane, on Saturday, June 16 at 1 p.m. Aspiring pin-up models will have a chance to show off their looks, personalities and charm as they walk across the stage.

There are three age categories — 12 and younger, 13 to 17, and 18 and older — but all ages are welcome.

In past contests, judges scored each participant on hair, dress, makeup and charisma. This year, The Retro Studio will award prizes to the pin-up with the best hair decorations, including hair flowers and fascinators.

“We’ve added a separate category to take the judging off the person’s body,” Cook said.

The Retro Studio will have a hair flower and fascinator class ahead of the contest, for anyone who needs help to create their pieces, at their location on Sherman Avenue. The public can observe the class for free or pay for supplies ($20 for a hair flower or $25 for a fascinator) and participate.

Cook emphasized that all ages and sizes are welcome. The pin-up contest is meant to be supportive and encouraging.

“We want to empower women everywhere,” she said. “We want everyone to embrace their body, whether they’re a size zero or 16, whether they’re one or 80. We want them to love themselves for who they are.”

Participants can pre-register for the pin-up contest through The Retro Studio’s website, http://www.theretrostudiophotography.com, or in person at Car d’Lane on June 16 before 12:30 p.m.