FROM her signature red hair to her motto, her apple-themed branding and “Your pinup full of sugar and spice with a tablespoon of nice. Be real, be true, be sweet,” Billie Jean Sweet – better known as Miss B – has taken out top honours at the Rockabilly & Retro Pinup competition, held during the Rockabilly and Retro Twilight Festival at the Ipswich Showgrounds on Saturday night.
The win cements her place as a standout figure in Ipswich’s thriving vintage and pinup scene.
In an exclusive for Local Ipswich News, Miss B Sweet offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her journey to the stage, sharing a “get ready with me” look at the preparation behind her polished appearance.
“Extensions are an essential for big hair,” she said. “It takes two to three hours to get ready from hair to makeup.”
She said the hair is the most time-intensive part of the process – a detail reflected in her striking final look and consistent success in competition.
Her victory comes as retro and rockabilly culture continues to surge in popularity across Ipswich and the wider South East Queensland region.
Festivals, car shows and pinup competitions are attracting growing crowds, with communities embracing vintage fashion, classic cars and mid-century style as both a creative outlet and a celebration of nostalgia.
A well-known face within the scene, Miss B Sweet has built a strong reputation through her involvement in major events, including the Downunder Beachfest Pinup Pageant in 2022, as well as regular appearances at rockabilly and retro festivals across the region.
“I first started in 2011 just dressing in the style, and I first took to the stage in 2018,” she said.
Originally from Rockhampton, she has since become a prominent figure in South East Queensland’s pinup community.
With a growing social media following and a strong presence within Australian pinup circles, she continues to champion authenticity, confidence and timeless style.
