Andrea Domanick
Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Saturday, April 7, 2012 | 2 a.m.
The annual Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend kicked off at the Orleans on Thursday with no shortage of sharp ensembles in sight.
Fans of the rockabilly lifestyle came from as far as Australia and Sweden to attend the weekend-long event featuring car shows, music, pool parties, a little bit of hula and a lot of burlesque.
As Thursday evening's events wound down after midnight, attendees showed no signs of slowing down as they hit the casino floor; even the Orleans' colorfully lit, decadent decor seemed demure in comparison with the crowd's bold head-to-toe vintage looks.
Glittering lips, luscious curls and corseted waists reigned among the ladies; the fellas tended toward slicked-back 'dos, abundant tattoos and a twinkle in their eyes. But the best part was that no two looks were quite alike. Here's a look at some of Thursday night's most distinct styles. Viva indeed.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
These ladies could teach a class in VLV 101: Miss If-N-Whendy of San Francisco is a burlesque dancer; Brynna Ashley works as a makeup artist at Benefit in San Francisco along with counter manager Jenni Anne; Las Vegan Kelsie is a hairdresser.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Tommy, a mechanic from Fullerton, Calif., was indisputably the night's rhinestone cowboy in this twinkling power blue getup. "Wait till you see what I'm wearing tomorrow night!" he said. "It's gonna blow this one away."
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Locals Alessia and Kathren are double trouble in hip-hugging pencil skirts and come-hither stares.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Emily and Shante are waitresses and bartenders at Vince Neil's Girls, Girls, Girls strip club across from the Orleans. They stopped over at VLV during a break at work to mingle with fellow rockabilly fans, and maybe get a few of them to pay a visit across the street.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Can you tell that Andy, left, of Pomona, Calif., makes his living as a musician? His buddy Jose, however, keeps it more mellow working as a mechanic.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
There's something about Mary — or Sassy 'Stang, as she's called at VLV. When not flashing her gams, the Ogden, Utah, resident works as an aircraft painter.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Anna and Amanda traveled all the way from Sweden — a 24-hour flight — and it's not their first time at VLV. "It's just a lifestyle," they said of what keeps them coming back.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Elaina and Carlita from Southern California turned heads at a roulette table with their bold, meticulously styled looks. It's no surprise that they both model for Pin Up Girl Clothing.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Edwin of Santa Barbara, Calif., kept it two-toned in a vintage suit and perfectly coiffed black 'do; nice touch with the pocket chain.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
These ladies' looks were all about playing up contrast; the gold belt and flower play especially nicely off the blond streak in her hair.
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
There was a lot of great hair at VLV, but these guys arguably top the rest; c'mon, when was the last time you saw a tiger pattern dyed onto a spiked mohawk?
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Rockabilly fans from across the world show off their sharp looks at Viva Las Vegas at the Orleans on Thursday, April 5, 2012.
Renee traveled all the way from Sydney, Australia, for this weekend's celebration, and like many others, this is far from her first time. Back home, she works as a stylist, and it shows: the light structuring of her dress and belt, combined with contrasting pastels, gives a subtle contemporary edge to a classic '50s looks.
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