A is for Fashion

What does one wear while flying?  The way I see it, this question could be answered two different ways, but one resulting in a more correct one, in my personal opinion.

While traveling in America, we’re inundated with the track-suited family (I will openly admit in my early childhood I was part of this trend), swishing about in their athletic gear, looking as if they’re warming up for a triathlon.  Although this analogy may seen extreme, traveling with children can seem just so and I can understand why comfortable athletic gear would be appropriate for traveling.

However, does “American Laziness” characterized by our lack of exercise, larger statures, and love of fast foods somehow weaseled its way into our fashion?  Have we stopped caring?  Does the casual traveler no longer realize that the airport and an airplane are public places, much like the streets of downtown or the tables of a restaurant?

Flying used to be glamorous.  The birth of commercial flight was originally reserved for the wealthy, especially during a post-depression era.  This new form of transportation wasn’t touted for its ability to create journeys like their cruise line counterparts, but provide faster travel without skimping on the luxury.  Even today, flight attendants still don the uniform very similar to that of their 60’s ancestor.

As I travel the next couple of days, I will try my best to observe and track what exactly is going on in American airports today and maybe find that better answer to wearing your pajamas to the airport.

Miss Kosovo channels Audrey Hepburn for Miss Universe Pageant

So, after an amusing hour or so of entertaining ethnic-wear and scantily clad women, the ladies of the Miss Universe Competition were required to put on more clothes and walk an awkward catwalk in their be-jeweled and most of the time “where else could this ever be worn” evening gowns.  Until Miss Kosovo took the stage.

Above everything else, her styling was smart.  Her narrow frame was only celebrated by a vintage inspired Givenchy dress, much like those worn by the lovely Audrey Hepburn.  A lack of a overly voluptuous and enhanced chest, the dress did the job, drawing attention away from her diminutive stature, but to her.  Including hair and make up, she carried it off well.

With a modern twist, her single strap gown in the bright purple and the crystal encrusted waist was the right amount change both for today and for the pageant setting.  While thinking about the dress and Miss Hepburn, one can only think of grace, poise, character, humanitarian and all around beautiful person.  Again, Miss Kosovo was smart to take on the persona of Miss Hepburn, momentarily imbuing her with the persona of a film great on the stage.