Backseat - From Where I Sit

November 2001

By: Michelle

Fashion Statement

Autumn is definitely in the air. It is that wonderful time when the wind in our face, suddenly has a bit of a bite to it and we reluctantly pull down the face shield adding another layer between ourselves and the free feeling we love best. We trade the worry of bugs splattering on our face for the worry of suddenly gusting leaves and dust obstructing our view and blowing us around on the road.

What was once the simple and carefree task of throwing on a pair of half-fingered riding gloves and boots has now become the ritual of layering chaps, vests, facemasks, jackets, bandanas, full-fingered gloves and thick socks. Not only can this add to prep time, it also diminishes who we are as people. We sort of become non-descript bundles of black leather.

As I watch my figure mutate with each layer I put on, I can't help but think someone is missing a great marketing opportunity. You know they can do miraculous things with fabrics these days that can push, pull and uplift almost to the point of making us all guilty of false advertising. Yet, your basic black leather comes in two distinct varieties: Fantasy and Unisex.

Fantasy - This variety makes me cringe. The sole purpose of these tiny outfits is to stir the imagination of men and the wrath of women. Here is a dose of reality - the average woman is a size twelve, which in my book means Medium not Large (or in some cases Extra Large), like the labels refer to in the stores. These manufacturers, who live in this "size dream world", are destined to lose sales. Sure, the catalogs look great but who's gonna buy it? Sorry, the models don't come with the outfits…

Unisex - Sure you can share your clothes with your partner and nobody would know the difference but that is exactly the problem. I personally would like some sort of reference point for folks to know that the person underneath is really a woman. In the unisex variety, the only curves visible are whatever is pouring out of the ends of whatever garment that can't press it all down. (I swear my neck, my fingers and my feet get fatter with each crushing layer.)

All I am really asking for is curves in the right places and to be able to shop in the normal size range when I go shopping. I don't think that is too much to ask. In order to stay warm, we now have to add layers of clothing between ourselves and the open road, at least let us look good while we do it.

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