Letters, May 8, 1995

• Share

THE RETURN TO ELEGANCE

"The supermodels of today have realized that there is life beyond the fashion industry, and that it's O.K. to be intelligent as well as beautiful."

Carmelita C. Honeycomb Easton, Connecticut

"A new touch of class'' [FASHION, April 17]? Thanks! And thank goodness!

K. Livingston Nichols Richmond, Virginia

"Wearable," "more realistic apparel" is to be worn with stiletto heels, which will require experience to walk in safely? Why not return to binding women's feet? It angers me that the fashion industry is so backward regarding the health of women's feet. Do women of the '90s really want to be dressed up like little dolls that can't run? This is class?

Emmalee G. Cregar Tucson, Arizona

That may be an "elegant, wearable" suit Claudia Schiffer is wearing on your cover, but it's still the old, sexually titillating, tumbling blond locks and hand-poised-to-unbutton, sex-kitten look. Our society overemphasizes sex as a value.

Peter J. Dawson Magnolia, New Jersey

American women don't admire supermodels, those spoiled brats who are discovered at a young age and made millionaires overnight just because of their looks. This is an 18-year-old's game, and models who are older had better think about starting their own fast-food restaurants or making other plans.

Leila Rose Martinsville, Indiana AOL: Leila Rose

Those who say supermodels are ahead of movie stars on the fame hierarchy may be right. But even if that is so, models are only models. Although I admire their beauty and elegance, Idon't respect them as much as I do talented actresses.

Iekazu Okano New York City

The supermodels of today have realized that there is life beyond the fashion industry, and that it's O.K. to be intelligent as well as beautiful. Classic styles will always outlive the frivolous or trendy. However, when I pick up Time, I want to read about current events. Don't go "soft" on us!

Carmelita C. Honeycomb Easton, Connecticut

A return to the classics? I'd be delighted to take your word for it. But the modelsyou portray make a mockery of the new styles,with their absurdly outthrust hips and bosoms.

Lori Pederson Madison, Wisconsin

The world fawns over women in absurd getups. Are we really to believe the fashion industry has come to its senses? More important, do we care?

Mary Masters Sarreguemines, France

OVERHAULING THE TAX SYSTEM

You reported that the American public is amazingly frustrated and angry at the Internal Revenue Service [TAXES, April 17]. Anyone who is surprised at this is totally out of touch. Citizens hate the IRS because it has become a sort of governmental Mafia that terrorizes honest people along with those who are dishonest. The IRS has even managed to temper criticism of it in the media. It will be interesting to see how many of those who complain will be subject to some type of audit.

John A. Hagins Jr. Greenville, South Carolina