The other day, I decided to go walking at the mall at noon instead of at 7:00 a.m. As I passed Gilly Hicks, I was shocked by how the store workers were dressed; or not. The whole scene definitely took you out of the mall and into a red light district somewhere.
The young man was wearing jeans with the zipper partly open and set so low below his waist that there was barely anything left not to see. The young woman was clad in a bikini (in December with neither sea nor sand near by). Both were barefoot. They stood just inside the doorway of the store, leaning on the wall “chatting” to each other. From inside, one could hear the song made famous by Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, beckoning you in, “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” The store is so dimly lit, you need a flash light to go in. A sickening sweet odor fills the air and wafts out to you as you pass by. It is not a leap to ask is this a clothing store or a brothel?
Just for heck of it, I went to Gilly Hicks’ web site and this picture is on their home page. I covered the young man’s bottom, which is bare in the original. I realize that this is a different age and I’m just an old fart, but common on, this is unreal. If those pants are for sale, WHERE ARE THEY?
As I passed the store a second time, I saw three women (my age) walk in. I over heard one say, “Hey! They have naked young men in here.” I could not hear the rest of their conversation as it was drowned out with their laughter.
Maybe its just me. Maybe I should just resign myself to the fact that I am close to being older than dirt; especially to this next generation. Times have changed and that is that. I can remember going to a shop and buying something based on how well it was made. Was the garment lined; and if so, was it a half lining or full lining. Was it well tailored or “thrown together.” Was the hem machine or hand sewn.
Whether it is cars, clothes, appliances, tooth paste, motor oil, a boat or after shave cologne, we are not buying a product, we are buying a fantasy. Maybe as we work to fix our economy we could start thinking about making things well again, and in our own backyard. That’s my fantasy.
cool
Very interesting post.