SHORT SKIRTS FOR B.E.A.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28792, 13 January 1959, Page 2

SHORT SKIRTS FOR B.E.A.

Because of a casual remark made by Lady Douglas to her husband, the chairman of British European Airways (Lord Douglas of Klrtlesidel the company’s air receptionists will probably soon be wearing their uniform skirts three inches shorter.

Lady Douglas said in London recently that she was astonished to find her remarks about B.E.A. girls* skirts had sparked off a furore. Interviewed at her home in Buckinghamshire, she said: "I merely remarked to my husband that the uniform skirt might well follow the new short fashion. He made a note about it and the matter was considered officially.” A new order came through aS a

result of the official consideration to shorten uniform skirts by three inches. There are 700 B.E.A- receptionists and they are not all pleased about the order. They may organise a petition against it, but most of the receptionists would be prepared to compromise if a new uniform were issued, a report from London says. The old style jacket of the uniform would look out of place with short skirts, is the general opinion. This photograph shows Lady Douglas, who wears her skirts less than two inches below the knee, discussing the matter with a B.E.A. receptionist (Miss Ly Jarvemets) who wears the unaltered B.E.A. uniform skirt.