Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.life From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Politics wears well on T-shirts Date: Thu, 29 Oct 92 14:38:17 EST Message-ID: \SE E;LIFE;WAY OF LIFE;IN STYLE \HD Politics wears well on T-shirts \SH But election humor will soon fade \BY Ann Geracimos \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES NOT SO HALLOWED . . . You can be covered in timely fashion for the coming week's multiple fetes with the comic T-shirts and sweatshirts produced by the Wearhouse in Beltsville. "Trick or treat" indeed: Check out the logo. "Scariest Halloween Yet" is imprinted beneath the faces of the leading presidential candidates holding goody bags. The Beltsville factory has an outlet store, allowing for rapid turnover in slogans and reasonable prices: $6.95 for the T; $9.95 for the sweat. A staff artist produced the current design, but three political cartoonists are under license for future work. The disadvantage is that 90 percent of the designs have limited longevity; jokes - and careers - fade with the headlines. The company requires a minimum 90-day interest span, says Michael Parent, vice president for sales and marketing. The address is 10722 Hanna St., Beltsville, Md. 20705-2199, or phone 800/638-7070. INAUGURAL BEAT Interest is building fast in inaugural wardrobes, report several local retail establishments. The rental company 'Til Midnight, at 1200 19th St. NW, notes a big run on ball gowns. Sally Foster, the buyer, laughs at the idea that Republicans ask for different styles than do Democrats. Democrats, in fact, are their main business at the moment "and Texas society ladies who say we do a party no matter who wins the election." This weekend, clients will put down the deposit required or lose their chance. But deposits are refundable until the first of the year, "so if your candidate loses you aren't out of luck," she says. Fees range from $100 to $250 for three days. The latter price covers the most elaborate dresses. Both Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are hosting special shows of evening wear. Heather Femia, fashion director at Nordstrom, is planning a Tysons Corner show of couture ball gowns on Nov. 18. "People with busy schedules buy now for the whole season," she says. Most stores plan for their inaugural business early on grounds that holiday events interfere with serious shopping after November. COLOR ME WORLDLY Not content with provoking comment through offbeat advertisements, Benetton, the clothing company, is sponsoring a large-size newsprint magazine called Colors. It's said to be available on newsstands this week - or check local Benetton stores. The price is $3 in the United States. The thrust of the ambitious stylish publication is to present topics of interest to people all over the world. The novelty element is the use of several languages in each issue. The fall-winter edition is said to have a print run of 800,000 and distribution in more than 80 countries, in five bilingual editions. What could it mean that clothes and fashion rate barely a mention throughout? SPECIALTY MARKETS There's now a "Thirtysomething" apparel catalog - its proper name. While claiming a novel friendly and informal approach, the contents really don't seem all that different from the other catalogs choking mailboxes. But the catalog deserves credit for introducing the idea of entertaining talk and advice between photographs of merchandise. On that basis alone it might give the likes of the "new" Kmart a run for its budget. Kmart Corp. is pushing a new fashion image of late: "smart" styles at reasonable prices. Seeing is believing, however. Which is why catalog sales can be risky. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM