— March 25, 2010 —
In her column author Stella Duffy weaves original short stories inspired by archive fashion images sourced from our research library
Black shoe Photography Ralph Gibson
Him: I’m waiting.
Her: Yes.
Him: You know I loathe being late, only yesterday I was –
Her: Telling me –
Him: How Imogen was always late. Always. You promised –
Her: I wouldn’t be late. And I’m not. We’re not late –
Him: Yet. We will be if you don’t get a move on. Do get a move on. It doesn’t look good, not good at all. I know it’s become something of a tradition, but it seems to me –
Her: We’re not late.
Him: Yet. These are new shoes, you know.
Her: I do. Know. You told me. Yesterday. When you were talking about Imogen –
Him: Always being late. Always. And how thankful I am that you’re not –
Her: Imogen. Or Greta.
Him: Ah Greta, she was a different matter entirely. It wasn’t lateness with Greta.
Her: No?
Him: No. Rather an over-eagerness. It was not elegant. Greta was too much like a young girl. Or a puppy.
Her: I like puppies.
Him: I don’t. I don’t like puppies or lateness. I do like –
Her: Me?
Him: Yes. I like you. I love you. Of course I love you, I wouldn’t be –
Her: I’d hope not. Still… nice shoes.
Him: They’re new.
Her: You said.
Him: It’s all new.
Her: Is it?
Him: Suit, tie, shirt, socks, shoes.
Her: Underwear?
Him: Sorry?
Her: Your underwear. Pants. Boxers. Shorts. Whatever you call them. Are they new?
Him: Oh. No. They’re not as a matter of fact. But they are clean, if that’s what you’re worried about, if that’s what you mean, I wouldn’t –
Her: I know that.
Him: You do?
Her: Yes.
Him: You’re sure?
Her: Yes. Really.
Him: Good. So. Are we ready? Are you ready?
Her: Ah, no. I’m not. No.
Him: What?
Her: I haven’t a thing to wear.
© Stella Duffy 2010
Mary Jane, Capri, 1983 Photography by Ralph Gibson