My Love Affair with Mrs Peel...

Mrs. Peel (aka Diana Rigg)

Growing up in Detroit in the 1960s was an exciting time. We did, after all, have more than 3 channel on TV. We had the mighty CKLW from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This meant there were lots of programs that originated in Great Brittan. At that time, in the mid 1960s, that meant London, Carnaby Street and Mod clothing.

The most important of these shows to me at that time, was The Avengers. We actually got the programs first run from England. Not only did it expand my culture (that’s what I told my mom), it also shaped the
blossoming fashion sense of a 13 year old girl. 

Growing up I had developed a “unique” fashion sense. Since I attended a catholic school, which was darn near impossible. We wore uniforms and were assigned a “color” of knee sox (NO HOSE) to wear, based on grade. I was once sent to the mother superiors lair for wearing the wrong color knee sox and another time for wearing a button that read “What Me Worry?” with a photo of Alfred E Neuman.

Somewhere in 1966, I was in the 6^th grade, I became obsessed with Mrs. Peel and the incredible designs she wore each week. Her style and grace was unmatched and typically British Mod. The timeless designs of John Varon (see earlier post) were perfect for Diana Riggs 5’ 9” frame. There were brightly colored dresses, suits and pants. Not to mention those leather togs.

I would grab a drawing pad and attempt to copy the designs.

I was blissfully unaware that the looks were not quite right for my 5’2” chubby frame. Since my mother (who was an excellent seamstress) made a lot of my clothes, we would modify patterns so that they had a designer quality. I remember particularly an Easter outfit of bright yellow and orange. I even purchase a pair of yellow patent leather shoes and a “Chanel” style quilted bag to match! Mod was my favorite style and still remains dear.

The school at last, relented and allowed us to wear go-go boots and “real” hose. Few of the nuns were happy about this change. Shortly after, in 1967 as the 7^th grade started, we began to conduct “guitar” masses. The times they were a-changin’.