Friends of Fashion Windows
Feminine Adrenaline
Showcases Motorcycle Apparel For Women
By Lucas Aykroyd
Photos Ashley Maile

VANCOUVER, BC, Jun 24, 2002/ FW/ --- Contrary to the song by the Eagles, "life in the fast lane" hasn't made Suzanne Fetting lose her mind. But the 26-year-old Vancouver woman is crazy about her chosen sport. Along with top local promoter Jamal Abdourahman, Fetting organized a fashion show entitled Feminine Adrenaline at the upscale Au Bar nightclub on June 6, 2002 to show that mounting a motorcycle can be as much about style as speed.

"The inspiration to put this show together was my addiction to riding sport bikes," Fetting confirmed. "There's a growing trend of women getting into motorcycles."

This marked the second straight year for Feminine Adrenaline, and the growth of the concept since 2001 is gratifying to Fetting. The statuesque former model boasts a background in store planning, retail sales and visual merchandising.

"We are trying to target women who already ride as well as those who are considering getting into it, and also those who may simply be drawn by their interest in fashion," said Fetting. "They're making some great-looking gear for us these days!"

In front of an enthusiastic capacity crowd of 450, the show literally got off to a roaring start when Fetting came out full motorcycle regalia and revved the engine of a parked red Honda F4 to send clouds of dry ice billowing across the runway.

Next up were models strutting in leather Honda apparel emblazoned with the FOX RACING logo, with looks ranging from Swedish combat gear to an all-American red, blue and white.

The Original Leather Factory, based in Vancouver since 1976, provided a smorgasbord of lightweight and heavy duty jackets, some of which looked tough enough to have outfitted heavy metal rockers Judas Priest circa 1982.

Dayton's contribution was a series of stylish cotton pullovers and snug-fitting T-shirts for casual off-road use.

Cattiva made its mark with flexible summer wear in a nice range of hues, with a sporty flair just as well suited to tennis as motorcycle madness.

When you park the bike at your favorite beach, Kitzco Swimwear offers dazzling bikinis for those who dare to bare.

Using an array of synthetic fabrics, Kitzco adorned models in a variety of floral patterns ranging in color from blue and yellow to hot pink and black, and also triumphed with the classic French look.

Cattiva's second tour of the runway focused on trendy casual wear, with simple but practical frayed denim skirts juxtaposed with tank tops and spaghetti straps. In keeping with the motorcycle theme, a studded black leather handbag also made an appearance.

Lingerie from Body One on Granville Street spoke of hot nights after days racing down the highway. Highlights included a stunning white lace bustier with beige stockings and a pink-and-black baby doll in tailored satin. Also featured were some of Body One's swimsuits, ranging from a tasteful blue rayon bikini to a selection of revealing thongs.

The spotlight shifted back to motorcycle apparel from Clearbrook Motorsports for the finale. With a tough, armor-plated look, jackets by Ballistic and Teknic and AGV helmets presented the protection today's female rider demands. It was an appropriate conclusion to the hour-long show.

At her website, Speedybikegirls.com, Suzanne Fetting encourages women to get the training and gear they need to ride safely, which she's done since acquiring her license and her first bike, a Kawasaki EX 500, four years ago. She also recommends women avoid taking lessons from their boyfriends or husbands, as this tends to leave relationships smelling like burnt rubber.

But not to worry. It seems fair to surmise that the charms of Feminine Adrenaline-type apparel might help to ease whatever friction comes up.