womeninsuits: In 1933, while en route to Paris via Cherbourg on the German luxury ocean liner the Eu
womeninsuits: In 1933, while en route to Paris via Cherbourg on the German luxury ocean liner the Europa, Dietrich created a stir when she enjoyed the open-air deck in a white pantsuit. Hearing of this, the head of the Paris police department warned that Dietrich would be arrested if she wore such clothing in Paris. Upon her arrival in the city, she stepped off the train wearing her most mannish tweed suit, complete with her hair slicked back under a beret and sunglasses fashioned after the traditional lesbian signifier, the monocle. Dietrich was not arrested; in fact, the chief of police apologized and sent her a sandalwood bracelet as a gift. Dietrich used her image—and her star power—to teach the Parisian police a lesson in freedom of choice. [x] -- source link