Clothing is literally the fabric of our lives. It’s a necessity, an art form and a piece of history. I had the rare opportunity of meeting a fascinating woman, Jacqueline Thelen, who had a large collection of vintage clothing that spans over six decades. The clothes tell the story of style throughout the years. I had the chance to interview her about the experiences that shaped her extraordinary life. The clothing featured in this story proves that good fashion is timeless and outlives any trends.

Thelen started her exciting journey through life as an airline stewardess in the 1940s, traveling all over the world. Her many accomplishments as a model, entrepreneur, columnist, TV host and mother of four children have proven that a woman can thrive under any circumstance. Thelen continued to keep up with current fashions and modern day culture until her death in June 2012.

Where have you lived?
Italy, Ireland, Scotland, the Philippines, Greece, Egypt, Hawaii, Cuba, New York, New Orleans, Miami, San Francisco, La Hoya and other cities in the U.S.

Tell me about your days as an airline stewardess?
It was 1941; I was only 19 when I started flying for National Airlines. It was owned by Mr. George Baker, and they used to call us Baker’s dozen because there were only 12 stewardesses flying at the time. I met my husband through my job, and he was one of the first Blue Angels. When we married in 1948, I had to resign as a stewardess. By law you weren’t allowed to be married and be a stewardess at the same time. There were many restrictions and requirements in the flight industry in the early days. To be a stewardess, you had to be between 20 and 26 years old. You also had to be a registered nurse when you flew abroad.

For the entire story, see the current issue of South Magazine on shelves now at these local retailers.

Photographers: Travis Teate & Jessica Ashmen Teate
Fashion Stylist: Andrea Serrano
Hair Stylist: Charlotte Belk at Elysium Salon
Makeup: Jonny Sherwood at Jonny Cosmetics
Set Design: Matthew McLaughlin
Models: Sadye Claxton, Lara Lill
Produced and Written by Charlotte Belk & Andrea Serrano