Air Apparent: The Original Fly Girl Was Fierce!

For the fall 2009 collection, Hermes designer Jean Paul Gaultier says he was inspired by the early 20th-century aviatrix outfits. Bessie Coleman, right, was the first AMERICAN EVER to earn the International Pilot's license from the Federation Aeronatique Internationale (F.A.I.) in 1920. She prepared herelf by taking French class at night school in Chicago. Doris Rich, in her book on Bessie, said "as an aviator she was a threat to whites who cherished their racial superiority, and as a woman pilot she threatened the ego of black males." Queen Bess – Daredevil Aviatrix was a true champion of her race. She refused to appear in any air show that did not allow whites and blacks to attend together. Recognize!