As Sartorial Baltimoreal photographer Lee Kriel and I rounded the corner at the JHU Barnes and Noble on St. Paul recently, she said to me, “Look at the purple coat with the old Samsonite luggage straight ahead.” I saw nothing more than a bunch of kids waiting for the bus, but as we walked closer, Charles Village couple Anna and Ross came clearer. When they turned around and Anna’s magnificent eyes met me, the flashes went off! Sometimes only the trained eye of a photographer can spot the stars in a well-populated scene.
Ross Brendle, 28, and Anna Hoffman, 25
Hi! Where are you all traveling?
Anna: We are going to New Orleans to see my family.
Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?
We are married.
What do you do here in Baltimore?
Anna: I work at the front desk of the BMA.
Ross: I am a graduate student in classical archaeology at Hopkins. I want to be a professor.
You both look so fashionable. Did you think about what you were wearing on the plane this morning?
Anna: I always think about what I wear. I love fashion. I am an artist and I knit all the time. (She made the scarf she is wearing.)
Ross: I dressed as I normally would dress.
And your individual styles?
Anna: I think I am colorful-vintage, highlighting homemade knits!
Ross: Stylish academic.
You are both so retro! Your cats-eye glasses and lined eyes, Anna (such the rage now). Your coat. Your shoes. Ross, I love your hair and cardigan! So ’50s!
Anna: I have been wearing eyeliner like this since I can remember. It’s so popular now.
Ross: My sweater is from H&M and my hair just has gel in it.
And this old Samsonite you are carrying?
Anna: It’s from the 1960’s. And it cost $5!
