Spring Fashion Takes Off at RIC

By Steve Cook
What better locale to spotlight this spring’s fashions than at Richmond’s “new” and exceptionally modern airport. After a 28-months and $78 million, Richmond’s International Airport (RIC) is a structure in which all area residents can take pride. “Feedback from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Troy Bell, Director Marketing and Air Service Development at RIC. “Customers enjoy the extra space the new terminal provides, the free WiFi, the low-fare airline options, nearly two dozen nonstop destinations from Richmond, improved restaurants and shops, and the convenience of an expanded facility that retains the “easy to use” qualities of its predecessors.”
Bell says the new terminal, “allows the airport to meet peak travel demand today and well into the future, and creates space for growth.” And, while the aesthetics are certainly evident at the new and improved RIC, the time and expense weren’t just to provide travelers something pretty to look at. “The new terminal,” says Bell “essentially quadrupled the amount of useable floor space in the ticketing hall and baggage claim areas, doubled the space for security checkpoints to permit more screening lanes and shorter wait times, and doubled the curbside linear frontage to help ease vehicle congestion for arrivals and departures.”
The investment is already paying dividends economically, as well. “With the construction, RIC has transformed from a constrained, aged facility into a modern gateway,” says Bell. “Over the last couple of years, RIC has been one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports as service and air fares have seen substantial improvements.” Continuing, Bell says, “Through January 2008, RIC has experienced 32 consecutive months of record passenger growth, due to better access to popular destinations and the continued availability of competitive fares – including low fare offerings from AirTran Airways, JetBlue Airways and Skybus Airlines.”
Additionally, Air Canada recently announced plans to offer daily non-stop service between RIC and Toronto starting May 1st. It will be the only non-stop service between the two cities and the only international route out of Richmond. Air Canada will be the 10th commercial airline offering daily flights from RIC.
If you’ve had occasion to visit RIC in recent months, or even if you’ve just driven past, you cannot have escaped noticing the improvements. And, according to Bell, more are on the way. “Current work includes an improvement project on Airport Drive to allow safer navigation for travelers, cargo operators, and ‘through’ drivers using the airport’s primary roadway.” Bell also says that the second quarter of 2008 will see the kick-off for construction of a 2,600-space North Garage expansion. “Once completed,” Bell says, “on-site parking at RIC will increase to more than 10,000 public spaces.”
The Richmond Metro area does indeed offer travelers a fashionable facility…a facility worthy of being the backdrop for our preview of…Spring Fashions 2008.

~ Photography by Vince Robertson

Credits:
1. Richmond’s International Airport (RIC)

2. Model: Annamaria Parlanti
Yoana Baraschi Orange Cocktail Dress From Jet Set
Ring From Adolf Jewelers
Gray Shiny Clutch By Steve Madden From Saxon Shoes
A.B.S. Shoes From Saxon Shoes

Model: Hassan Abbassy
Shirt By 191 Unlimited From Fabrik
William Rast Jeans From Fabrik
Hugo Boss Shoes From Saxon Shoes
Rock Band Bracelet From Saxon Shoes

3. RIC's ticket area (top floor)

4. Model: Margaritta Kurinna
Baby Doll Button Up Shirt by Kersh from Eurotrash
White Tee by Kersh from Eurotrash
True Religion Jeans from Frabrik
Black Open-toe Apepazza Shoes (Lulu) - From Saxon Shoes
Pink Orla Kiely Purse from Pink

5. Baggage Claim area (downstairs)

6. Model: Annamaria Parlanti
Red Shirt By Kersh From Eurotrash
Black Top By Double Zero From Fabrik
Jeans By True Religion From Fabrik
Shoes - Via Spiga - Abbazia From Saxon Shoes
Belt - From Saxon Shoes
Purse - Big Buddha From Fabrik
Bracelet - Rockband - From Saxon Shoes

7. Arrival/Departure Boards

8. Model: Hassan Abbassy
Black Pinstripe Suit From Hickory Freeman - From Franco’s
Shirt - Robert Talbott From Franco’s
Shoes - Romano Martegani Lucca From Franco’s
Tie - Robert Talbott From Franco’s

9. Model: Margaritta Kurinna
Skirt By Bow And Arrow From Jet Set
Blouse (Shirt) By Ted Baker From Eurotrash
Jacket (Not Sure) From Eurotrash
Necklace From Adolf Jewelers
Natmu Purse From Saxon Shoes

10. Escalators

11. Model: Annamaria Parlanti
Free People Wide Leg Pants from Fabrik
Pink Strapless Shirt by B. Tru from Lava Boutique
Chain Necklace by Hugo Boss from Saxon Shoes
Peep Toe Pink Flats by Bettye Muller from Saxon Shoes

12. Model: Margaritta Kurinna
Pink Bow And Arrow Naulet Top - From Jet Set
Gracia Denim Skirt - From Fabrik
Chain Belt From Saxon Shoes
Black Purse - Sr Squared Sondra Roberts From Saxon Shoes
Peep Toe Pewter Shoes By Chinese Laundry From Saxon Shoes
Betseyville Luggage From Betsey Johnson (stylist owned)

13. Hudson News bookstore

14. Model: Hassan Abbassy
Rock N Republic Jeans From Fabrik
Roar White Button Up Shirt From Fabrik
Kenneth Cole Shoes From Saxon Shoes

15. Corridor leading to Atrium

16. Model: Annamaria Parlanti
Yoana Baraschi Orange Cocktail Dress From Jet Set
Ring From Adolf Jewelers
Gray Shiny Clutch By Steve Madden From Saxon Shoes
A.B.S. Shoes From Saxon Shoes

Model: Margaritta Kurinna
Navy Blue And White Dress By Beth Bowley From Jet Set
White Button Down Jacket From Jet Set
Jessica Bennett Shoes From Saxon Shoes

17. Model: Hassan Abbassy
Pants- Jet Lag Cesar Khakis from Fabrik
Shirt - Project E Vintage Gray Lonsleeve from Fabrik
Rock Band Bracelet from Saxon Shoes
Shoes From Saxon Shoes