Long-Legged Russians Impressive

During her visit to the United States, Raisa Gorbachev dispelled the myth that prominent Russian women tend to be dumpy and dowdy. She held her own well alongside former first lady Nancy Reagan.

Now comes Joanne Meyers, owner of the Seattle Models' Guild, with more praise for the appearance of Russian women. Meyers served as a judge for the Super Model of Russia competition held recently in Moscow. The contest was sponsored by the Eileen Ford Modeling Agency in New York.

"There were 15 young women from different parts of Russia competing," said Meyers. "They were much prettier than I had anticipated. And they had gorgeous bodies with long beautiful legs which showed to good advantage in the miniskirts they wore for the interviews."

The competitors ranged in height from 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-11. Meyers said the dresses they wore on the runway were midcalf in length. "In the swimsuit competition they wore exquisite skimpy one-piece maillots of chink armor designed by a Russian designer.

"The way they moved was incredible. They glided and used their hands more than American models do." Most of the models work in Russia's design houses, which have frequent fashion shows that are open to the public, she said.

"The show was well-covered by the European press with probably 75 journalists firing questions. All of our pictures appeared on the front pages of Russian newspapers."

The winner was Irina Harlamova, a 5-foot-10, long-haired brunette. "She is quite lovely and will compete for the Super Model of the World competition next summer," Meyers said.

The judges were wined and dined royally, and entertained by Robert Strauss, newly appointed ambassador to Russia.

"He and his wife, Helen, live in what looks like a gorgeous old castle. When I started to ask him questions he warned me that everything being said was being recorded."

Meyers mentioned seeing long lineups of ordinary people waiting to buy food. But what really surprised her was seeing a line a half-block long at the Elizabeth Arden salon, given the average Russian income.

"At the hotel we were asked not to tip more than $1 at a time. The average salary is only $10 a month."

Imposters Copy Jewelry, inspired by such names in the jewelry field as Cartier, Gucci, Harry Winston and David Webb, has opened in Westlake Mall.

Imposters manufactures synthetic stones such as Austrian crystal and cubic zirconia to look like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other precious and semiprecious stones. The settings may be solid 14-karat gold or 14- or 18-karat gold layered over sterling silver or jeweler's bronze.

Most Imposters' look-alike jewelry sells for $35 to $95.