So, the blog must go on. Time for the long-overdue, second annual Style Begins At Forty Awards - a bit like the Vanity Fair best-dressed list but without the bankers (that's financiers if you're reading this in America) - let's hear it for all those fabulous people beyond a certain age who deserve a virtual pat on the back. Yay!
The Lifetime Achievement Award: Hilary Alexander
As I pointed out at the inaugural ceremony last year, this is not a sympathy vote for some sad sack who no-one really likes. It is, in fact, well-earned recognition for years of hard graft and a life-long dedication to style. Hilary Alexander (above) won a media award at the CFDAs earlier this year, retired from the Daily Telegraph after 25 years as fashion director and signed up for a degree in archaeology. Meanwhile she continues to freelance and tweet like a person half her age. No staying in with her feet up and a cuppa for Hilary.
The Global Superstar Award: Michelle Obama
Not only is Michelle Obama, 47, a fantastic role model for working-class kids the world over - when she goes into inner city schools it makes me cry - she can dance properly too. And, with an easy confidence and excellent dress sense there's no doubting her fashion credentials. Now, if Mobama could just see off all those Tea Party nutters she can be my favourite First Lady for another term.
The Broken-Glass-Ceiling award: Christine Lagarde
This was a close one. Jill Abramson, the first female editor of The New York Times came a very close second but was pipped at the post by Christine Lagarde. The only SBAFtA winner who's also being investigated for fraud, oops sorry, on the Vanity Fair best-dressed list 2011. The 55-year-old head of the IMF looks at home on the red carpet, gives good scarf action and has fantastic hair too.
Best Actor Award: Mark Rylance
The one-time artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe picked up a TONY for his role as Johnny Byron in Jerusalem - and looks like a cross between Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell. Which is never a bad thing. Rylance, 51, is heading home this autumn for a run at the Apollo Theatre, and Mr & Mrs That's Not My Age have our tickets booked already.
The Technology Award: Bjork
Bjork, 46, has created a new album, Biophilia, that mixes music, science and technology - to be honest I don't really understand how it works but it's got something to do with apps. And Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent designed a raw crystal jumpsuit especially for her. Which makes the Icelandic singer a genius as far as I'm concerned.
The Parisian Chic Award: Ines de la Fressange
She's gorgeous and elegant and wears flat Roger Vivier shoes. OK, it's easy for a model to look good but Ines de la Fressange has thirty years experience in fashion, is back on the catwalk in her sixth decade and has shared her style secrets with us in a charming, witty book. Advice such as, 'To feel better about my lifestyle, I watch documentaries on old rock bands and I feel like a picture of health,' is always welcome.
The Two-Fingered Salute Award: Jarvis Cocker and George Michael
Now this one is a tie. Though it may not have received as much press coverage as the Michael Jackson bum-flashing stunt, Jarvis Cocker, 47, wiping his arse on the last ever issue of News of the World at T in the Park deserves a standing ovation. And, I kind of like George Michael, 48, now that he gets arrested in toilets and crashes his Mercedes into Snappy Snaps. But the best thing he's ever done, even better than Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, was slapping obnoxious, Little Englander, Jeremy Clarkson down on Twitter. After a brief spat, Michael tweeted, 'Good grief Mr Clarkson, I wasn't implying your towering heterosexuality was in question. I had no desire to insult you!' Followed by, 'But I do now, you pig-ugly homophobic twat!!!!!'
Who would you give a Style Begins at Forty Award to?
Photos
Hilary Alexander: Daily Telegraph
Michelle Obama: NY magazine
Christine Lagarde: AFC
Mark Rylance: Andy Paradise
Bjork: Dazed Digital
Ines de la Fressange:Sipa
Jarvis Cocker: Daily Record
George Michael: Rex
Oooh yes indeed to your last two. Ines always looks chic and amazing, and any woman who shows how great flat shoes can look is tops in my book. I'd also nominate the two Joans, Rivers and Collins, because they are both flipping awesome x
ReplyDeleteSerious agreement with Michelle O and Ines. I also love Diane Keaton - a bit "out there" but she carries it off.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great selection, you know I'd choose our Jarvis every time. x
ReplyDeleteI love this blog. Helen Mirren gets a vote from me--she just radiates more and more. And thank you for the Jarvis picture!
ReplyDeleteThe black grandma figure, with a walking stick who shouted at the mob rioting in London(see youtube) should get the award for public speaking and use of colourful language!
ReplyDeletedefinitely support your picks of Michelle Obama and Christine Lagarde!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list. I would also add Kirstin Scott Thomas. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteActually just seen the lady on you tube Finchley Girl mentioned. My vote goes to her too. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteAll choices excellent, I've got a huge crush on George Michael at the moment, his twitter feed is hilarious. My nomination would be the Newsnight trio of Carney, Maitlis and Wark. They've all hosted some must see TV over the past few months and have done so with consistent style.
ReplyDeleteBeing 50+, I would love to nominate myself to be a style icon, but despite my continuing efforts, savoir-faire still eludes me! Then there is my recent episode of hormonal mayhem and a black business suit........
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspiring awards.....perhaps I'll keep trying to develop some savoir-faire?
http://eiffel-tells.blogspot.com
Love this post! I think Julianna Margulies has been looking gorgeous on the red carpet the last year or two. I'd give her a Style Begins at Forty Award.
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely love Bjork. She is so original!
ReplyDeleteI also think Julianna Margulies is looking fantastic in that hair dye add, she rocks the leather skirt and has convinced me I need one in my life! I love George Micheal!
ReplyDeleteLove Kristin Scott Thomas and Juliette Binoche, who always looks very much like herself.
ReplyDeletePS - the Tea Partiers are not the nutters.