In a talk I gave yesterday on Ageless Style (focusing on women over-forty), my main points were:
1. We want to look good for our age.
2. We are more discerning now than when we were younger. So we invest wisely in clothes that are modern, chic and made to last.
3. We don't want to look like we're trying too hard to keep up. Desperation is never a good look - I'm thinking Madonna and her training bra.
3. Women want to see clothes (and other products) on models that reflect their age and size and race.
So, I'm delighted to see an interview with new Schiaparelli muse Farida Khelfa (remember you read about her here first!) in today's Telegraph. On the subject of age in fashion, the 49-year-old says:
'Isn't it great that designers have realised that you can't use a 15-year-old to sell to older women.'
Indeed!
Do you have anything you'd like to add to the list of what women over forty want?
I enjoyed reading the interview and learned a lot about "Schiap", thanks. Would've loved to have heard your talk, I think you covered the most important points perfectly. We're Not Dead Yet ! : >
ReplyDeleteI also would have loved to hear your talk!! I am over 50 and feeling AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all the points. Especially the one about wanting to see more mature models.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more mature models and those with "real" figures aka curves.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a message from @Caryn_Franklin via Twitter: 'So crap...couldn't add comment! Emotionally considerate and knowledgeable design for older bodies would be nice.'
ReplyDeleteModel's body has to be tall and slim in order o demonstrate a piece in the best possible way. That's how it used to be. Maybe we don't have to be aware that we don't have model bodies. It's just an example:)
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Completely agree on all points! I think you've covered everything.
ReplyDeleteYou've lost me there Edward.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote and so true! Would have loved to be in the audience for your presentation on Ageless Style.
ReplyDeleteI get what Edward is saying but you can see from Farida's image she sure fits the long lean bill. I can see why she is a muse. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteI want clothes that are fun and yet grown up. Is there such a thing? I live a very simple lifestyle with no luncheons, or meetings, or events where I have to dress red carpet or even remotely close to it. I like quality items that are feminine and sporty. As of now I have to shop at F21 and H & M for anything remotely interesting but becausee the quality is so cheap it looks trashy on me....and athe only alternative is what is considered the NON Teeny bopper department which means BORING and/or trying too hard to be trendy with sequins in the wrong place etc. I think what I have to resort to is plain vanilla clothing and then make it interesting with accessories.
ReplyDeleteI want clothes that are fun and yet grown up. Is there such a thing? I live a very simple lifestyle with no luncheons, or meetings, or events where I have to dress red carpet or even remotely close to it. I like quality items that are feminine and sporty. As of now I have to shop at F21 and H & M for anything remotely interesting but becausee the quality is so cheap it looks trashy on me....and athe only alternative is what is considered the NON Teeny bopper department which means BORING and/or trying too hard to be trendy with sequins in the wrong place etc. I think what I have to resort to is plain vanilla clothing and then make it interesting with accessories.
ReplyDeleteI also think that all the necessary points - considering what kind of clothes to represent for the over forties, were mentioned.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do feel that Farida Khelfa, her appearance, her slimness, her personality is so totally different than the average woman of her age. Her outfits in the pictures I´ve seen, are difficult to be imagined on us " ordinaries".
But then again, this is just my opinion.
There is no denying that Farida Khelfa looks amazing, however, it's true that she still conforms to the model stereotype of tall and slim, which unfortunately is not true of most of us. My main issue is that there is no allowance made for women of a certain age when it comes to length. I enjoy keeping up with fashion, but after a certain age women need a bit of extra length to come at least to the knee! Opaque tights are fine for winter but although we are having the summer from hell I still want to wear thin (or no) tights.
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