I can't look at this picture of Carmen Dell' Orefice without smiling. And that's not me being smug about That's Not My Age getting a mention in the January issue of Harper's Bazaar, oh no, no, no. It's because the 81-year-old model declared - on Inside Claridges the other night - that the reason she loves the famous London hotel is because its discreet room-service staff don't bat an eyelid when they see her in rollers and flannel nightgown. Yes. The über-glamorous Carmen Dell' Orefice wears a flannel nightgown. Maybe my Wincyette pyjamas aren't so bad, after all?
That's not me being blasé about fabulous media coverage, either. Prepare yourself for some trumpet-blowing of the first order. Parp. I'm delighted to be mentioned alongside blogs like Advanced Style and The Women's Room who, like myself, champion the fact that older women matter. That people who have grown up with an interest in fashion and style don't suddenly start bulk buying elasticated-waist slacks the minute they turn 40. Or have any use for the latest Rihanna-inspired crop top. To paraphrase Chanel, there's nothing more ageing than trying desperately to look young. Which reminds me, I must buy a copy of India Knight's new book Mutton.
Could the fashion industry be finally waking up to the fact that the majority of women in this country are over 40, have money to spend and need something to wear? Yes, says a recent 'Mature Markets' feature in the FT, where That's Not My Age gets another mention. Parp, parp. We're now seeing older models being used in ad campaigns and on the covers of style magazines. About time too.
Didn't Iris Apfel looked wonderful in the November issue of Dazed & Confused? Albert Maysles is currently working on a documentary of her life, due out autumn 2013 - which I can't wait to see. And it's impossible to talk about Ageless Style without giving Grace Coddington a mention, this i-D magazine cover is brilliant. Coddington's recently published memoirs are on my Christmas list, if anyone's stuck for ideas:
Not so long ago, I gave a talk on Ageless Style and this is how I summed up what grown-up women really want from fashion:
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.
4. Women want to see clothes (and other products) on models that reflect their age and size and race.
What does Ageless Style mean to you?
Big congrats to you at TNMA Towers! It's Justine Picardies
ReplyDelete1st edition as editor, what a great start this issue is.
Very well said. Yes ageless style means all of the above for me as well. It's also about confidence and knowing who you are and having something unique about you. I'm sure we are going to see much more of the 40+ crowd in fashion in the future!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You have a message that resonates with all of us women-of-an-age, and you're getting well-deserved attention for it! I agree that we're more discerning now, isn't that a relief? : >
ReplyDeleteThank you and well said! Style transcends all ages.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for all of the recognition! You write such a stylish yet relatable blog, and deserve every rose tossed upon your stage.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that retailers seem to be at least acknowledging us. Whether or not that translates to more wearable offerings remains to be seen.
I cannot understand why more High St chains dont have a Luxe type range for over 40s (longer length dresses,natural fabrics etc.) Am sure Philip Green could make a lot of money out of us mature ladies.I still love fashion but want to look chic at 62! Have just received my copy Of India Knights 'Mutton' this morning, am t to my husband for my christmas morning stocking!
ReplyDeleteYou have one of the greatest blogs in the blogosphere. Congratulations for the "shout out" (I keep hearing Americans say that. . .) in Harper's Bazaar.
ReplyDeleteYou have a brilliant take on our "looking the best we can for our age" combined with a smart journalistic approach and superb writing.
First of all, Congratulations on the mentions and recognition...thank you for all you do for our ageless style ladies!! For me Ageless Style has been about strength and confidence reflected in my style...I want to have fun with fashion but I know immediately when I put something on that is not ME. I am much more confident now with my decisions even if I occasionally step out of my box.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations—your blog is always insightful, and the accomplishment is much earned.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Ageless Style, it comes down to the fact that I know what my life entails *and* what my dreams are by this point (now 40). Sure, there will be surprises (maybe I WILL be invited to black tie one day), but I know what I'm planning for, what I'm advancing, as well as understand the scope of where I am. Ageless Style should reflect this. I look for structure (a well-defined line mirrors a well-defined approach to life) and luxurious details (quality, quality, quality).
Parp. Parp. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition.
ReplyDeleteFor me "ageless style" is first and foremost "what you are comfortable with given your body type and outlook on life" , if you like to have fun with clothes and be a bit eccentric - make it your signature style. Mine is more "classic with a twist, i.e. a light fun touch"
I am over 50 and loving it:
http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2012/11/ode-to-down-filled-wrap.html
I don't know who CAB is in real life nor her age, but I think her style transcends ages:
http://www.pret-a-
vivre.com/2012/10/style-cabs-classy-way-to-sport.html
And my sister is over 60 yet looking even younger than me (how fair is that? hehe)http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2012/09/real-chic-becky.html
IMHO, we are as you said at a stage in life where you can really make the best of it with style and fun.
Cheers!
At my age I do not need clothes that last forever. I want interesting. Not costumey and not boring. I am glad there are not alot of choices because I love to shop and I would be broke. Today I feel great in my outfit of velveteen jacket with pleats in the back I purchased at the Gap about ten years ago before they went all Androgynous, a Banana Republic beaded top a friend gave me in a deep muted wind color, a black legging from F21 and dark brown swede boots with a fur cuff at the knee on sale for $15.00 at a boutique. I added ruby red sparkle stone costume earrings. I like to wear things that only I could pull off to make dressing fun. I admire very individual looks rather than worry if it is age appropriate.
ReplyDeletegrace coddington is a hero
ReplyDeleteWell done on the mention!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Angele. I want to look interesting and be noticed, I don't need anyone to tell me how to dress, if I don't know by now there's no hope. xxx
Toot Toot Toot! That is incredible- I love Harper's Bazaar and how wonderful it must be to see your name in that venerable fashion mag! I agree that more and more we'll see "women of a certain age" retain headlines- we are still style relevant- and its blogs like yours, and Aris that have helped advance the cause. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYay well done you and us!! It's about time retailers at up and took notice of our age group! We are no longer willing to compromise on our style and give up on fashion just because of our age. Repeat after me "old is the new young"
ReplyDeleteWell done on the (well deserved) mention. x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Well-deserved. Your blog is consistent, fun, tasteful, focused. Let's cheer for the new category we're defining. Dowdy no longer, cougar be gone.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! And look, Grace is wearing not-black! It's all good, as they say.
ReplyDeleteI was traveling all day yesterday and just saw this post. Congratulations and I so agree with everyone who's already commented.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the well deserved mentions; your beautifully written and witty blog is receiving recognition, which helps all of us embrace aging. Brava!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, well deserved.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to think that the fashion world is catching up with reality (and the money).
I do think things are changing slowly - in no small part due to your efforts.
Grey Fox
An older man in search of style.
So nice that a voice outside of the mainstream (can you believe it?) is receiving recognition. What a relief to know there are places to go that don't blow the youth horn. I mean, we're not dead yet!
ReplyDeletecongratulations!
ReplyDeleteok, here's my thoughts. i think if a woman can dress like iris then why can't she show her midriff too? seriously. i know some 50 to 60 yr old women that have bodies that you would not believe. they wear midriffs and look amazing. they are not trying to catch a younger man or trying to look 20, it's just their style and they look fabulous. not everyone that likes styles such as this is desperate or a cougar. anyway i just wanted to add this. :)