One of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met was a well-dressed centenarian at a nursing home. She was immaculate. With hair neatly combed in curls, the lady had on a knitted cardigan complete with a diamante brooch pinned to the left, and a shift dress that sat just past her knee. She looked decades younger and was as eloquent, mobile and stylish as anyone half her age. She didn’t need any walking device and although I only had a few minutes with her, I could tell that her mind was still super sharp. I can’t believe I didn’t catch her name but I did ask what the secret to her youth was. Her answer shocked me. It wasn’t a squeaky clean diet, a commitment to exercise or anything I had imagined!
“My secret, is that I talk to every Tom, Dick and Harry.”
Was it just her social skills that kept her young? I think not. Although she didn’t elaborate, but I deduced that she kept her body active by getting out and about to meet people, and she kept her mind sharp by conversing with anyone and everyone, every day. Still amazed by her classic and chic attire, I wonder if the way she dressed also contributed to her confidence, well-being and youthfulness? The way we look can have a profound impact on the way we feel: if we look well, we are more likely to be more social.
It was serendipitous that I came across Ari Seth Cohen’s “Advanced Style” streetstyle blog soon after meeting this centenarian. In a world that practically worships youth, it’s so refreshing to see that there are unique individuals whose style simply get better with age, and are not afraid to show it! In fact, recently Madman released the fashion film ADVANCED STYLE to celebrate the lives and style of said individuals! I watched it last night and was moved to tears by their originality, audacity and zest for life!
All photos courtesy of ADVANCED STYLE
Directed by Lina Plioplyte, starring Joyce Carpati, Ari Cohen and Lynn Dell, ADVANCED STYLE showcases the lives of seven unique New Yorkers whose eclectic personal style and vital spirit have guided their approach to aging. Based on Ari Seth Cohen’s famed blog of the same name, this film paints intimate and colorful portraits of independent, stylish women aged 62 to 95 who are challenging conventional ideas about beauty, aging, and Western culture’s increasing obsession with youth.
Intrigued? Have a squiz at the trailer:
Whether you’re into ageing gracefully or flamboyantly, ADVANCED STYLE will be sure to provide plenty of inspiration. I feel privileged to partner up with Madman again to gift 3 lucky winners a DVD copy of this fabulous movie. To win, simply tell us in the Comments Section below who inspires your style? We will be announcing the winner in 2 weeks on Friday May 8th. I can’t wait to read your responses!
May you advance into the weekend in style!
My wife inspires my style because she helps me pick out all my clothes. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win.
That looks like such a fascinating movie! :) I’ve seen the blog and I think it’s great :)
I have to say that my mum influences my style – I often go shopping with her and even when I don’t I still remember things she’s said about clothes that guide my decisions over what to buy!
Hehe… am I allowed to enter? Fittingly for this giveaway, I love Iris Apfel’s style! All those huge necklaces… is she in the movie by the way?
Of course Leeyong! To be honest, I thought of you the entire time when I was watching the film! You are the poster lady for Advanced Style in a few decades :)
Gwyneth Paltrow — apparently she’s my celebrity body type double!