Your mind will be blown by the personal style of these stylish seniors found inside the pages of Ari Seth Cohen’s book ‘Advanced Style: Older & Wiser’, published by powerHouse Books. This made me think of Yves Saint Laurent’s famous quote, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and nothing rings truer when it comes to these chic five seniors.
But what makes them real “standouts” is their age. They might be seniors to most, but they are all 60+ young, believe it or not. Each subject is carefully photographed by blogger and street style photographer, Ari Seth Cohen. You can’t help but get inspired, as their unique and personal style jumps off the pages, regardless of your age.
(photo: Ari Seth Cohen, powerHouse Books, featuring Valerie Sobel, President, Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation)
The Blog That Started It All
First incarnated as a street style blog of the same name eight years ago, after the passing of Ari’s grandmother and best friend Bluma, through this digital record of the style and stories of some of the city’s most inspiring older people, he was able to pay tribute to her with the profound loss of living without her inimitable guidance.
“a global movement re-imagining the picture of aging”
Never in Ari’s wildest dreams did he think this would turn into anything other than what it was. But this kind of inspiration would “blossom into a global movement re-imagining the picture of aging.” The idea that one can look forward to their later years in such a way is short of inspiring. These stylish few have sealed it as one of the most productive and liberating chapters in their lives. In doing so, it changes the conversation of aging, especially in fashion.
Changed Tone For Seniors
Fashion has always been hugely polarizing, with beauty not far behind. Constantly pushing the “stay young” agenda, things have clearly changed. In fact, more fashionable seniors are being put “front and center” instead of hiding them at every turn, as they used to. And I can’t deny and strongly believe Ari played a hand in it all.
What this book’s success proves along with more older models being cast for runway shows and print, is that aging will continue to be celebrated.
“Advance Stylers” have carved a new path.
Since the publication of this first book and the release of the ‘Advanced Style’ documentary, it’s been quite an adventure for Ari. Taking him from Sydney to Tokyo, Rome to Buenos Aires, to meet such incredibly stylish and inspirational men and women, the rest is, as they say, history.
(photo: Maye Musk, 70 young Covergirl, IMG Models)
These five subjects I’m about to highlight, are just a glimpse of the vast creativity that amounts to “Advanced Style: Older and Wiser”.
Color Inspiration
Derrill Osborn of Dallas really loves pink and it shows. The way he does it tells a story as any great outfit should.
His flirtation with pink begins with a side pink pocket square peeking out from his cream-colored vest. This draws your eye to the striped long ascot he has interwoven in and out of his shirt and vest, held in place like a captured swirl of smoke with the spaces created by the buttons.
Suddenly, the color really takes hold everywhere else. And just like that, pink pants, a pink shirt, and pink gloves force a smile out of you with this outfit’s overwhelming calming effect. Let’s not ignore that color kissing up to his neck with a flower to match on his lapel. And nothing best completes his look with an oversized large brim hat, round eyeglasses, a cane, and a watch bracelet minus the watch. Maybe it’s a bangle missing its large oval stone? Hmmm…
(photo: Derrill Osborn, Dallas)
Patterns and Color Make All The Difference
Ignacio Quiles of Providence, RI is our first “Advanced Styler”. I love his white suit, complete with a vest and white pants, offset by a brightly colored plaid blazer. And who could ignore the way his pink shirt picks up the reds throughout his outfit? Moreover, it’s the various hints of patterns that give this outfit movement.
But, it’s the details that make all the difference here. His silver pocket watch, black eyeglasses, and cream hat with a black ribbon tie everything together perfectly. Consequently, some might say it looks like he’s wearing a costume, for me, his outfit is both timeless and contemporary.
(photo: Ignacio Quiles, Providence, RI)
Accessorize From Head to Toe
Barbara Chapman of Solana Beach, CA is a lot more exotic. Her outfit shows me that she’s traveled the world. If not, she sure hides it well with her great sense of color, pattern play, and texture. Barbara’s outfit is a statement with an exclamation. Her jewelry is big, bold, and utterly unique. I would kill to own every piece except for her earrings as my earlobes are tiny.
(photo: Barbara Chapman, Solana Beach, CA)
…those whose artful and creative dressing is a reflection of their indomitable spirits and the refusal to become invisible.
Small Details Make All The Difference
Sarah James Adams of Sydney, Australia, is a total badass. I love how she mixes her red and white baseball jacket, over a black tee paired with a black and white checkered skirt. Her jewelry choices really make her outfit that much stronger.
Her gold Rolex-like watch, gold name tag pendant necklace, and red and white scarf bandana, adorning her slightly waved short haircut, just gives her that rockabilly chick vibe. And let’s not forget the henna on her hands. Dope AF if you ask me.
(photo: Sarah Jane Adams, Sydney, Australia)
Angelo Gallamini Rimini of Italy is my favorite. Not only is his beard impressive on his expressive face, he beautifully mixes turquoise with other blues and reds. The red blanket style poncho over his blue denim shirt is a nice touch. Let’s not dismiss the rolled-up cuffs peeking from underneath, showing off his bracelets and his turquoise rings. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a man who wears statement jewelry like that? The cuffed jeans reveal striped socks with the same colorway that perfectly match his shoes. This makes this outfit a hit from head to toe.
(photo: Angelo Gallamini Rimini, Italy)
Advanced Style Makes Dreams Come True
The publication of this first book and the release of the ‘Advanced Style’ documentary, has been quite an adventure for Ari. From Sydney to Tokyo, Rome to Buenos Aires to meet incredibly stylish and inspirational people whose creativity stumps most, forty to twenty years their junior. The pictures are proof, don’t you think?
(photo: Valerie Sobel, President, Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation with Author & Photographer, Ari Seth Cohen)
Just remember, as you leaf through the pages of ‘Advanced Style’, to lose yourself in the fantasy becoming real. Many of the subjects photographed in this book make you believe in fantasy. Gaze upon “those whose artful and creative dressing is a reflection of their indomitable spirits and the refusal to become invisible,” Ari said. Get inspired, stand out, and live life out loud!
‘Advanced Style: Older & Wiser’, by Ari Seth Cohen, published by Powerhouse Books, is available for purchase at powerhousebooks.com.