That’s Not My Age

When Ari Seth Cohen asked to take my photo in London, last year, I was both flattered and alarmed. Flattered because Cohen is the young man behind the Advanced Style blog who wanders the New York streets looking for fabulously stylish women. Alarmed because I’m in my forties, and ASC has a strictly-over-sixty rule. I know my Botox-free face makes me look older than my years but I won’t be buying a Smythson bus pass holder just yet. Anyway, enough about me. I can fret about my wrinkles any time. Let’s talk about the Advanced Style book. The senior street-style blog designed to ‘ help people get over the fear of getting older, and embrace the wisdom and strength that comes with age,’ will be available in book form, spring 2012. Don’t know about you, but I’ll be pre-ordering a copy here.

And the good news is, That’s Not My Age got to ask ASC for the lowdown on his latest project:

TNMA: I noticed that you have Gitte Lee on the cover of your book – not a New Yorker! – what is it about Gitte that makes her a cover star?

ASC: The book will have photos from my travels to Italy, London, Paris, and Scandinavia, as well as the best shots from New York. Gitte Lee is a perfect mix of modernity and classicism. She is a strong, confident, stylish older woman and I immediately thought of her as a cover option. She has a great sense of personal style and is a wonderful role model for people of all ages.

Here’s Gitte Lee in Italian Vogue – and below in London, where she met Mr Advanced Style.

TNMA: With so many fabulous images to choose from, how have you managed to edit them down? Can you tell me who are your favourite Advance Stylists, and why?

ASC: ‘This edition will only feature the women I have photographed. I would love to do one that features men, in the future. The editing process was difficult, but I wanted to keep the book as diverse and inspiring as possible. I don’t necessarily have favorites, but there are a few ladies that I have had the opportunity to photograph several times, interview, and become friends with. They will have special long features in the book. I love 91-year-old, artist and performer, Ilona Royce Smithkin’s spirit and colorful take on life. Another special woman is Ruth who just turned 100-years-old. She practices pilates once a week, lifts weights, and lives by the saying, “Celebrate everyday and don’t look at the calendar.”‘

Here’s the lovely Ruth:

TNMA: You said that your grandma would be proud of the book, is she your inspiration – and how would you describe her style?

ASC: My grandma was my best friend. She always encouraged me to be creative and she is the reason I moved to New York. I was more inspired by her spirit than her style. Style is not only the way we dress, but how we carry ourselves and my grandmother was a wonderful and intelligent woman.

TNMA: What would you say are the top three style tips recommended by Advanced Stylists?
ASC:

1. If you try to imitate too much, you will look like nothing. Never compare. You are you! Ilona Royce Smithkin, 91.
2. Style is about the right jewelry, the right know-how, the right neckline, and above all, the right attitude. Joyce Caparti, 80
3. We must dress every day for the theatre of our lives. Lynn Dell, 79.

Here’s Lynn (on the right, with Linda Fargo):

TNMA: And finally, are there any downsides to the job?

ASC: ‘The downside would be not having enough time to tell everyone’s stories. I wish I could share all the wonderful stories I hear everyday.’

Hope that means the Advanced Style Menswear Issue is coming soon!