Ari Seth Cohen is a freelance photographer and writer who hunts through the streets of New York, capturing chic seniors with his camera lens.
Cohen focuses on the 60+ set—a demographic completely neglected by the fashion world—but much to his readers’ delight, many of his subjects are closer to the ages of 80-90. And the results? Let’s take a look…
“Respect your elders,” he says. “They can teach you a thing or two about how to live life to its fullest.”
The women he photographs aren’t dressed especially for his shoots; they simply go out, ready to take on their daily routine on the streets of New York, and end up captured by Cohen’s sensitive lens. At times, they surprise him as they pose for the camera.
On his highly popular blog, Advanced Style, which has since been compiled into a book and is currently being adapted as a documentary film, Cohen proves that style does indeed grow with age.
Cohen met Ruth while preparing his book, Advanced Style. In the summer of 2011, about three years ago, Ruth celebrated her 100th birthday. She is elegant as ever and practices pilates and stretching with impressive dedication.
Some of the women that he has photographed have gone on to become models for top brands that were in search of something different.
It’s especially interesting to note the significant inclusion of various hats and head coverings, which emphasize—if not create entirely—the uniquely chic look.
Most of the photographs do not include any details that reveal the identity of his subjects. As he embarked on the process of creating the book and film, however, Cohen began to interview these women in an attempt to discover the source of their motivation at such a mature age. The results often showcase their optimism and joie de vivre, as well as their solid character.
Taking a moment to look genuinely at our own selves, we realize that the beauty that we try so hard to cultivate is actually found deep within us, which is a very daunting prospect. We know that the war against stretch marks, deepening wrinkles and sagging skin will one day conquer us all. And what then? Then, it will be our humanity, our wisdom and our values that will really encapsulate our true selves. But…
For argument’s sake, we’ll posit that our personal sense of style always remains a part of us. Even more than that—it improves with age. Perhaps it is our deepened awareness of ourselves and our striving to understand our ways of life is the catalyst for rejecting the generic, cookie-cutter look of the masses.
Our grace, our confidence, the way we carry ourselves, the items we choose and how we pair them, combined with the values we have cultivated and the faith in our way of life, all reflect the the spark of life in our souls. Our soul, which always has been and always will be ours for all eternity.
So, what do you think? Anyone here considering a BK wig in silver, or even white, for her next stage in life?
Image credits: Advanced Style
