Friday 29 August 2014

"More is More and Less is a Bore"

Jean Betancourt, Lynn Dell Cohen, Sue Kreiztman, and Debra Rapoport

New York was treated to an explosion of color and creativity with the gathering of some of the city's most gorgeous ladies at Senior Planet this week. This fabulous group of women reminds of Iris Apfel's famous quote, "More is More and Less is a Bore."

A Summer Afternoon

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It's been a hot few days in New York and this woman sure knows how to beat the heat in style.

Tziporah on W 72nd St

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I ran into Tziporah Salamon on W 72nd St looking impeccable as ever.

A Summer Scarf

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Headwear Inspiration From The Countess of Glamour

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I ran into Lynn Dell, "The Countess of Glamour", over the weekend wearing a marvelous black sculptural hat with a huge rhinestone attached. Here are some more of my favorite looks from her incredible collection of over-the-top head adornments.

Dolores and Debra

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Debra and Dolores first met at an Advanced Style book signing event that my mom helped organize at Dolores' wonderful jewelry shop in San Diego. These two were destined to become great friends with their shared love for great eye-wear, over the top accessories, and incredible positive outlooks on life.

Carole on Bowery

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I ran into Carole on Bowery, where I first took her photograph over five years ago. Carole was one of the first ladies to be featured on Advanced Style and the second ever video that Lina and I made for the blog. Check out one of our very first videos of Carole HERE. It's fun to look back and see how our work has progressed over the years. I can't wait to share The Advanced Style Documentary with everyone in September!

Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer

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A Collector's Style

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Sarah has collected vintage jewelry ever since she was a young girl. Her love of collecting started with a childhood box of "old things" compiled from buried treasures that she found in her English garden. I am always drawn to photograph collectors. They have a special way of putting themselves together that is very instinctual.

Lesley

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I met Lesley in Sydney after admiring all her wonderful posts on Instagram, check out more of her incredible style HERE.

When Ari met Tutti and The Guru by Cecily-Anna Bennett

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When Ari met Tutti and The Guru

(By Cecily-Anna Bennett, www.cecilyanna.com)

The first time I found Ari Seth Cohen’s blog, Advanced Style, I remember being instantly inspired – enthralled by his photographs of wonderful older women with all the verve, vitality and vibrancy of people half (even a quarter) of their age. I could relate instantly, because my parents are two such people. And, thanks to the strange world of social media, giving us the ability to communicate with anyone and to forge friendships with strangers, Ari and I made contact.

It could have been the shot I tagged him in on Instagram of my mum Tutti, looking typically, inimitably eccentric in a bold pink and white drapey dress with her signature scarf tied in a huge bow atop her head. Or perhaps it was the picture of her nonchalantly rocking a flamboyant hat, kerbside at a café in our conservative suburban enclave. Either way, a few tweets turned into emails and before I knew it, to my delight, Ari had accepted my invitation to stay with us in Sydney (while on tour promoting his documentary) and I was able to give him an insight into my family.

Tutti and my dad Paul (whom we call The Guru, as a result of his metaphysical philosophies – and a new career at 67 as an esoteric author and spreader of ‘love and light’) are a force to be reckoned with. They get more creative, more colorful, with every passing year. They don't believe in becoming invisible with age. Rather, it’s as if they’re ageing backwards (The Guru has even manifested the age of 20 in his consciousness. You’re only as old as you feel, you see.)

My mum, Tutti, at almost-65, still says that she still hasn't discovered what she wants to do when she grows up. And yet, she has the most amazing eye for colour, fashion and design. She thrives on helping people, on being an amazing host and a loyal friend. People are inspired daily by her color, her flair, her fearless, vibrant style. But it’s not just her ‘look’ that draws people to her: she has a sparkle, an outrageous sense of humor, an endearing knack for crossing the line, a raucous voice and a laugh to match. Even when two years ago she was diagnosed with (and subsequently treated for) grade-three breast cancer, she staunchly maintained her irreverent, grab-life-with-both-hands attitude. It’s pure joy to be around her. She radiates wonderful energy and, when combined with my dad, it’s the stuff psychedelic dreams are made of.

The Guru is the type of man who wants to be one with all living things; who feeds dying bees honey in an attempt to revive them, and lovingly ferries ants from the kitchen, to the garden. He loves everything and everyone and believes unrelentingly in the inherent goodness of people and the power of positive thought. He’s an accomplished artist, gypsy violinist, classically trained opera singer and graphic designer. He’s a colourful dresser, a hilarious joke teller, and rocks an outrageous head of fluffy, snow white, curly, long hair, which, coupled with his penchant for bold prints and florals may be one of the reasons he so often gets called ‘madam’ from behind. And a few times from the front. Despite having a goatee.

I’m so proud of my parents, of how fun and funny and lovable and warm and totally bonkers-bananas they are, with their invaluable ability to make people smile by simply walking down the street. And I can't help but think they’re just like any one of Ari’s Advanced Style ladies: making the world that little bit brighter, one outfit – one flamboyant flourish – at a time.

Tutti Bennett

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Tutti Bennett

It's great to be back in New York after having the time of my life in Sydney, running around with the colorful Bennett family. I asked Cecily-Anna Bennett, daughter of Tutti, to share a little story about her wonderful parents and our fun filled few days together. I'll post the story with more photos of the fabulous Tutti tomorrow.

The Official Trailer for The Advanced Style Documentary

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Lina, The Ladies, and I are all gearing up for the US release of The Advanced Style Documentary on September 26th. We have just released the brand new trailer for the film and are planning some great events to celebrate throughout September and October. For screening times and events check http://www.advancedstylethemovie.com/

We are also having A Celebration of Advanced Style hosted by Simon Doonan at City Winery on September 22nd. We will be discussing the film and showing exclusive preview clips before the release on the 26th. For tickets to this event CLICK HERE.

Thanks so much for all of your support. We can't wait to share the film with everyone!

The Top 10 Senior Style Instagram Accounts

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http://instagram.com/advancedstyle

If you are looking for even more advanced style inspiration, here are a few of my favorite senior style instagram accounts. Please share your favorites in the comments section below!

http://instagram.com/tziporahsalamon

Tzioprah Salamon is a favorite amongst street style photographers including Bill Cunningham. If you love vintage clothing and idiosyncratic style, this is the instagram to follow.

http://instagram.com/jennykeeoz

Jenny Kee is Australian designer with a love for color. Check out her instagram account for a daily dose of vibrant inspiration.

http://instagram.com/cecilyanna

Writer and editor, Cecilly-Anna Bennett, follows the adventures of her turban wearing mother and spiritual teacher and guru father.

http://instagram.com/idiosyncraticfashionistas

Jean and Valerie's instragram account for their famed blog, The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, is full of vintage treasures and awe inspiring selfies which will make you look forward to aging with verve.

http://instagram.com/anniefashionsprite

Annie is a Michigan based storyteller and former nun who fills her instagram account with stylish selfies full of humor and wit.

http://instagram.com/saramaijewels

Sarah is new to the instagram game, but her incredible style is gaining a fast following with vintage jewelry lovers.

http://instagram.com/off_broadway

At 81-years old, Lynn Dell Cohen, is by far the oldest instagrammer on this list. After following her fashionable adventures you will wish you had half as much energy as the self proclaimed, Countess of Glamour.

http://instagram.com/lesleyhasmanyhats

Lesley is a Sydney based stylist with a penchant for pattern mixing and bold accessories.

http://instagram.com/mispapelicos

Based on the personal style blog of the same name, this instagram account follows the DIY and thrift store shopping adventures of Spanish blogger Sacramento Amate.

Sarah, Sydney

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I just got back to New York and already miss all the wonderful people I met on my travels. Right before heading to the airport in Sydney, I stopped by to meet the gorgeous owner of Saramai Jewels. Sarah's daughter had tagged me on a photo of her on instagram and I knew that I just had to photograph her.

Marie and Milly

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I am coming to the end of my month long travels through Rome, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It has really been an incredible few weeks traveling with the film and hearing how the Advanced Style ladies inspire people around the world. I have met so many wonderful people who have taken the time to show me around and welcome me into their homes. Marie and Milly, friends for over 40 years, were such fantastic role models, proving to both Lina and I that fun does not stop in your 60s, 70s' and 80's. In fact they could drink more champagne and tell way better stories than either one of us. I am excited to be heading home in a few days for the US release of Advanced Style The Documentary and can't wait for my next adventure.

The Official Poster for Advanced Style The Documentary

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I'm excited to finally share the official poster for Advanced Style The Documentary's US release. The film will be showing in theaters starting September 26th. Lina and I are beyond grateful to everyone who has supported this project from the very beginning and we can't wait to share our advanced stye stars with the world.We will be updating theater listings and times at http://www.advancedstylethemovie.com/ , so stay tuned...