Carole on Bowery

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!

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Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer

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A Collector's Style

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.

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Lesley

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

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

 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.

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Tutti Bennett

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.

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The Official Trailer for The Advanced Style Documentary

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!

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