“There is NO time limit to anything; when you look good, you look good!” This quote, as expressed enthusiastically by the 95 year-old Ilona Royce Smithkin, summarizes what “Advanced Style” is truly about; looking and feeling your best and truly coming into your own through the sartorial choices you make.
Financed through Kickstarter, the documentary “Advanced Style” brings Ari Seth Cohen’s blog of the same name into full bloom, by following around seven fashionable New Yorkers who range from 62-95 years old around the city, learning about their outlook on fashion, confidence, loss, acceptance, and living life to the absolute fullest! It’s so interesting to hear each of their stories, some that range from pain and suffering to overcoming obstacles and establishing their aesthetic identity alongside joy and pleasure derived from clothing and the way that they style themselves.
Cohen, who photographs women that are 50+ on the streets of New York for his blog, has built incredible relationships with his subjects, who have in turn opened up to him and filmmaker Lina Plioplyte, inviting them into their homes and closets to explore the truly behind-the-scenes aspects of their lives.
See the link above to view the trailer, and follow the link here to the film’s homepage for additional details, including screenings and events in your city. The DVD is $24.99, and is also available through iTunes; and see below are a few of my favorite quotes from the film’s subjects.
“I wanna teach young girls how to dress, and I want to teach the hollywood actresses how to dress.” –Tziporah Salamon
“From the waist up I’m wonderful, from the waist down, don’t ask don’t tell!” –Ilona Royce Smithkin
“If you are happy when you look at me, I’m happy!” — Lynne Dell
