Advanced Style

The remarkable images that prove beauty really DOES improve with age…
It was a labour of love that resulted in one of the most uplifting and inspiring fashion stories of the year. Working on the premise that 'old is not a bad word', Ari Seth Cohen trawled the streets of New York to prove that women really do improve with age, photographing the gorgeous grandmothers who set the streets of the Big Apple alight with their dazzling style.Fashion-Jun22-02-590

Capturing women as old as 100 – who, in the words of one model, 'challenge stereotypical views on age and ageing' – the images have now been brought together in a book, Advanced Style. And, as these snapshots reveal, it's a book out of which, perhaps, we should all take a leaf.

Fashion-Jun22-03-590

Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen, £25 – www.houseoffraser.co.uk – can be purchased from the Mary Portas concessions at House of Fraser (London Westfield, Guildford and Manchester).

 

...and here are our London ladies

Awash with big hats, vintage sunglasses and classic looks, London – one of the fashion capitals of the world, whatever your age – bustles with uniquely stylish women – simply take a walk down any high street. So inspired by Ari Seth Cohen's new book, Advanced Style, we have compiled our own collection of lovely London ladies...

Do you have a unique style? Take a picture of yourself in your favourite outfit and email it to melonie.clarke@lady.co.uk

Fashion-Jun22-04-590

Clockwise from left:

Kim, London, 56

'I really don't shop; I have everything made. I love anything from the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s rather than what is in the shops now. Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly had great style, but I loved Audrey.'

Cathy, Birmingham, 59

'I don't know who infl uences my style... I was hoping Mary Portas, but it's mainly magazines. I like Cos because I like quite structured clothing. I also love the look of Dior.'

Philomene, 67

'I'm Dutch, but I have lived here for 46 years'. I shop everywhere, but I especially love Agnès B and Karl Lagerfeld.'

Heather, Surrey, more than 60, less than 70

'I like plain styles and I love Issey Miyake's Pleats Please as the range is very low maintenance. Audrey Hepburn is my enduring fashion icon.'

 

Fashion-Jun22-05-590

Clockwise from left:

Lillian, Fulham, 80

'I influence my own style and I like to shop anywhere, really. I liked the fashions of the Queen Mum.'

Thelma, Australia, late 70s

'I wear what I like, really. When it comes to a style icon... Audrey Hepburn, but I'm not quite in her league. I dress according to my size and age.'

Sandra, Kensington, 70

'I like Armani and Chanel, but mostly I shop at Zara... my glasses are from Cutler And Gross.'

Mary, Worcester, 75

'I like traditional classic styles and I shop wherever I can. If I had to pick a favourite designer, I'd say Givenchy.'

 

Fashion-Jun22-06-590

Clockwise from left:

Gale, Bermuda, 72

'Sales and second-hand sources influence my look. This [her coat] is secondhand, from the Burlington Arcade. I also love Chanel's fashion and style.'

Caroline, England, 61

'I travel around the world and, although I have some expensive things, I also look to the high street for beautifully made, goodvalue items. Everything I'm wearing is Zara. Kate Moss, in tailored, cropped trousers and a blouse, looks gorgeous.'

Marta, Colombia, 73

'You need to be aware of what your body can wear and make sure you are carrying the clothing. I like Zara (not trendy, but it has a style) and a little Chanel.'

Carey, Scotland, 52

'I like to shop at LK Bennett and my style influence is the 1950s. I loved Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.'