The other day I had the privilege of meeting gallery owner, professor, and jewelry and crafts collector Helen Drutt. My good friend Debra Rapoport has been exhibiting in Helen's shows for years, and she knew that she was a perfect candidate for Advanced Style.
The other day I had the privilege of meeting gallery owner, professor, and jewelry and crafts collector Helen Drutt. My good friend Debra Rapoport has been exhibiting in Helen's shows for years, and she knew that she was a perfect candidate for Advanced Style.
When its comes to style, any advanced fashionista will tell you that it's all in the details. The right accessories can add a touch of glamor and elegance to any outfit.
The ladies of Advanced Style are not only masters of style, but they are great interior decorators as well.Here are some shots and outtakes from a shoot for me.style magazine in Germany. It was great fun shooting these wonderfully stylish women in their own environments.
I try and feature a little bit of everything on Advanced Style. I am drawn to people who have a strong spirit and pronounced sense of personal style. Style is the starting point to a greater conversation on aging gracefully,creatively, and full of vitality. One day you may see a woman with pink hair, or an outrageous hat, while the next day I'll feature an elegant lady who prefers more classic styling. I photograph whoever catches my eye each day, and am always on the look out for great style and great stories.
I met Piazza at the Stephen Jones exhibit wearing a stunning silver hat and grey coat. She came all the way from Detroit to hear Mr. Jones speak, and see some of his marvelous hats on display. Piazza is wearing one of her own creations above, a favorite of her customers in Detroit.
Ruth,100, lifting weights, in a favorite pair of gloves
Joyce, 80,with some of her favorite vintage Chanel accessoriesA few months ago I shot an editorial for a German fashion magazine called me.style with some of the ladies and gentleman from Advanced Style. I was one of five photographers chosen to work on a story about "Fashion and Fame", and the only one to use models over 40. Check out 100 year old Ruth lifting weights in a pair of her favorite gloves, and Joyce 80, wearing some of her best vintage accessories. I was honored to work on this project. I hope the photos above inspire you to dress up and stay active, no matter how old you are.
I saw this woman on the Upper West Side, on my way to hear a talk by Stephen Jones. She looked stunning in her floral coat, a perfect color palette for Fall!
My Advanced Style party with Tavi was just featured on Brazil's popular fashion program GNT.Check out the video above, which includes wonderful interviews with some of your favorite ladies.
I have always admired the glamor of Old Hollywood. When I was a kid my grandma and I would watch old movies together, and I was struck by the style of ladies like Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo,Bettie Davis and Grace Kelly. The ladies I photograph are a reminder that glamor is always in style. Turbans are not only one of my favorite accessories to photograph,they are also an easy and practical way to add a bit of vintage style into any wardrobe. 
I saw this woman wearing a vintage YSL suit in Central Park over the weekend.She told me that she bought her suit over 20 years at Bergdorf's and that it is still one of her favorites. When I asked what her style philosophy was she replied,"First of all whatever is inside of you you have to believe in beauty. Beauty is harmony and harmony is the whole purpose of the universe."
A few days ago I posted a picture of 72 year old Zoya dressed all in black. Here she is again in a much brighter dress and floral sweater. What first drew me to photograph Zoya, was her confidence and beautiful spirit. Style isn't only about the clothes we wear, but also how we carry and express ourselves. Zoya's lives a colorful life filled with music, art, and fashion. Her style is a reflection of her rich appreciation of culture and beauty.
Ask any of the Advanced Style ladies, and they will tell you that a great pair of glasses can really make an outfit. Whether cat eye like the woman above or big and round like our friend Iris Apfel, the right glasses can personalize your look!
At 72 year old, Zoya is confident about what she likes . I asked her how she would define her style and she replied, "I'm my own brand. A little bit Chanel, a little Zoya." Zoya taught piano lessons for many years. She compares style to music and says that, "Everything must come together organically in harmony."
Every time I visit my good friend 91 year old artist, Ilona Royce Smithkin, she has something new and exciting to show me.Whether its an umbrella that she has turned into a scarf and matching bracelet, or an old scarf made into a beautiful gown, Ilona's creations are always colorful and creative.What is so great about Ilona's style is that she has so much fun putting everything together. She is inspired by her work as an artist and sees each outfit as a combination of colors on a painter's palette. Ilona proves that we can be creative and active, no matter how old we are.
I was running errands on the Upper East Side when I ran into one of my favorite Advanced Stylistas, Christina Viera. Christina is a master at mixing unexpected combinations of patterns and proportions to create a smart, idiosyncratic look.She told me that she always dressed differently but as she has gotten older she has felt a great freedom to wear whatever she wants.
The ladies of Advanced Style look chic no matter what they are doing. Style is not only how we dress in the morning, but it is a reflection of how we take care of ourselves-- In the wise words of 71 year old Beatrix Ost,"In your body is a good place to be."
