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Dita Von Teese Interviews Ilona Royce Smithkin for The Advanced Style Book

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Artist, Ilona Royce Smithkin drawing Dita’s eye
The finished product
Ilona and Dita’s first meeting

This week, Ilona Royce Smithkin and I attended a Cointreau party for Dita Von Teese in New York. Dita and I both share a love for fabulous older women with great spirit.She was very inspired by ladies like her Great Aunt Opal,who,”wore green eye shadow, red lipstick, heavy eyeliner, and had bright red hair and smoked with a cigarette holder.”

When Dita told me that she loved the videos of Ilona on Advanced Style, I knew these two had to meet. They are both amazing performers who have a lot to say about life and style. A few months ago Dita interviewed Ilona for my upcoming book. I can’t wait for you to read all that transpired between these two style icons, during their wonderful conversation. Once again, if you would like to preorder the Advanced Style book you can find it HERE.

Ilona Royce Smithkin:How to Turn an Old Umbrella Into a Stylish Accessory

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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.

Ilona Royce Smithkin By The Sea

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The weather in New York is dismal and grey, so I thought I give you another dose of Ilona’s inspiring words. Here she is on her balcony in Provincetown, Mass .

Ilona by The Sea

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Ilona moderating a drawing class in Provincetown
Ilona waving to neighbors from her seaside balcony
Lina shooting some footage for the Advanced Style Documentary

At 91 everything Ilona Royce Smithkin does is accompanied by a great sense of freedom. She lives in the present and enjoys every moment as it comes.When it comes to thinking about the future Ilona says,” I just don’t buy green bananas anymore, and I only buy small tubes of tooth paste.” Ilona is very inspired by the sea, from her turquoise jewelry which reminds her of moving water, to her mermaid paintings which you can see in the video below.

Ilona and Me:”If It’s Black It’s Got to Have Lots of Diamonds”

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I spent the weekend with Ilona in Provincetown, a magical seaside town where she resides all Summer long. We had a wonderful time sitting by the beach and Lina and I got some great footage for our documentary. I will post some more shots tomorrow, but I hope you enjoy these photos of Ilona and I on the beach for now. Ilona’s latest fashion advice on wearing the color black,”If its black its got to have lots of diamonds.”

Ilona says regarding clothing,”If its black its got to have lots of diamonds.”