One reason that the Advanced Style set is so fashionable is because they have realized that style never goes out of fashion. Ladies like 87 year old Helen above, tell me that style is really about knowing what looks good on your body. When I asked Helen if she had a style philosophy she answered,” No I have a Mirror. When I look in the mirror and I like something, I say why not you only have one life to live.”
Beatrix Ost
Advanced Style is about the freedom to express personal style at any age. At 71 writer and artist Beatrix Ost has the confidence and grace to make any outfit look good. She is proof that style truly does advance with age.
Ilona Royce Smithkin By The Sea
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 .
Zelda Kaplan Celebrates Her 95th Birthday
Last night Zelda Kaplan danced the night away at her 95th birthday party hosted by The King Collective at The Gramercy Park Hotel.Zelda is an inspiration to us all and a great reminder that age is just a state of mind. A few months back,I talked to Zelda about the secret to staying youthful and vital, she answered, ” One must be interested in the world not in own’s self.” I can’t wait to celebrate with her on her 96th!
Ilona by The Sea
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.