‘Advanced Style’ is a documentary named after a blog of the same name; both follow New York City’s most stylish women over 60.
Ari Seth Cohen first began the project in 2008 after moving to New York City, where he was inspired by the glamorous, active seniors he saw on the streets. Armed with his roommate’s camera, he began a journey that would take the internet by storm, eventually transforming into a book and a documentary, as well as getting some attention on television.
The kickstarter-funded documentary, directed by Lina Plioplyte focuses on seven of Cohen’s most frequent and well-loved muses, each with their own very different sense of style.
Following the women through their daily lives, as well as seeing them celebrated through their work with Cohen proves entertaining and inspiring. Each of the women continue to challenge themselves and lead full, creative lives well into their 90s.
The film proves a testament to embracing individuality and aging gracefully which is refreshing to see. The film explores not only the personal style of all the women but also their personalities and insights on life. The diversity of the group is celebrated with their different stories, from self-proclaimed “Countess of Glamour” and legendary boutique owner Lynn Dell to artist Ilona Royce Smithkin, who still teaches painting and sings at concerts in her 90s.
However, the film doesn’t gloss over the reality of aging, and shares the struggles some of the women have with issues such as glaucoma, memory loss and limited mobility. The topic is handled sensitively, showing that age has certainly not robbed these women of their elegance, humour and enthusiasm for life, but is also honest in its portrayal of the physical deterioration that time brings.
In watching the film, it occurred to me how infrequently a film audience gets to see female characters over 60, particularly in a way where they are portrayed as three dimensional human beings. It’s a rare treat in a culture so obsessed with youth and physical perfection. It is thought by many that older women ought to cover up their bodies and not wear bold colours, and heartening to see a group of women who break these unwritten rules and look damn good while doing it.
‘Advanced Style’ is an engaging story which will be especially appealing to those who love hearing real human stories. The stylish women at the centre of the film are all very different but each charming in their own way and generous in sharing their lives with the camera. This is a film that brings hope for the future and proves that growing old needn’t make you invisible.
‘Advanced Style’ is screening at the Windsor Cinema from October 2nd, tickets available here. Check out the ‘Advanced Style’ blog here.
Sophie Joske
