Those who are into fashion blogs probably know of Ari Seth Cohen, the genius behind Advanced Style Blog. This blog isn’t the typical, “What I wore today,” attention-seeking site that thrives off of the validation of strangers, rather Cohen turns his attention, and his lens, towards a different crowd, the elderly women of New York City. Women ages 60 and up are Cohen’s models and inspirations; their street style being far more eclectic than the average senior citizen. In a brilliant move, Cohen takes his blog and, with help from director Lina Plioplyte, turns it into an even more colorful and joyous documentary, aptly titled, Advanced Style.
Ari is not your typical “fashion blogger.” His fulfillment comes not from the latest trends or fashion week, but from the elderly women whom he photographs. These wild, wonderful women use the NYC streets as their own personal runways, it’s no wonder why Ari is mesmerized by their glamour.
We laugh with them as they laugh at themselves, which makes for an all around fun movie.
In the film, we are introduced to, and spend time getting to know, seven women and their day-to-day routines. Some run their own vintage stores, others ride bicycles around town to get noticed. While their looks are quite unique, the one who cuts pieces of her red hair and uses it to make her own false eyelashes proves to be the most thrifty. We laugh with them as they laugh at themselves, which makes for an all around fun movie.
Since the Advanced Style blog began around four years ago, the handful of women Ari has captured all have unique stories and backgrounds, but there is one common thread running through them; their positive attitude and outlook on life. They explain that they dress the way they do because it makes them feel good; they are not dressing for anyone else but themselves. This feeling of empowerment will bring a smile to your face as they challenge the notion of getting older and look fabulous while doing so.
Advanced Style is non-offensive and when comparing it to other fashion documentaries it has the ability to hold its’ own. Personally, I would be hard-pressed to find anything better than Bill Cunningham New York (which if you haven’t seen, you must do so immediately), however Advanced Style does a fantastic job with its subjects and story. In an industry obsessed with youth, these women prove that being yourself is best way to live. What’s life without a little glitz and glamour anyway?
