Advanced Style

One of the reasons I started Advanced Style is because I felt that there was a lack of positive and inspiring images of older people in media and advertising. In the last two years I have seen a growing awareness and coverage of seniors in campaigns, on the runway, and on TV. The folks that I meet while walking around New York inspire me to live life to the fullest and carry myself with dignity and pride. What I find so amazing about the Advanced Style set is that they are so comfortable in their own skin and so willing to share their stories and tips with others. By showing these images we can shift our perspective and realize that age does not have to limit our sense of creativity and vitality. The people above all lean on their canes and stand proudly with confidence allowing their strength and style to shine through. Where as canes have oftentimes been regarded as unfashionable and made to fade into the background(with their metal and grey tones) the men and women above use theirs to enhance their sense of independence and look all the more stylish and graceful it.

I met artist Sue Kreitzman outside the New Museum over a year ago and was struck by her original style and colorful palette. She splits her time traveling between New York and London and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit her studio and home and see her vast collection of jewelry and clothes and artwork.

Sue started off as a cook but unexpectedly became an artist. She makes colorful and delightful objects and paintings out of a combination of acrylics and nail polish, embellished with buttons, broken jewellery and found objects. She is a walking piece of art herself taking great care in putting together outfits that mix and match pieces that she has specially created for herself. When I asked Sue to describe her style she said,

“Art and colour are my life. My apartment is painted in vivid (you might say vulgar) colours, and festooned with fascinating objects. Well, so am I. My good friend, London fabric artist Lauren Shanley, makes my clothes. I am something of an obsessive collector, and – among other things – gather ethnic and vintage fabrics from all over the world. Lauren collages these fragments into miraculous garments. Often, they tell a story,. Anothai Hansen, in Brooklyn, and Amanda Caines, in London, make my jewellery; again, they are made from found objects I have gathered, and again, each piece usually tells a story. “
Check more of Sue’s artwork on her website:

I have been invited by Selfridges to take Advanced Style photos in London! The photos will be displayed in a concept store, “The Forever Shop” along with products selected by Selfridges Creative Director, Alannah Weston, ElleDecoration Editor-In-Chief, Michelle Ogundehin and legendary British Designer, Sir Paul Smith. Each will make a selection of timeless items, future heirlooms and collectables to be sold side by side in the Concept Store for the first time. Click on the photo above to enlarge. I will be in going throughout Europe the rest of July snapping away and looking for some great examples of Advanced Style!

One of the tips we always seek from our friends on Advanced Style is:

How do you stay feeling young and vibrant?

What’s the #1 answer, you might ask…

“Wear a hat, and protect your skin from direct sunlight.”

Well, the sun is out and summer is officially here, so it’s time to dig out your favorite hat or go hunting for a new (or thrifted & gifted one)…. The sun is stronger than ever and we have to protect our precious skin, no matter what our age.

Some of you (such as myself) don’t like to fuss with hat-hair, and avoid the hat look altogether. If you are one of these types, try a glamorous parasol or scarf like Old-Hollywood-Style Jenny.

Feel free to send us your inspired photos, and remember:
Just because your face is shaded by a hat, doesn’t mean you can stop wearing sunscreen.
Always wear sunscreen, and wear white… there’s a reason it’s considered a “summer color”.

xo
Maayan

*Since this post went up, some of you have asked about the women in the first photo. The beauty in stripes is the legendary Beatrix Ost…we were lucky to see her in Central Park and snapped her photo!

One of Jean’s signature pieces is an oversize ring with tens of beaded chains dangling from it. She says it’s lost without the nails done, so she paints them emerald green then does “freehand lettering” in black on each nail. I told her this is very much in vogue, and she didn’t seem to mind since she’s always just doing what she feels looks good and what makes her happy.
We did bond, however, on what colors we wanted to paint our nails the following week and how I am ambidextrous, so I could teach her how to do more accurate lines with a paintbrush for her right hand.

It’s not going to be hard to get back into wearing tons of jewelry after meeting with Jean and seeing how easily she layers it all. I’ve been having trouble making peace with all the jewelry I have at home, figuring out a way to wear it without it “wearing me”, and deciding how to wear it through the summertime without it weighing me down. I was excited to see Jean wearing all her beads on wires and string, rather than on heavy-set metal plates (like much of the items you see these days)… it lightens it all up and creates the movement you might want if you’re afraid of wearing jewelry that’s too heavy for your lifestyle.

Jean is an artist in her own right, she makes paintings and collages that line the walls of her idiosyncratic apartment. Though the hallways are covered salon style, her bedroom is decorated solely in jewelry… rows and rows of necklaces are pinned to the pink walls, as a halo around her bed, like dream-catchers or amulets. It’s nice to think that by wearing one of Jean’s unique works of art that you may take a piece of her with you.

If you are interested in meeting Jean, having her make you a custom piece of jewelry, or if you are interested in any of the items you see… please feel free to contact.