You know, some people like kids — they enjoy their company because they offer unique insight and make them feel young; And some people, like myself, would much rather hang out with people much older. When I was a kid, my grandpa lived in an assisted living facility, and I used to go visit a few nights a week just to hang out with him and all the awesome old folks. I think so much of the time, people liken the word “old” with “out of touch” or “obselete,” but I always thought the exact opposite. I’ll just say it: I love old people.

So you can imagine my happiness upon seeing that American Apparel has released a set of ads that are not only gracefully done for once, but also feature a gorgeous model named Jacky, who is clearly much older than the brand’s usual picks. 

I never really hated AA’s other campaigns. While they caught a lot of flack over the years for their models going topless or standing in provocative positions, I never thought it was any more tacky than a Terry Richardson shoot or an Abercrombie & Fitch quarterly. But while I was ambivalent about their earlier ads, I’m thrilled with this one. How amazing does she look in the all-black outfit? I’m in love with the look as well as the glorification of style at any age.

When my grandmother was suffering with bone marrow cancer a few years back, she was excited that chemo had brought her back down to a small size so she could dress fashionably again (I get my obsession with clothes from her). And what did she ask for from me for her birthday? Clothes from American Apparel. She loved all the classic lines and the flowing basics of the clothes I wore, and couldn’t wait to get her hands on them finally.

One of my favorite blogs is called “Advanced Style,” and in it Ari Seth Cohen documents the most fabulously dressed senior citizens he knows. American Apparel’s spin on “Avanced Basics” wins me over for all the same reasons. I mean, heck, most of our fashion — especially for you vintage-obsessed ladies out there — is inspired if not pre-owned by people our grandparents’ age, so they deserve all the credit we can offer. [via Huffpo]

What do you think of American Apparel going this route with their ad campaign?

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