Not the 1980′s, silly! Women in their 80′s that are inspirational, beautiful, and making waves in the fashion world. Many unconventional persons have been featured in high fashion lately and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it. I think many of us have been craving unconventional beauty.

” First and foremost, I love love love Iris Apfel. She not only has her own M.A.C. makeup line but has been featured in numerous editorials and is a visiting professor at the University of Texas here in Austin. That means, I could potentially run into Iris Apfel! Eeee!


Another amazing woman over 80 is Iona Royce Smithkin, an impressionistic painter from Poland and Berlin with style that is like sunshine. She wears her own handmade eyelashes (seen above) everyday and pairs them with amazingly colorful ensembles. I love her. You can find her in Advanced Style’s documentary, coming out this year! View the trailer below, it will make your day brighter, I promise.


Last but certainly not least, is Lady Francesca Todd. Seen below with the taxidermy lion that attacked her years prior in Africa, she describes her style as “dramatic simplicity.” She worked for Elsa Schiaparelli, the designer Coco Chanel only referred to as “the Italian,” probably because her dreamy designs rivaled Chanel’s on so many levels. So, Miss Todd is no stranger to good design. Her apartment looks just as beautiful as she does and I really wish she would invite me over for tea or… whiskey.


What I love most about all of these women is their focus on personal style. Rather than following trends, they just do what makes them feel good and, in turn, give others permission to do the same. Through their self acceptance and comfort, their style shines even brighter. It’s rather beautiful and I hope to be just like them someday.

How do you feel about older women making appearances in fashion? Is there an older woman in your life that you are inspired by?

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